Genesis 37: The Beginning of Joseph’s Story

Genesis 37 marks the start of Joseph’s narrative, which is central to the latter part of the book of Genesis. It highlights themes of favoritism, jealousy, betrayal, and God’s sovereignty in shaping His purposes through human actions.

Jacob, also called Israel, is living in the land of Canaan. Among Jacob’s 12 sons, Joseph is his favorite because he was born to Jacob in his old age through Rachel, his beloved wife. Jacob gives Joseph a richly ornamented robe (often referred to as a “coat of many colors”), symbolizing his special status. This favoritism breeds hatred among Joseph’s brothers, who cannot speak to him peaceably.

Joseph shares two dreams with his family. In the first dream, Joseph and his brothers are binding sheaves of grain in the field, and the brothers’ sheaves bow to Joseph’s sheaf. In the second dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to Joseph. These dreams suggest Joseph’s future elevation over his family. The dreams intensify his brothers’ jealousy and even draw a rebuke from Jacob, though Jacob keeps the matter in mind.

Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers, who are tending the flocks in Shechem. Joseph travels from Hebron to Shechem and eventually to Dothan, where his brothers have moved. Seeing Joseph approach, the brothers conspire to kill him and throw him into a cistern, intending to say a wild animal devoured him. Reuben, the eldest, intervenes, suggesting they throw Joseph into the cistern without shedding blood, intending to rescue him later. When Joseph arrives, the brothers strip him of his robe and cast him into an empty cistern. While they eat, a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt passes by. Judah suggests selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites instead of killing him. The brothers sell Joseph for twenty pieces of silver, and he is taken to Egypt.

Reuben returns to the cistern and finds Joseph gone. In despair, he asks, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?” The brothers dip Joseph’s robe in goat’s blood and present it to Jacob, deceiving him into believing a wild animal killed Joseph. Jacob mourns deeply and refuses comfort from his family. Meanwhile, Joseph is sold in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials and captain of the guard.

Genesis 37 demonstrates the dangers of favoritism, as Jacob’s unequal treatment of his sons causes division and hostility within the family. The brothers’ jealousy leads to betrayal and violence, illustrating how unchecked envy can lead to sin. Despite the human failures and sins in the story, God’s overarching plan is at work. Joseph’s journey to Egypt, though tragic, is the first step in God’s plan to save His people during a future famine.

Joseph’s dreams foreshadow his eventual rise to power and the fulfillment of God’s purposes, even though they are initially met with disbelief and scorn. The chapter begins Joseph’s journey of suffering and eventual exaltation, which parallels the biblical theme of redemption through suffering.

Genesis 37 reminds readers that God’s plans are often hidden in the midst of human struggles and failings. While Joseph’s story begins with betrayal and suffering, it is a key part of God’s providential plan for the salvation of His people. This chapter also challenges us to reflect on our relationships, particularly in family dynamics, and to consider how favoritism, jealousy, and unresolved conflicts can lead to destruction. At the same time, it offers hope that God can redeem even the darkest situations for His glory and our good.