16. Josephs Blessing

Joseph’s Blessing

Both Jacob and Moses ascribe special blessings to Joseph, the one who was separate from his brethren (Genesis 49:26) or separated from his brethren (Deuteronomy 33:19).

While the dew is not specifically mentioned in Genesis 49:1-33, the conditions are right for it to be included in the blessings Jacob gave. Included in the blessing was:

"...the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb... they shall be on the head of Joseph and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren." The dew is specifically mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:13-16 and following. Part of the blessing of Moses was:

"And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, and for the precious things brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, and for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills, and for the precious things of the earth and fullness thereof and for the good will of Him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren."

Joseph’s life had been very difficult but greatly blessed of the Lord. Now, there was a special blessing left for his descendents. Joseph had been rejected by his brethren and sold into Egypt. The early years in Egypt were also very difficult. He was plunged deep into the fires of affliction. He had been out of sight - "evaporated" - from his home and family. He had been an "unknown" in Egypt. But he had never been out of sight or unknown to God. These difficult experiences were stepping stones in his preparation for greater service. His dreams would be fulfilled through deep personal tragedies. He could become visible to his family again in another place and be the source of blessing to them and the whole world. But how can we reconcile the fact of Joseph’s twice emphasized separation from his brethren with our consideration of unity in Psalms 133:1-3?

Separation hadn’t been the choice of Joseph or his father. Joseph and his father Jacob had a very close relationship and they shared their concern for Joseph’s brothers. Unfortunately, the brothers were involved with improper things, and Joseph in faithfulness to his father had to report to him their evil ways. These reports, along with his dreams and father’s favouritism, caused his brethren to hate him. In spite of Joseph’s care and concern for his brethren, they plotted and found a way to get rid of him. The message sent home to father in the form of a coat dipped in blood prompted Jacob to believe some wild beast had killed his son.

It was not possible for brethren to dwell together in unity with such different lifestyles and goals. But Joseph’s brothers wished to go their own ways even though they were not united in their willful ways. As we read their history we see many problems between them. But they were quite united in wanting to get rid of Joseph. His honesty and uprightness, along with his dreams and special place of affection with father, seemed to be too much for them. So the exclusion comes from their side.

Similar things happen today. Many dear brethren wish to go on a wider pathway and feel free to associate with other "good people" or "fine Christians" or causes. Many seem to be enthusiastically involved with all kinds of "Christian activities" and see no problems with such associations. After all, they say, "We’ll all be together in heaven." Other brethren see improper things going on in and with these associations and feel convicted before their Lord about them. So there are separations, some initiated by both "sides" of the issues. Choices must be made. Sometimes they are forced.

Joseph had been forced into separation. But he did not wish it to continue indefinitely. Before he became visible to his brethren again, it was necessary for their consciences to be properly exercised, but he would provide for all their needs. Their money was not important to him. It was the condition of hearts that mattered most. After he was revealed to his brethren, he did all in his power to restore the unity, but it seems that his brethren never trusted him fully. He wept over their unwillingness to be fully reconciled. But the blessing came on the top of the head of him who was separated from his brethren. Separation to our Lord must come first. As we follow Him and call on Him out of a pure heart, we will find others who also do so. In the degree in which we follow our Lord with a pure heart, we can enjoy the fellowship of others likewise doing so. It is so that all true believers will be in heaven, but the wrong associations and attitudes of this scene will be then judged and removed. We will enjoy that perfect unity then!