As you read Genesis 37-45, you’re reading a familiar story, I’m sure.  But slow it down;  observe carefully what you’re reading.

I’ve given you one thing to focus on:  the names of Joseph’s brothers.  Underline every occurence of the name of a son of Jacob OTHER THAN JOSEPH in this story.

The first thing you’re going to notice is that dropped smack dab in the middle of the story of Joseph, in ch. 38, is a story that has NOTHING to do with Joseph, but with Judah, his half-brother.  Hmmmmmm.  Why is THAT there???

Here’s another thing to consider:  the story of Joseph most likely took place between 1900-1800 BC;  but Moses is writing for people in 1400 BC or later — 500 years or so after the Joseph story.  Why does Moses include this story FOR THEM — and why the focus on Joseph, the second youngest of all the brothers?

And what is the significance of the interaction of the other brothers mentioned in the story?

Have fun!!!  We’ll talk about it at the next Amplified…