Genesis is messed up.

[Call Me Cordelia]

We're doing Genesis in school right now and I am consistently having a really hard time with it.

Not that it was okay for his brothers to throw Joseph in a pit and sell him to slavery, but dang, Jacob, did you really think favoritism like that would end well??? Of course God uses it and all that, but that whole story of Jacob tricking his father into blessing him, Isaac and Rebecca playing their favorite sons off each other... it makes me sick inside. It seems like the less favored are just screwed. Their natural anger at the injustice just makes them look bad because they are against God's chosen one AND cements their place as less-than. They were set up to fail. No wonder they were mad at that kid in his fancy coat talking about their sheaves of wheat bowing to him. They didn't die in the famine but only because of wonderful Joseph. Set up and then they get their faces rubbed in it forever and ever. Ugh. They founded the twelve tribes but that honestly doesn't seem to make up for it. The sons of Leah (poor Leah!) and the concubines are forever the less important tribes. Tainted and scapegoated. No matter what the brothers do the golden child wins. Their repentance matters not. It's a narcissistic family system after all. And the golden child gets to be the prefigurement of Christ. The whole of salvation history is seeming sick and twisted and I just don't know what to do with this.

[SonofThunder]

Hi Cordelia,

Well written post and agree, the family stories in the Bible fit very well alongside the experiences of us here on Out of the FOG.  I like the " but" wording from Christ the Creator in:

Matthew 19:8 (NIV)

"...But it was not this way from the beginning."

It's also not this way in the end.  A very good reason why Christ is the 'immaculate conception' right in the middle of the sinful chaos between the two covers, which therefore sifts him apart from within your words:

"It's a narcissistic family system after all."

Its comforting for me to know that the same Creator that designed it perfectly "... from the beginning.", also completes it perfectly, further highlighting the truth experiences of living in these sin-soaked human pages in between.  He's got it covered, so I'm just focusing on Him.

SoT

[thedoghousedweller]

As a pastor I know often says, "we live in a Genesis 3 world," meaning that nothing, including familial relationships are perfect. 

It helps me to know that nobody in the Bible other than Christ was perfect.  I think they are given to us as examples of reality.  Jacob had to ultimately wrestle with God in order to discover his purpose.  Joseph had to undergo severe hardship in order to be elevated to the role he was in the end.  Samuel had hooligans for children.  Hezekiah bragged on his treasure.  If these people had been perfect, we would struggle to relate.

[Call Me Cordelia]

I'm still wrestling with God, but one part of Genesis did give me comfort. Hagar. Abraham, good old Father Abraham, father of countless descendants, who withheld not his only son blah blah blah, you know, the great patriarch. Yeah, him. He took his wife's servant, raped her, had a son by her, then when he got a son by his wife (the "only" one), threw her out into the wilderness to die. But God saved her. She called Him, "the God who sees me."

It still doesn't feel like justice. Not really. But it's something to at least be SEEN.

[Boat Babe]

I grew up in a Catholic family (I know that there's Protestants out there who don't think Catholics are Christians but we'll leave that aside for a moment). In my early 20s I deconstructed. That's the term for "losing your faith" these days and I really prefer this term. I picked apart, over several years everything I had been taught and ended up completely free of religious belief.  I can't tell you how freeing it has been. I continue to try to live an ethical life - not because of the fear of Hell but because I feel better if I am kind to people and live with integrity. When my four year old was diagnosed with Leukaemia I didn't lose sleep over why God let this happen. I just got on with the job of looking after a very poorly child and being thankful to the people in my country who fought for socialised medical care. My boy survived. Other children he was in hospital with didn't. There was no rhyme or reason why some kids died and others didn't. I don't waste time trying to figure this shit out.

[Call Me Cordelia]

I don't expect to arrive at "the answer" other than to highlight just how bad the fall was and how badly mankind needs  a savior. But it feels personal in a way, because it hurts seeing these characters who are hurting others be elevated as fathers/saints/God's chosen. I identify more with their victims and can feel cast aside/my suffering doesn't matter. And that's something I need to deal with.

I'm honestly not sure how to respond to you telling me that throwing faith out all together is the answer, other than I am so sorry your little boy suffered like that and I'm glad he survived.

[Boat Babe]

It is the answer for me. I can only speak for myself as religious belief is utterly personal. I see things through a completely different optic now is all. I hope you find your way through this.

[1footouttadefog]

Don't forget that Esau knew the value of the Birthright and gave it up for a bowl of stew.  That was basically a giant middle finger to the father who loved him more.  It was a big disrespect on the family and culture.

I think examining Esau is an important part of the story. Every time a Christian sins we are essentially tossing our birthright a Child of the King away for a transient earthly pleasure or some other deed of the flesh, or hardened heart.   

