Definition: And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 37:10. It’s a really powerful and complex passage about a young man named Adam and his encounter with God. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Adam is Having a Dream: In this verse, Adam is having a dream – it's a vivid and disturbing dream of being offered up to God as a sacrifice. God’s Reaction: God immediately reacts to the dream with anger and condemnation. He says, “And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He told [it]…” : This refers to Adam’s dream. It's a crucial part of the story – he’s experiencing something incredibly significant, a vision that challenges everything he understands about his place in God’s plan. “…his father, and his brethren…” : This highlights that Adam isn't alone; it’s happening with his parents and siblings. It shows that this dream is impacting the entire family. “His father rebuked him, and said unto him…” : This is where the real drama begins. God confronts Adam, directly addressing him. He doesn’t just say "this is bad"; he specifically asks him to explain what he's dreaming. This is a test of his understanding and faith. “What is this dream that thou hast dreamed?” : This is a direct challenge – God is asking Adam to describe the dream in detail. “Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” : This is the most shocking part. God isn't just reacting to the content of the dream, but also to the impact it has on Adam’s perspective – the potential for him to become subservient and humble to a point where he would surrender his will and authority. He's warning him that this dream could lead to a state of complete submission. What does this verse mean? This is a foundational story in the Bible, often interpreted as representing the beginning of humanity’s relationship with God. It speaks to: The Fall from Grace: The dream symbolizes Adam's falling away from God’s perfect and righteous nature. Loss of Free Will: Adam’s choice to disobey God, driven by his own desires, sets him on a path that leads to separation and suffering. The Potential for Submission: It highlights the danger of pride and seeking power instead of obedience to God's will. In short, Genesis 37:10 is a pivotal moment where God confronts humanity with a vision that challenges our understanding of free will and the possibility of losing our way. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its theological significance? Explore other related stories or concepts from Genesis 37?