Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/42

24 begins with the account of Joseph's boyhood and unpleasant relations with his brothers, and their jealousy because of their father's undue love for him and also because of his dreams, and their revenge for his having borne tales to their father. In consequence he is sold into Egypt and comes into the house of Potiphar. Because of Potiphar's wife he is cast into prison. Here he meets the royal butler, and through him comes before Pharaoh. He interprets the king's dream, and as a reward is raised to .an exalted position. Eventually his brothers come before him to buy corn, but do not recognize him. He deals with them as the ruler, sending them home with the desired grain, but retaining one in prison in order to test them. They return, bringing the youngest brother in accordance with Joseph's command, and by their conduct prove the regeneration of their former evil natures. At last, the crisis of the story, when it seems that not only they, but also their old father, must perish, Joseph discloses his identity and a happy family reunion follows.

It can be readily seen that this is a complete romance. One event leads up to another naturally and dramatically until the crisis is reached; the interest never lags; the dreams contribute artistically to the development of the story;the portrayal of character is faithful and effective, the pathos real and touching; and the moral and spiritual lesson which runs through the entire story is sincere and convincing.

The central thought of the story, for the sake of which the romance was written, is expressed concretely and forcibly in the words of Joseph to his brothers (L, 20), "Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive". This thought rounds out the teachings of the earlier portions of Genesis, and makes of the book a single unit of Jewish thought and doctrine. Not only has God created the universe for good, but He constantly controls and guides it toward its destined goal of good. His work was not finished