Joseph and Benjamin: Symbolism Breakdown

The story of Joseph and Benjamin in Genesis, often told through drama and intrigue, unfolds as a profound allegory for the creative power within us. When interpreted through Neville Goddard’s framework of imagination and the Law of Assumption, every detail—from dreams and betrayals to cups and garments—reveals the mechanics of manifestation.

Joseph and Benjamin: Sons of Rachel, Children of Promise

Joseph and Benjamin were born to Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. In symbolic terms, Rachel represents the soul’s deepest desire: the cradle of true creation. Her struggle with barrenness (Genesis 30:1–2) mirrors the soul’s initial resistance to manifesting its desires. The births of Joseph (Genesis 30:22–24) and Benjamin (Genesis 35:16–18) symbolise the breakthrough of imagination into reality.

• Joseph: Born first, he embodies the awakened imagination—the visionary power that plants assumptions of the future. His dreams (Genesis 37:5–11), where his brothers and even his parents bow to him, are assumptions held with unwavering faith, shaping his destiny.

• Benjamin: Born last and innocent, he represents the receptive vessel—the aspect of consciousness untainted by guilt. Absent from the betrayal of Joseph (Genesis 37:12–28), he remains the pure imagination capable of receiving abundance.

Joseph: The Journey of Assumption

1. The Dreams as Assumptions (Genesis 37:5–11)

   • Joseph’s visions are not mere prophecies but the seeds of reality sown in imagination.

2. The Pit (Genesis 37:23–24)

   • Symbolises suppression and resistance. Though cast down, the assumption germinates until it ascends.

3. From Slavery to Sovereignty (Genesis 39–41)

   • Despite betrayal (Genesis 39:1–20) and imprisonment (Genesis 39:20–23), Joseph’s assumption never falters, culminating in his elevation to Pharaoh’s second-in-command (Genesis 41:41–45).

The Brothers: Inner Conflicts

• Envy, Fear, Guilt: The ten brothers who sold Joseph represent fractured thoughts and self-sabotage (Genesis 37:18–28).

• Recognition and Surrender: Their eventual bowing (Genesis 42:6; 43:26–28; 44:14) signifies internal resistance yielding to the imagined end.

Benjamin: The Untouched Self

• Inward Innocence (Genesis 35:18)

• Deeply Loved: Jacob’s declaration, “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf” (Genesis 49:27), hints at his fierce innocence and protection.

• Grace and Receptivity: Favoured by the Father despite no earning; pure soil for divine revelation.

The Silver Cup and Hidden Money

1. Silver Cup (Genesis 44:2–5)

   • Secretly placed in Benjamin’s sack, it symbolises the hidden assumption in the subconscious, revealed at the appointed moment.

2. Money in the Sacks (Genesis 42:25–28; 43:15–17)

   • Divine provision flowing from assumed abundance, not earned, but gifted by imagination’s power.

“Is not this the cup my lord drinks from, and by which he divines?” (Genesis 44:5)

Judah’s Role: Surrender and Higher Assumption

• Substitution (Genesis 44:18–34)

  • Judah offers himself in Benjamin’s place, mirroring the surrender of limiting identities and the embrace of a new, expansive self.

The Power of Five and the Letter He (ה)

• Fivefold Provision: Food (Genesis 43:34), garments and silver (Genesis 45:22).

• Letter He (ה): Symbolises a window, breath, creative expression—the opening through which imagination becomes form (cf. Abram → Abraham, Genesis 17:5).

“You Shall Not See My Face…” (Genesis 43:3)

• Joseph’s condition that Benjamin accompany them underscores that full vision of the Self requires the innocent imagination.

Benjamin as the Subconscious Receptacle

• The Sack: The subconscious mind, where assumptions reside (Genesis 44:1–5).

• Cleansing and Fertility: When freed from fear, it becomes the womb of creation.

The Silent Key to Revelation

• Benjamin’s Silence: He neither protests nor pleads (Genesis 43:29–30); his receptive stillness prompts Joseph’s revelation:

“I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?” (Genesis 45:3)

Conclusion: Become as Joseph and Benjamin

The narrative of Joseph and Benjamin serves as a complete allegory:

• Assume the End (Joseph’s dreams)

• Persist through Resistance (the pit and prison)

• Trust the Hidden Power (silver cup and sealed assumptions)

• Surrender Old Identities (Judah’s substitution)

• Receive with Innocence (Benjamin’s pure receptivity)

By combining Joseph’s visionary assumption and Benjamin’s untouched receptivity—both born of Rachel’s longing—we learn to harness imagination, align subconscious assumptions, and manifest our deepest desires. Embrace the journey: dream boldly and receive purely.