‏ Genesis 37

Genesis 37:1-4: The History of Joseph

These verses begin the story of Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons. Unlike the short history of Esau, the story of Jacob’s family is long and important. Joseph, although loved dearly by his father, is not spoiled—he works with his brothers as a shepherd. However, Jacob’s special love for Joseph and the way Joseph reports his brothers’ bad behavior causes trouble in the family. This passage warns about the problems that can come from favoritism and jealousy among brothers (Genesis 37:1-4 ^a).

v. 1: Jacob lives as a foreigner in Canaan, just as his father Isaac did. This reminds us that God’s people will not be truly at home until they are with Him in heaven.

v. 2: Joseph, at seventeen years old, helps his brothers take care of the sheep. Even though Joseph is his father’s favorite, he is not lazy. He also brings his father a report about his brothers’ wrong actions. Joseph is not telling tales to be mean, but trying to help his father correct their behavior. Sometimes, people who try to help others change are seen as enemies (Proverbs 9:8 ^b).

v. 3: Israel (Jacob) loves Joseph more than his other children, because Joseph was born when Jacob was old and brought him much comfort. Jacob shows this special love by giving Joseph a colorful coat, which may also mean special honor. Parents should be careful not to show favoritism, because it can cause problems among siblings.

v. 4: Joseph’s brothers notice that their father loves Joseph most. Because of this, they begin to hate Joseph and cannot even speak kindly to him. Jealousy and favoritism lead to family problems and arguments.

Genesis 37:5-11: Joseph’s Dreams

In this passage, Joseph has two special dreams that show his future importance in the family. Even though Joseph is still young, God gives him these dreams to encourage him for the hard times ahead. When Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers and his father, it makes his brothers even more jealous and angry. The dreams seem strange at first, but they are a sign from God about what will happen later in Joseph’s life (Genesis 37:5-11 ^c).

v. 5-7: Joseph dreams that he and his brothers are tying up bundles of grain in the field. Suddenly, his bundle stands up, and his brothers’ bundles gather around and bow down to his. He tells his brothers about the dream, but this only makes them hate him more. The dream means that one day his brothers will come to him for help, especially during the famine (Genesis 42:6 ^d).

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v. 8: Joseph’s brothers understand what the dream means. They ask, “Will you really rule over us?” and become even angrier. It is common for people to dislike those who seem to be chosen or favored by God. This reaction is like how some people reject the rule of Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:45 ^e).

v. 9: Joseph has another dream. This time, he sees the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. He tells this dream to his brothers. The dream shows that not only his brothers, but his whole family, will one day honor him.

v. 10: Joseph tells his father about the dream, and Jacob gently rebukes him. Jacob asks, “Will I, your mother, and your brothers really bow down to you?” He seems to doubt the dream, especially since Joseph’s mother has died, but he also thinks more deeply about what it could mean.

v. 11: Joseph’s brothers become even more jealous of him, but his father remembers what Joseph said and keeps thinking about it. Sometimes, God’s promises do not make sense right away, but He will still do what He has planned (Luke 2:51 ^f).

Genesis 37:12-22: Joseph Sent to His Brothers and Their Plot Against Him

In this passage, Joseph’s brothers are taking care of their father’s sheep in Shechem. Jacob sends Joseph to check on them and the flocks, showing Joseph’s obedience and concern for his brothers. However, when Joseph finds them, his brothers make an evil plan to kill him because of their jealousy and anger about his dreams. Reuben tries to protect Joseph by suggesting they do not kill him, but put him in a pit instead. God is working behind the scenes, even when people are planning to do wrong (Genesis 37:12-22 ^g).

v. 12-14: Jacob tells Joseph to go to Shechem and check on his brothers and the sheep. Joseph obeys right away, even though his brothers dislike him. This shows Joseph’s respect for his father and his willingness to help his family, even if it is difficult or dangerous (Genesis 37:13 ^h).

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v. 15-17: When Joseph reaches Shechem, his brothers are not there. A man finds Joseph wandering in the fields and tells him they have gone to Dothan. Joseph keeps searching for his brothers, showing his dedication and brotherly love.

