The Covenant Advances Through Joseph

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Genesis 37 – The Covenant Advances Through Joseph: Dreams, Destiny, and Betrayal

(Part 37 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)

Genesis 37 begins the Joseph narrative, which will run through Genesis 50.
Joseph is not just a dreamer — he is God’s chosen instrument to protect the covenant family.

This chapter teaches us:

• Covenant destiny often begins with dreams
• God reveals purpose before preparation
• Favor can provoke jealousy
• Betrayal does not cancel destiny

Theme: God keeps covenant by advancing His purpose through suffering, discipline, and divine providence.

Genesis 37:1–2 – Joseph Introduced

Joseph is 17 years old and tending sheep with his brothers.
He brings a bad report about them to his father.

Covenant Lesson:

Calling often reveals itself early, but immaturity can complicate destiny.

Genesis 37:3–4 – Jacob’s Favoritism

Jacob loves Joseph more than the others and gives him a coat of many colors.

This garment symbolizes:

• Favor
• Authority
• Distinction

The brothers hate Joseph because of this favoritism.

Covenant Lesson:

Favor without wisdom can provoke unnecessary conflict.

Genesis 37:5–8 – Joseph’s First Dream

Joseph dreams his brothers’ sheaves bowing to his.

He shares the dream — and hatred increases.

Covenant Lesson:

Not everyone is mature enough to hear your dream.

Illustration:

Destiny is revealed in stages — discretion is part of preparation.

Genesis 37:9–11 – Joseph’s Second Dream

The sun, moon, and stars bow to Joseph.

Even Jacob rebukes him — yet keeps the saying in mind.

Covenant Lesson:

God-given dreams often disturb family order before they fulfill divine order.

Genesis 37:12–14 – Joseph Sent to His Brothers

Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers.

This act unknowingly sends Joseph into his destiny.

Covenant Lesson:

God uses ordinary obedience to move us toward extraordinary purpose.

Genesis 37:15–17 – A Divine Detour

Joseph gets lost, but a man redirects him to Dothan.

Covenant Lesson:

Divine detours are not accidents — God directs steps even when we feel lost.

Genesis 37:18–20 – Plot to Kill Joseph

The brothers call him:

“Here comes this dreamer!”

They plan murder.

Covenant Lesson:

Dreams attract spiritual opposition.

Genesis 37:21–24 – Reuben Intervenes

Reuben plans to rescue Joseph later.

Joseph is stripped of his coat and thrown into a pit.

Covenant Lesson:

God may allow us to be placed in pits — but not abandoned there.

Genesis 37:25–28 – Joseph Sold into Slavery

Judah suggests selling Joseph.

Joseph is sold for 20 pieces of silver.

This foreshadows Christ.

Covenant Lesson:

God can use betrayal as a bridge to destiny.

Genesis 37:29–30 – Reuben’s Horror

Reuben returns and is devastated.

Covenant Lesson:

Delayed obedience can cost opportunities.

Genesis 37:31–33 – Deception of Jacob

The brothers dip Joseph’s coat in blood.

Jacob believes Joseph is dead.

Covenant Lesson:

Deception destroys families and multiplies grief.

Genesis 37:34–36 – Joseph in Egypt

Jacob mourns deeply.

Joseph is sold to Potiphar in Egypt.

Covenant Lesson:

What looks like the end is

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