A few observations.

1) We must be diligent to allow the text to address only that which it meant to address. Genesis 1 is a poetic offering of the creation account. Genesis 2 prose. We must beware of making either of these accounts say something that they did not intend to say. Much of the debate regarding the age of the earth cannot be firmly supported by the creation account in Genesis 1-2. We are wise then to be humble with our thoughts on such matters and gracious towards others who disagree.

2) The Lord gave man authority to rule. This is evident not only in his command to cultivate the earth and subdue it, but also in Adam’s naming of the animals. Every Christian ought to understand the significance of this, the earliest command. Significance of life in the home, work, relationships, and the human community. Not to mention the care of personal property. The command to subdue the earth and cultivate the potential laden in the original created order touches every single area of human life.

3) The Fall is such a horrible, cosmic event. Reading it should make us weep for what we have lost. Everything is touched by the Fall. Corrupted even. The most basic relationship between husband and wife is corrupted. So also the basic need to eat and the work necessary to enjoy the basic necessities of life. No matter what technological progress we currently enjoy, the effects of the Fall are plain.

4) Praise God for Jesus, who has come to reverse the effects of the Fall. As the second Adam, he came to deal with sin and Satan and death, once for all and to raise up a new people for the Lord who would be agents of redemption. One day He will return and make all things new…as they were always supposed to be and so much better.

v. 5-8 It is interesting that the dreams were themselves a means to their own fulfillment. Of course, Joseph had to convey the dreams (either because he was insecure or because he was foolish or both), but he would not have told the dreams to his brothers if he had never had them. His telling the dreams to them led them a greater disdain for him and thus, moved them closer to doing what they already wanted to do…get rid of him. But it was their desire to get rid of him that fulfilled the dreams themselves.

The Lord knew all of this before it took place and ordained things accordingly. He knows what our response will be to a thousand different circumstances or situations. And because of His love, He makes sure that nothing occurs that will drive us to utter despair. But He also ordains certain things that end up bringing a great deal more difficulty than would be desired. Yet in the end, it is for the good of those who believe. This is certainly evident in the story of Joseph.

v. 18-24 The wickedness of the brothers is obvious. It must be remembered that they were not boys, but men, grown men with their own families plotting to kill one whom they were supposed to look out for (dreams or not). Their envy and jealousy is no doubt one of the fruits of polygamy. Though such desires are found within every heart, polygamy gives a great environment to the easy rise of them.

v. 29 Eldest brother Reuben was looking out for Joseph, but apparently, he was also a part of the cover-up. Note: One sin inevitably leads to another if it is not repented of. After selling Joseph off into slavery, they then lied to Jacob. The heart grows harder with every unrepented sin. So also, the heart grows softer with every sin that is repented of.