[Just Kathy]

I completely understand your perspective! "Genesis," or "Bereshit" as it's known in Hebrew, is indeed a voluminous and foundational section of the scripture. Approaching it can be particularly challenging from a contemporary Western standpoint. However, possessing knowledge of Hebrew can significantly enrich your understanding and appreciation of the text, offering a deeper and more nuanced insight than one might initially anticipate. This knowledge essentially provides greater value and depth to your exploration, allowing you to engage with the text on a more profound level.
Indeed, it's hardly surprising that sibling rivalry was a prevalent issue within Jacob's family dynamics. Given the fact that he was married to two sisters, who were in constant competition for his affection, tension was almost inevitable. Furthermore, each wife also had a maid servant who served as a concubine to Jacob, further intensifying the rivalry as they engaged in a contest to bear him more children. This complex web of relationships naturally fostered an environment where competition and jealousy flourished among the siblings.

Jacob's preferred wife, Rachel, was the mother of only one son, Joseph, who was unmistakably the golden child of the family. As is often the case with such favored offspring, Joseph was brought up to believe in his own superiority and preeminence over his siblings. Jacob, the architect behind this dysfunctional family dynamic, seemingly assumed that every family member understood their place within this hierarchy. He expected them to fall in line, showing deference and even adulation towards Joseph, his favored son. This expectation further complicated the family's internal relationships, exacerbating tensions and rivalries. So, to answer your question, no, it hasn't crossed his mind that his favoritism like that would end badly.

Absolutely, I resonate with your sentiments. The Bible indeed presents its figures without glossing over their flaws. Noah, for example, is celebrated as a righteous man in God's eyes, yet he had his struggles with alcohol. Similarly, Jacob was chosen over his brother Esau, despite being deceptive and manipulative. Perhaps this authenticity is what lends the Bible its profound value—it doesn't idealize its heroes but depicts them as real, complex individuals with genuine flaws and virtues. This portrayal encourages a deeper reflection on the nature of humanity and the potential for redemption and growth, regardless of one's imperfections.

You wrote: It seems like the less favored are just screwed. Their natural anger at the injustice just makes them look bad because they are against God's chosen one AND cements their place as less-than.

Indeed, it can often appear that those who are less favored are perpetually at a disadvantage, and your feelings on this matter are completely understandable. However, when we delve into Chapters 48- 49, where Jacob blesses his children and makes prophecies about their respective tribes, we observe a significant shift. Jacob divides his birthright in such a way that both Joseph's younger son, Ephraim, and Judah receive substantial benefits—Ephraim inherits the blessing of prosperity, while Judah is bestowed with the authority that comes with the birthright. This act demonstrates a nuanced approach to leadership and inheritance, suggesting that favoritism and initial disadvantages can be transcended through wise and equitable distribution of blessings and responsibilities. It highlights a moment of reconciliation and foresight, where Jacob seeks to ensure the future prosperity and governance of his descendants in a balanced manner.

The saga of Jacob's family indeed teaches that divine purposes can emerge from human complexities and conflicts. For those intrigued by the distinctive personalities and dynamics among Jacob's sons, wives, and concubines, "Tribal Blueprints: Twelve Brothers and the Destiny of Israel" by Nechama Price offers an insightful exploration into how these relationships influence the broader narrative of Israel's destiny.
Joseph may have been perceived as the family's savior, yet it was Judah's actions, particularly his willingness to offer himself as a substitute for Benjamin's enslavement, that truly showcased selfless leadership for the benefit of all. Judah's emergence as a leader was not just a matter of circumstance but a necessity, especially in light of the repeated failures of his eldest brother, Reuven, who was initially positioned as the family leader. Judah's ability to step forward and assume responsibility demonstrates his natural aptitude for leadership.

Moreover, the characters of Simeon and Levi are marked by their propensity for violence, a trait that poses potential dangers to the family's unity and mission. The divine decision to separate Levi from Simeon, placing the latter under Judah's vigilant oversight, reflects a strategic move to mitigate these risks and ensure the continuity and integrity of Jacob's lineage. Through these intricate family dynamics, the narrative illustrates the ways in which leadership, sacrifice, and the management of internal conflicts are pivotal to fulfilling a collective destiny. Indeed, the tribe of Levi holds a unique position within the history of Israel, being set apart from the other tribes of Jacob. Levi's descendants were not allocated their own territory in the Promised Land like the other tribes; instead, they were designated as the priestly tribe, a role adopted directly by God. This special status meant that the Levites were responsible for religious duties, including serving in the Temple and performing rituals and sacrifices.  The significance of the Levite tribe is further underscored by the fact that Moses, one of Israel's greatest leaders and the deliverer who led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, was born into this tribe. Moses' Levitical lineage emphasizes the tribe's integral role in the spiritual and national life of Israel, marking the Levites as carriers of the covenant between God and His people. Through the Levites, and particularly through figures like Moses, the tribe played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and moral foundation of Israel, highlighting the profound impact of their divine adoption and duties.

