When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of themThis phrase highlights the familial tension and favoritism that existed within Jacob's family. Jacob's preference for Joseph is evident through the "coat of many colors" ( Genesis 37:3), a symbol of special favor. This favoritism echoes earlier family dynamics, such as Isaac's preference for Esau over Jacob ( Genesis 25:28). The cultural context of the time placed significant importance on the firstborn son, yet Joseph, the eleventh son, received preferential treatment, which was countercultural and likely exacerbated the brothers' resentment. This favoritism foreshadows the division and conflict that will arise within the family. they hated him The hatred of Joseph's brothers is a direct result of the favoritism shown by Jacob. This animosity is not just personal but also reflects the broader theme of sibling rivalry found throughout Genesis, such as Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8) and Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27:41). The Hebrew word for "hated" indicates a deep-seated enmity, suggesting that this was not a fleeting emotion but a persistent and growing hostility. This hatred sets the stage for the brothers' later actions against Joseph, which are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. and could not speak a kind word to him The inability to speak kindly to Joseph underscores the depth of the brothers' animosity. In the cultural context, speech was a powerful tool for both blessing and cursing, and the absence of kind words indicates a complete breakdown in familial relationships. This phrase also highlights the isolation Joseph experienced within his own family, a theme that resonates with the suffering servant motif found in Isaiah 53. Joseph's experience can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also rejected by His own (John 1:11) and suffered unjustly. The brothers' inability to speak kindly foreshadows their betrayal and the subsequent trials Joseph will endure, which ultimately lead to the preservation of the family and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and future leadership in Egypt. His father's favoritism towards him incites jealousy and hatred among his brothers. 2. Jacob (Israel)The father of Joseph and his brothers. His overt favoritism towards Joseph creates family tension and discord. 3. Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob who become envious and hostile towards Joseph due to their father's preferential treatment of him. 4. CanaanThe land where Jacob and his family were living at the time. It serves as the backdrop for the unfolding family drama. 5. Hatred and JealousyThe emotional response of Joseph's brothers, which sets the stage for the subsequent events in Joseph's life, including his eventual sale into slavery. Teaching Points The Dangers of FavoritismFavoritism within families can lead to deep-seated resentment and division. Parents should strive for fairness and equity in their relationships with their children. The Destructive Power of JealousyJealousy can consume individuals and lead to actions that harm others and themselves. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy. The Importance of CommunicationThe inability of Joseph's brothers to speak kindly to him highlights the breakdown of communication. Open and honest dialogue is crucial in resolving conflicts. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human FailingsDespite human failings and sinful actions, God's sovereign plan prevails. Joseph's account ultimately leads to the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of God's promises. Seeking ReconciliationThe account encourages believers to seek reconciliation and forgiveness in strained relationships, following the example of Christ's love and grace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph affect the dynamics within his family, and what lessons can we learn about parenting from this? 2. In what ways can jealousy manifest in our own lives, and how can we combat it with biblical principles? 3. Reflect on a time when communication broke down in a relationship. How might open dialogue have changed the outcome? 4. How does the account of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty, even when human actions seem to thwart His plans? 5. What steps can we take to seek reconciliation in relationships where envy or favoritism has caused division? Consider other biblical examples of reconciliation. Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 4:5-8The account of Cain and Abel, where jealousy leads to hatred and ultimately murder, parallels the animosity between Joseph and his brothers. 1 Samuel 18:8-9Saul's jealousy of David, which leads to a destructive pursuit, mirrors the destructive nature of envy seen in Joseph's brothers. James 3:16This verse speaks to the disorder and evil practices that arise from envy and selfish ambition, reflecting the chaos in Jacob's family. People Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, ZilpahPlaces Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of HebronTopics Able, Brethren, Brothers, Couldn't, Dearer, Friendliness, Friendly, Full, Greet, Hate, Hated, Joseph, Kind, Loved, Peaceably, Speak, TermsDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 37:4 5568 suffering, causes 5834 disagreement 5875 hatred 8733 envy 8773 jealousy 8796 persecution, forms of 8828 spite Genesis 37:1-11 8730 enemies, of believers Genesis 37:1-35 5738 sons Genesis 37:3-4 5095 Jacob, life 5661 brothers 5686 fathers, examples 5838 disrespect 5882 impartiality 8753 favouritism Genesis 37:4-5 6718 reconciliation, believers 8765 grudge Library Joseph, the Prime Minister 'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Trials and visions of Devout Youth 'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Man's Passions and God's Purpose 'And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Talmage -- a Bloody Monster Thomas De Witt Talmage was born at Bound Brook, N.J., in 1832. For many years he preached to large and enthusiastic congregations at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. At one time six hundred newspapers regularly printed his sermons. He was a man of great vitality, optimistic by nature, and particularly popular with young people. His voice was rather high and unmusical, but his distinct enunciation and earnestness of manner gave a peculiar attraction to his pulpit oratory. His rhetoric has been criticized … Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8 The Crucifixion. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Sixth Commandment Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column … Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 37:4 NIVGenesis 37:4 NLTGenesis 37:4 ESVGenesis 37:4 NASBGenesis 37:4 KJV
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