Ábel-Micrajim je smútok Egypta.Keď si Jozefovi bratia uvedomili, že ich otec je mŕtvy, povedali si: Len aby Jozef na nás nezanevrel a neodplácal sa nám za všetko, čo sme mu vykonali.Preto mu odkázali: Tvoj otec pred smrťou prikázal:Povedzte Jozefovi toto: Odpusť, prosím, svojim bratom prestúpenie a hriech, lebo spáchali na tebe zločin. Odpusť teda, prosím, služobníkom Boha tvojho otca to prestúpenie. Jozef sa nad ich odkazom rozplakal.Potom prišli za ním sami bratia, padli pred ním a vraveli: Tu sme, budeme ti otrokmi!Jozef im však odvetil: Nebojte sa! Som tu azda namiesto Boha?Vy ste proti mne osnovali zlo, Boh to však obrátil na dobro, aby sa stalo tak, ako je dnes, aby som zachránil životy mnohým ľuďom.Teraz sa už nebojte! Ja budem živiť vás i vaše deti. Tak ich utešoval a vľúdne sa im prihováral.Jozef býval v E gypte aj s domom svojho otca a žil stodesať rokov.Efrajimových synov videl do tretieho pokolenia. Aj synovia Mákira, syna Menaššeho, boli po narodení položení na Jozefove kolená.Potom Jozef povedal bratom: Ja zomieram, ale Boh sa vás určite ujme a vyvedie vás odtiaľto do krajiny, o ktorej prisahal Abrahámovi, Izákovi a Jákobovi.Jozef zaprisahal Izraelových synov slovami: Boh sa vás určite ujme; potom odneste odtiaľto moje kosti!Jozef zomrel, keď mal stodesať rokov. Zabalzamovali ho a uložili v E gypte do rakvy.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Genesis, Joseph's brothers fear that after their father Jacob's death, Joseph might seek revenge for the harm they had done to him. They think he might hate them for their past actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you had a friend who was really upset with you because you did something mean to them. Now, that friend is in a position to be nice or not, and you're worried they might want to get back at you for being mean. That's kind of what Joseph's brothers are feeling, but about Joseph after their dad isn't around anymore.
Historical Background
This part of Genesis was written by Moses, who compiled oral traditions and records from the Hebrew people, around the 13th century BCE. The story is set in ancient Egypt and reflects the cultural dynamics of the time, especially around family and social obligations.
Living It Out Today
Consider a situation where you might fear an old friend or colleague might seek revenge for past actions. This verse can remind us of the power of forgiveness and the importance of communication in healing past wounds.
Joseph's brothers were afraid because they had previously sold Joseph into slavery and now worried he might seek revenge after their father's death.
What lesson does this verse teach about forgiveness?
This verse highlights the theme of forgiveness and the fear that unresolved conflict can cause, even when forgiveness has been shown.
How does this relate to modern family dynamics?
It shows how unresolved issues can linger in families and affect relationships, even after a long time, emphasizing the importance of addressing and resolving conflicts.
What can we learn about trust from this verse?
This verse teaches us about the fragility of trust and the long-lasting effects of betrayal, encouraging proactive communication and reconciliation in relationships.