The statement “These are the generations of Jacob” (v. 2) informs us that we’re moving into a new section of the Book of Genesis, which will be devoted to Jacob, whom we’ve already met while reading about “the generations of Isaac” (25:19).
这句“雅各的记略如下”（第2节）告诉我们，我们正进入《创世记》一个新的段落，一个专为雅各所设的阶段，一位我们在“以撒的记略”已看到的人物（25:19）。
The history of Joseph can be read on at least three different levels. If we read it simply as literature, we discover a fascinating story involving a doting father, a pampered son, some jealous brothers, a conniving wife, and an international food crisis. It’s no wonder that for centuries creative artists have turned to this story for inspiration.
约瑟的历史可以用至少三个不同的层次来阅读。如果我们把它当作文学品，就会发现它是一个非常吸引人的故事，其涉及到一个溺爱孩子的父亲、一个受宠的儿子、一些嫉妒的兄弟、一个放纵的妻子，以及一个国际性粮食危机。难怪几个世纪以来，许多富有创造的艺术家纷纷从这故事里寻找灵感。
But Genesis 37-50 is much more than a piece of dramatic literature; for when you penetrate deeper, you discover a story abounding with profound theological implications. The hand of God is evident in every scene, ruling and overruling the decisions people make; and in the end, God builds a hero, saves a family, and creates a nation that will bring blessing to the whole world. Behind this story is the heart of the covenant-making God, who always keeps His promises.
然，《创世记》37至50章的篇幅远远超出一个戏剧化的文学作品；当你更深入挖掘时，你会发现这是一个富有深奥神学意义的故事。神的手在每一个场景都可见，掌管人所做的每一个决定，而最终，神立了一位英雄、拯救了一户家庭，并创建了一个将带给全世界祝福的国家。这个故事勾画出了那位立约之神的心，即那位始终遵守自己应许的神。
For the Christian believer, there’s a third level to the story; for Joseph is one of the richest illustrations of Jesus Christ found in the Old Testament. Joseph is like Jesus in that he was beloved by his father and obedient to his will; hated and rejected by his own brethren and sold as a slave; falsely accused and unjustly punished; finally elevated from the place of suffering to a powerful throne, thus saving his people from death. The major difference, of course, is that Joseph was only reported to be dead, while Jesus Christ did give His life on the cross and was raised from the dead in order to save us.
对基督徒而言，这故事还有第三个层面，因为约瑟是耶稣基督在旧约中最丰富的代表。约瑟有许多地方和耶稣相似，即被自己父亲疼爱和顺服父亲旨意、遭到自己心爱弟兄的憎恨和拒绝并被卖为奴仆、被诬告和受到不公正的处罚；最终从痛苦中被提升到拥有至高的特权，并且拯救子民免于死亡。主要的区别，当然就是约瑟最终死了，而耶稣不但在十字架上舍命，而并从死里复活，为拯救我们。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- God’s goal for all His children is that we become like His Son (Rom. 8:29). The goal is glorious, but the process is painful. Both Jesus and Joseph had to suffer before they could enter into glory (Luke 24:26; 1 Pet. 5:10). Had Joseph remained at home, his father probably would have pampered him and ruined his character. God knew what was best. Lord, help me to appreciate your goodness and your love to mold us into your image. Please help us to humble ourselves and be willing to accept your discipline with joy.
神对所有属祂孩子的旨意就是要我们更像主耶稣（罗8:29）。这旨意是荣耀的；但过程是痛苦的。在进入荣耀之前，耶稣和约瑟都必须受苦（路24:26；彼前5:10）。如果约瑟继续呆在家里，他的父亲可能会把他宠坏，毁了约瑟的性格。神知道什么是最好的。主啊，帮助我明白你是因着您自己的美善和爱塑造我们，因而感恩。请帮助我们谦卑自己，并乐意愿意接受你的磨练。
- In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke in dream and He spoke to Jacob in dreams (Gen. 28:12ff; 31:1–13). Joseph’s dreams were to him what God’s Word is to us today. The dreams irritated Joseph’s brothers and even his father became upset and rebuked him; but privately, Jacob pondered the dreams. What would we do if we were one of Joseph’s brothers? Will we submit to God’s plan? Lord, humble us. Let’s us remember the sovereignty belongs to you and you alone. What we need to do is to submit to your lordship and enjoy what you have planned for us.
临到约瑟的梦就好像神的话临到我们一样。在旧约中，耶和华在梦里启示，祂在雅各的梦中和雅各说话（创28:12 FF；31:1-13）。这梦激怒了他的兄弟，甚至连父亲雅各也责备他；但雅各私下自己琢磨这梦的意思。如果我们是约瑟的哥哥，我们会怎么做呢？我们会顺服神的计划吗？主啊，请您使我们谦卑。让我们记住主权属于您，唯独您。我们需要顺服您并享受您为我们所计划的。
