Feb 6

I think that Joseph had this “envy” that was talked about in the Anderson essay. It was somewhat of reasonable one. I mean his brothers did throw in a pit to die and went to eat, which is a representation of the dismantal of the brother relationship. Joesph was putting his brothers to the test to see if they have changed and are worthy of his help or if they are still the same people that betrayed his trust. The main purpose I would say is the forgiveness of his brothers by putting them again in the same position where they get to choose whether they would leave him. Joseph is obviously the beloved son, the chosen one. From early texts, we can tell that he is going to be more complex than any of the other chosen one’s. This event is somewhat of an indicator of that since the chosen one has to die and ressurect. Joseph was literally dead in the eyes of his father and he wasn’t the same person as when he knew his father because of the resentment that he had for his brothers for what they have done to him. The event of the cup by itself eliminates the envy Joseph has for his brothers and brings Joesph back to Israel, god’s people. He is once again the chosen one but a more complete one because of his ressurection. This is shown especially when his father passes away. He forgave his brothers after getting to be the one in control of the community. This shows growth and a closeness to God and the community.