000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

This text is not specifically mentioned in the New Testament. However,
in a broad sense, the theme of struggling with God about the pathway
to blessing is an undercurrent in the New Testament. The Synoptic
Gospels picture Jesus wrestling in Gethsemane with God in a way reminiscent
of Jacob (e.g., Matt. 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:40). Paul
struggles to explain how the reluctance of some in Israel to acknowledge
the validity of the Gentile mission is eschatologically resolved (Rom.
9:1–11:36). To be Christian is to be grafted into wrestling with God
regarding how blessing can come to all.
Isaiah 55:1–5* (Paired)
For comments on this passage, please see Proper 10/Year A.
Proper 14 [19]/Year A
Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28+ (Semicontinuous)
Proper 14 [19]/Year A 71
The saga of Joseph is a bridge from the ancestral stories in Genesis to the
bondage and deliverance in Egypt. Throughout, God’s providential hand
preserves Israel and keeps alive the possibility of blessing for all.
According to Genesis 37:1–4, Jacob loved Joseph more than the other
children. Jacob made Joseph a “long robe with sleeves.” While an older
translation is the memorable “coat of many colors” the meaning of the
Hebrew is unclear but may be kin to a long-sleeved robe associated with
the royal court (2 Sam. 13:18). While preachers sometimes suggest that
the siblings hated Joseph because he was spoiled, the text itself does not
say that. Joseph is innocent but surrounded by enemies. 18
Joseph had two dreams in which he had authority over other family
members which increases their dislike (Gen. 37:5–11). Dreams were
regarded as a means whereby the Transcendent communicated with people
on earth. Joseph’s dreams not only anticipate subsequent events, but
bespeak the active agency of divine providence through Joseph.
Jacob sent Joseph about fifty miles to Shechem (and thence to Dothan),
to gather a report on whether the siblings and the flock were living in
peace (Gen. 37:12–17). When the siblings saw Joseph coming, several of
them plotted to kill him, and throw his body into a pit. Such pits were
common in the area and were typically cut from rock at depths up to twenty
(or more) feet to store water during the rainy season. The brothers try to