Joseph story as aetiology of Jews in Egypt,possibly recalling movement of Semitesinto Egypt in 14th-11th c. BC

Joseph as ambiguous figure

Pairs/Doubling:

e.g. dreams, Joseph’s confinement, brothers’visits to Egypt. Also doubling in speech,phrases

For emphasis and to prolong suspense

Pairs/Doubling

Double-plot: Brothers’ sufferings echoingtheir actions in past

Joseph’s harshness to them echoing theirsto him

Their imprisonment recalling his

They have to return to father with news oflost brother again (Simeon), and mustask him again for favoured son

Pairs/Doubling

Finding of silver in their sacks echoesdecision to sell Joseph for silver

Effect of reliving crime is to change morality ofbrothers

Jacob sends as gifts for mysterious Egyptiansame goods with which Joseph went toEgypt; brothers re-enacting actions ofIshmaelite traders

Pairs/Doubling

Pushing events back to before brothers’ crime:

Joseph giving brothers opportunity tocommit new crime with silver cup,but they pass test

Joseph’s final realisation in Gen. 45: 5-7. Justas wise action (constructing stores) savedEgyptians, wise action (planting of cup)effected reconciliation and thus savedIsraelites in time of famine

Themes

Favoritism, conflict and reconciliationbetween brothers: younger brotherwinning out, and distance bringingresolution. Reunification, rather thanuneasy peace. Concern with familyunity (Gen. 44: 7-9 and 18-34)

Joseph’s seconddream: sun,moon and stars

Dream must remain unfulfilled, becauseRachel is dead (Gen. 35): possiblyfrom different source? Or dream isreflection on Joseph? Or Jacob’sinterpretation is wrong, and explanationis missing?

Judah and Tamar (Gen. 38):

Er, Onan and Shelah Favouring younger son

Impact on Judah:

New level of maturity and responsibility

Being surety for brother (Gen. 43: 1-10)

Offering self instead of Benjamin (Gen 44: 33)

Thus fitting leader for Israelites (Gen. 49)

Jacob’s dying request:

Asserting claim to land

Ambiguous attitude to violence