Jacob Versus Joseph in Genesis

Arguments supporting that Jacob is a “scoundrel”:

- Jacob wears his brother Esau’s garments and lies to his blind father Isaac in order to have the blessing: "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may bless me” (Chapter 27 verse 19-20).

-Jacob is blessed despite the deceitful way of obtaining the blessing: “So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him...” (Chapter 27 verse 27-29).

-Jacob tries to “manipulate” God: “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give bread to eat and clothing to wear... “ (Chapter 28 verse 20-22).

-Jacob favors his son Joseph over all of his brothers: “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children…” (Chapter 37 verse 3)

Arguments supporting that Joseph is a “saint”:

-Joseph refuses to sleep with his master’s wife: “How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Chapter 39 verse 8-9)

- Joseph interprets dreams: “He interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each according to his dream.” (Chapter 41 verse 12)

- Joseph sustains his family and his brothers through the famine: “I will provide for you there-since there are five more years of famine to come-so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty” (Chapter 42 verse 11).

-Joseph forgives his brothers and takes care of them: “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me…” (Chapter 50 verse 19-21)