"Do not quarrel along the way!"

The story of Joseph, in the Hebrew Scriptures moves us from a series of shorter, independent stories about the earlier patriarchs to what many biblical scholars call a “novella” (a short novel or story). It’s an amazing story that holds your interest – there is envy, intrigue, family conflict, a little romance and in the end, reconciliation. What more could you ask for?

Lawrence Boadt, in his Introduction to the Old Testament, notes that the Joseph story expresses the major theme of the entire patriarchal history: through ups and downs, successes and failures, God promises will be fulfilled.

For me, as I read the story, I was struck by how appropriate it was to be reading this particular story during the week that we, as Americans, celebrate Thanksgiving. Family conflict has long been a dominate theme of the relationship between Joseph and his brothers and indeed, in the history of the family as well (think Jacob and Esau). But hardship has brought these brothers back into communication with one another, albeit unknowingly at first.

I loved reading the end of chapter 45. Let me remind you of what is happening. Joseph has revealed his identity to his brothers after they have come to Egypt in search of food. He reveals his identity to them and then sends them back to Canaan to bring their father and all of their household to Egypt where they might be provided for by the generosity of Joseph and the storehouses of Egypt. As Joseph sends them off he says to them, “Do not quarrel along the way.”

Don’t you love those words? “Do not quarrel along the way.” Earlier the brothers had done just that, “did I not tell you!” and “but you would not listen!” all words of quarrel and acquisition. The good news is, by the time they arrive in Canaan, they have a common story to tell their father. Amazed and stunned at the news that his son, long since thought dead, is still alive he says, “Enough! …I must go and see him.”

All else has been put aside, all the quarreling, all the sorrow. Now is the time for reconciliation, now is the time for Thanksgiving!

I hope that your family, as well, will have a Thanksgiving of celebration and joy with no quarrelling along the way!

InJoy,
Suzy