Gen 37:5-11 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 37:5-11: Joseph’s Dreams In this passage, Joseph has two special dreams that show his future importance in the family. Even though Joseph is still young, God gives him these dreams to encourage him for the hard times ahead. When Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers and his father, it makes his brothers even more jealous and angry. The dreams seem strange at first, but they are a sign from God about what will happen later in Joseph’s life (Genesis 37:5-11 ). v. 5-7 : Joseph dreams that he and his brothers are tying up bundles of grain in the field. Suddenly, his bundle stands up, and his brothers’ bundles gather around and bow down to his. He tells his brothers about the dream, but this only makes them hate him more. The dream means that one day his brothers will come to him for help, especially during the famine (Genesis 42:6 ).

‏ Genesis 37:5-11

Genesis 37:5-11: Joseph’s Dreams

In this passage, Joseph has two special dreams that show his future importance in the family. Even though Joseph is still young, God gives him these dreams to encourage him for the hard times ahead. When Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers and his father, it makes his brothers even more jealous and angry. The dreams seem strange at first, but they are a sign from God about what will happen later in Joseph’s life (Genesis 37:5-11 ^a).

v. 5-7: Joseph dreams that he and his brothers are tying up bundles of grain in the field. Suddenly, his bundle stands up, and his brothers’ bundles gather around and bow down to his. He tells his brothers about the dream, but this only makes them hate him more. The dream means that one day his brothers will come to him for help, especially during the famine (Genesis 42:6 ^b).

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v. 8: Joseph’s brothers understand what the dream means. They ask, “Will you really rule over us?” and become even angrier. It is common for people to dislike those who seem to be chosen or favored by God. This reaction is like how some people reject the rule of Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:45 ^c).

v. 9: Joseph has another dream. This time, he sees the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. He tells this dream to his brothers. The dream shows that not only his brothers, but his whole family, will one day honor him.

v. 10: Joseph tells his father about the dream, and Jacob gently rebukes him. Jacob asks, “Will I, your mother, and your brothers really bow down to you?” He seems to doubt the dream, especially since Joseph’s mother has died, but he also thinks more deeply about what it could mean.

v. 11: Joseph’s brothers become even more jealous of him, but his father remembers what Joseph said and keeps thinking about it. Sometimes, God’s promises do not make sense right away, but He will still do what He has planned (Luke 2:51 ^d).