Genesis 37:11

And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.

Study Bible

And his brothers were jealous of him
The jealousy of Joseph's brothers is rooted in the favoritism shown by their father, Jacob, who gave Joseph a richly ornamented robe. This favoritism is a recurring theme in Genesis, as seen in the relationships between Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau. Jealousy among siblings is a common human experience, but here it foreshadows the future conflict and suffering Joseph will endure. This jealousy is a catalyst for the events that lead to Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt, which is part of God's sovereign plan to preserve the family of Israel during a future famine.

but his father kept in mind what he had said
Jacob, also known as Israel, reflects on Joseph's dreams, which suggest that Joseph will have a position of authority over his family. This phrase indicates that Jacob, despite his initial rebuke of Joseph, recognizes the potential significance of the dreams. This is reminiscent of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19) regarding the prophecies about Jesus. Jacob's contemplation suggests an awareness of God's hand in the unfolding events, even if he does not fully understand them. This foreshadows the eventual fulfillment of Joseph's dreams when his brothers bow to him in Egypt, illustrating God's providential plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, who received a special coat and had dreams that suggested his future prominence over his family.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The father of Joseph and his brothers, who showed favoritism towards Joseph, causing tension within the family.

3. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who were envious of Joseph due to their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams.

4. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family were living at the time of these events.

5. Joseph's Dreams
Prophetic dreams that indicated Joseph's future rise to a position of authority, which fueled his brothers' jealousy.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Jealousy
Jealousy can lead to destructive actions and broken relationships, as seen in the animosity between Joseph and his brothers.

Parental Wisdom
Jacob's decision to keep the matter in mind suggests the importance of parental discernment and reflection on family dynamics.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human failings and jealousy, God's plans prevail, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power and the preservation of his family.

Favoritism's Consequences
Favoritism can breed resentment and division within families, highlighting the need for fairness and love towards all children.

Reflective Pondering
Like Jacob, we should take time to ponder and seek God's wisdom in understanding the events and dreams in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the jealousy of Joseph's brothers reflect the broader theme of sibling rivalry in the Bible, and what can we learn from it?

2. In what ways can favoritism in families lead to conflict, and how can we apply biblical principles to promote harmony?

3. How does Jacob's response to Joseph's dreams (keeping the matter in mind) serve as a model for how we should respond to significant events or revelations in our lives?

4. How can we guard our hearts against jealousy, and what biblical strategies can we employ to cultivate contentment and gratitude?

5. How does the account of Joseph illustrate the truth of Romans 8:28, and how can we trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives when faced with challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:3-4
These verses provide context for the jealousy, explaining Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph and the special coat he gave him.

Acts 7:9
Stephen's speech references the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, connecting it to the broader account of God's providence.

Luke 2:19
Similar to Jacob, Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart," showing a parallel in parental reflection on significant events.

James 3:16
This verse discusses the destructive nature of jealousy, which is evident in the account of Joseph and his brothers.

Romans 8:28
This verse highlights God's ability to work all things for good, a theme that is evident in Joseph's account despite his brothers' jealousy.