The final resting place of Leah, according to Middle Eastern traditions of the time, indeed offers a poignant reflection on her significance within Jacob's life and legacy. Despite Rachel being Jacob's favored wife, it is Leah who is buried next to him, a fact that speaks volumes about her role and the esteem in which she was ultimately held. This burial tradition in the Middle East was deeply symbolic, suggesting that the wife who was buried alongside her husband was the one he valued most, not just in life but as a companion for the afterlife.

Nechama Price's analysis, as mentioned, delves into the biblical narrative to highlight Leah's character and the positive influence she had on Jacob. Leah's life, often overshadowed by the love story of Jacob and Rachel, reveals a depth of character and resilience that had a profound impact on Jacob and the future of their descendants. Her eventual place next to Jacob in death symbolizes her importance and the recognition of her virtues and contributions. This distinction sheds light on the complexities of Jacob's family dynamics and suggests a reevaluation of Leah's role as not just a wife and mother but as a pivotal figure who steered Jacob towards goodness. This acknowledgment in death, therefore, is not only a testament to her character but also a rectification of sorts, granting Leah a place of honor and respect that her life's story richly deserves.

The narrative arc from the book of Genesis to the book of Exodus indeed showcases a remarkable transformation of Jacob's family into a burgeoning nation. Initially, the connection and status Joseph (often referred to affectionately as "old brother Joe") achieved within the Egyptian government played a crucial role in the survival and prosperity of his brothers and their tribes during their time in Egypt. Despite the advantages afforded by Joseph's high standing, it was through the individual and collective efforts of each brother and their descendants that they capitalized on these opportunities.

By the time the events of the Exodus unfold, what was once a modest assembly of Jacob's family members had flourished into a nation of substantial size, estimated to number between three to four million people. This exponential growth not only underscores the resilience and adaptability of the Israelites but also highlights how they leveraged their circumstances in Egypt to lay the foundations for their eventual emergence as a distinct and populous nation. This period of growth in Egypt sets the stage for the pivotal moment of their departure, led by Moses, which is central to the narrative of the Exodus and the formation of the Israeli identity.

For those interested in delving deeper into the fates and personalities of Jacob's other sons, Nechama Price's book offers a compelling and insightful exploration. "Tribal Blueprints: Twelve Brothers and the Destiny of Israel" is highly recommended for its engaging narrative that brings each brother's character vividly to life. Price's work provides a detailed examination of how each son's individual traits and actions contribute to the collective story of Israel's formation and destiny. It's an excellent read for anyone looking to understand the complexities and dynamics of this foundational family in biblical history.

I'm glad I could provide you with this information, and I sincerely hope it has been helpful to you. I am wishing you peace and well-being on your journey. Absolutely, it's truly remarkable how divine intervention can transform even the most challenging and dysfunctional situations into opportunities for growth and redemption. The narrative of a toxic, dysfunctional family being used as a vessel for good underscores a powerful theme of hope and resilience.

[Just Kathy]

Correction:

Indeed, at the time of Joseph's kidnapping, Rachel, his mother, had only given birth to him. Joseph was her firstborn son, making him the only child she had at that specific point in time. It was only later, during the journey back to Canaan, that Rachel became pregnant again and gave birth to Benjamin. Tragically, Rachel died during childbirth, leaving behind her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. This event is significant within the biblical narrative, not only because of its impact on Jacob and his family but also because it marks a poignant moment in the story of the matriarchs and patriarchs of Israel. Rachel's death in childbirth and her subsequent burial on the road to Ephrath (which is Bethlehem) further highlight the trials and sacrifices inherent in the founding stories of the Israelite nation. Rachel's legacy, through her sons, especially Joseph, who plays a pivotal role in the survival of the Israelite family during the famine in Egypt, is central to the narrative of the Jewish people.

[Just Kathy]

Indeed, Jacob buried Rachel by the wayside to Ephrath (Bethlehem) following her death during childbirth, rather than in the ancestral burial site, the Cave of Machpelah, where he would later be laid to rest alongside Leah.

The story of Joseph's request for his bones to be carried back to Canaan from Egypt further illustrates the importance placed on final resting places within the narrative. Joseph's explicit wish, fulfilled many years later when the Israelites left Egypt, underscores the value of burial in ancestral lands or alongside loved ones according to personal or divine directives.

Jacob's choice not to move Rachel's remains later, to be beside him when he passed, contrasts with Joseph's instructions regarding his own bones. This difference can be interpreted in various ways, including the possibility that Jacob respected the sanctity of Rachel's initial burial place, however, I believe along with Price, it holds perhaps a deeper symbolic meaning tied to Leah's respective role in Jacob's life.