There are many plots, sub-plots and themes in the Old Testament story of Joseph. The plots and sub-plots are intriguing background for the theme of faithfulness and forgiveness. The main plot is that God is faithfully at work in this holy family. The sub-plots can be misleading.

Family Conflict, Temptation And Dreams

For example, there is a sub-plot of family conflict between the 11 sons of Jacob or Israel, as he is later called. Son number 11 is Joseph. (Son number 12, Benjamin, came along later in life.) From Jacob's 12 boys the 12 tribes of Israel are formed. The conflict arises because Joseph is the favored son of Jacob. We don't know why, but we do know that Joseph was his father's pride and joy. Conflict and intrigue come when a father plays favorites. Joseph is the favorite son. The p…