Book of Leviticus - Chapter 24 - Verse 12
Meaning
When Joseph's brothers put him in ward, they did so in order to seek guidance from the Lord. By placing Joseph in custody, they were allowing time for the mind of the Lord to be revealed to them. This act was a demonstration of their desire to understand God's will and to seek His direction in their actions. It also symbolizes the importance of patience and reflection in seeking divine guidance. This verse highlights the theme of trust in God's plan and the belief that He will make His will known to those who earnestly seek it. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of our lives, even when faced with difficult decisions or uncertainty. Ultimately, the verse emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God's wisdom in navigating challenges and uncertainties that arise in life.
Theological Overview
Here, the phrase "put him in ward" is connected to the theological concept of divine revelation. The term "ward" refers to a place of confinement or custody, indicating that someone is being held under supervision. In this verse, the implication is that the individual was placed in a position where they could receive a revelation from the Lord. This act of detaining someone in order to seek guidance from God reflects the belief in divine intervention and the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making.
Furthermore, the phrase "the mind of the LORD might be shewed them" emphasizes the desire for spiritual insight and understanding. The word "shewed" suggests the act of revealing or making something known. In this context, it signifies the expectation that through the act of confining the individual, divine wisdom and guidance would be made clear to them. This illustrates the profound belief in the responsiveness of God to those who seek Him earnestly and the trust in His ability to communicate His will to His followers.
Overall, this verse showcases the theological theme of seeking divine guidance and taking deliberate actions to align oneself with God's will. It underscores the belief in the importance of relying on God for direction and the expectation that through obedience and faithfulness, the Lord will make His intentions known to His people.