A Family Reconciled (Genesis 37-50)

This introductory paragraph appears in the reproducible handout for session 9 that comes with the video series Fretheim Explores Genesis. Luther Productions. St. Paul. 2000:

Terence E. Fretheim

The ninth and last video session focuses on the story of Jacob and his sons in Genesis 37-50. This session is usually referred to as the story of Joseph, but his brothers and their father also play an important role. Central to the story is the conflicted character of their relationship and how it moves, often through the words and deeds of Joseph, to their reconciliation. Also important is what happens to God's promises. Will God follow the pattern up to this point in Genesis and pick just one son to carry on the promises to this family? The figure of Joseph is especially important for how this story develops. Though his actions are by no means always exemplary, he shows how a single individual can often be crucial in the movement toward reconciliation. That he plays a prominent role in the Egyptian government is also significant. Joseph not only proves to be a leader of this family, he also guides the social and economic functions of government so that the entire world benefits from his wise policies (see 41:57). God plays a more behind-the-scenes role in this story, present and active but unobtrusively so. But all along God is the one who works in and through all that happens to bring about a reconciled family.