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v. 18-20: Joseph’s brothers see him coming from far away and make a plan to kill him. They call him "this dreamer" and decide to throw him into a pit and pretend that a wild animal killed him. Their jealousy and hatred make them plan evil together (Genesis 37:18-20; 1 John 3:15 ⁱ).

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v. 21-22: Reuben hears the plan and tries to save Joseph. He suggests they do not kill Joseph but throw him into a pit instead. Reuben secretly hopes to rescue Joseph and bring him back to their father. Sometimes God uses even small acts of kindness from others to help those in trouble (Genesis 37:21-22 ^j).

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Genesis 37:23-30: Joseph Is Thrown into a Pit and Sold

In these verses, Joseph’s brothers carry out their cruel plan against him. First, they take away his special coat and throw him into a deep, empty pit. Instead of feeling sorry for him, they sit down to eat. When some traders come by, the brothers decide to sell Joseph as a slave for twenty pieces of silver. Reuben, the oldest, is upset when he finds out Joseph is gone, because he had secretly hoped to save him. Even though the brothers meant to harm Joseph, God is using these events to fulfill His bigger plan (Genesis 37:23-30 ^k).

v. 23: As soon as Joseph arrives, his brothers strip off his coat of many colors. This coat was a sign of their father’s love, and by taking it, they insult both Joseph and their father .

v. 24: The brothers throw Joseph into an empty pit with no water. They leave him there to die slowly. Their jealousy is so strong that they forget kindness and mercy (Genesis 37:24; Proverbs 27:4 ^l).

v. 25: While Joseph is suffering, the brothers sit down to eat, showing they have no guilt. They see a group of Ishmaelite traders coming from Gilead on their way to Egypt. At this time, the brothers think they are finished with Joseph, but they do not realize God’s plan is still at work .

v. 26-27: Judah suggests that instead of killing Joseph, they should sell him as a slave to the traders. This way, they will not be guilty of his blood, and they might even make a profit. The brothers agree with this plan (Genesis 37:26-27 ^m).

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v. 28: The Midianite merchants take Joseph out of the pit and sell him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Joseph is taken to Egypt. God is turning the brothers’ evil plan into something that will later save many people (Psalm 76:10 ⁿ).

v. 29-30: Reuben returns to the pit and is shocked to find Joseph gone. He tears his clothes in grief and asks his brothers, “Where can I go?” Reuben is upset because, as the oldest, he feels responsible and had planned to rescue Joseph (Genesis 37:29-30 ^o).

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Genesis 37:31-36: Jacob Is Deceived and Joseph Is Sold in Egypt

In this passage, Joseph’s brothers try to hide their crime by making their father believe Joseph is dead. They use his special coat, dipped in goat’s blood, to trick Jacob. Jacob is heartbroken and refuses to be comforted, thinking his beloved son has been killed by a wild animal. Meanwhile, Joseph is sold as a slave in Egypt. This shows how sin can lead to more sin, and how lies can cause great pain in families (Genesis 37:31-36 ^p).

v. 31-32: The brothers take Joseph’s coat and dip it in goat’s blood. They bring the bloody coat to Jacob and ask if it is Joseph’s, pretending they just found it. They want to cover up their crime and avoid suspicion (Job 31:33 ^q).

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v. 33: Jacob recognizes the coat and immediately believes Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. He is sure his son is dead, even though this is not true. Love sometimes makes us fear the worst for those we care about most.

v. 34: Jacob is overcome with grief. He tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, and mourns for Joseph for many days. He feels guilty for sending Joseph on the journey and blames himself for what happened.

v. 35: All of Jacob’s children try to comfort him, but he refuses to be comforted. He says he will be sad until he dies. His grief is deep and lasting, showing how strong love can lead to great sorrow. Sometimes, we make things worse for ourselves by thinking our troubles are greater than they really are.

v. 36: Meanwhile, Joseph is sold in Egypt to Potiphar, an important officer of Pharaoh. Joseph’s life changes suddenly from being a beloved son to being a slave. This is the beginning of a new and difficult chapter for Joseph, and it shows that we should prepare for hard times, because we never know what may happen in life (Genesis 37:36 ^r).