Genesis 37:1-4 - Partiality always causes division

The account of Joseph’s life is about the fulfilment of God’s plan for His chosen people. In Genesis 15:13-14, God had prophetically told Abraham that his descendants would be strangers and enslaved in a land that wasn’t theirs for 400 years. But God promised that He would judge the nation that enslaved them. After they had served out their enslavement, they as a nation would come out with much possessions. It was in the life of Joseph, this prophetic word concerning Israel, as a people in bondage, took shape. But more than that, the story of Joseph’s life tells us that God works through the events of everyday life. It’s about God objectively moving His plan forward, through the ordinary everyday life of His creation. Joseph’s rejection by his brothers was God’s providential move, to bring him progressively to the position where he would be instrumental for the preservation of His people.

In Genesis 36, we learned of Isaac’s death and burial and also Esau’s departure. The transition had taken place. Esau’s departure gave Jacob a real grip of the Promised Land. He was now living in Canaan. Genesis 37:2 tells us that the young 17-year old Joseph was out in the field shepherding the flock with his brothers, namely Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher, those bore to Jacob by Bilhah and Zilpah. Here we are first given a glimpse of the proclivity of Joseph. He was far from perfect as he had often been painted to be. In this same verse, we are told that he would carry tales to his father concerning his brothers. Though we are not told of how Jacob had reacted with what he heard, we can roughly sense the chiding the brothers must have had from their father. They obviously would loath the fact that their father had favored him over them. This is a blow below the belt. It is obvious that no one likes a squealer. Much less one who takes advantage of their favored position and tells on others.

We also recall how Jacob’s nonchalance over Dinah’s rape had already caused her brothers to take matters into their hand. In their minds, Jacob had never attached any importance to any of them other than Joseph. The resentment they had toward Joseph heightened when their father’s blatant partiality was seen in the specially tailored multicolour tunic Joseph was given. Can you imagine what went through their minds when Joseph walked in wearing the multi-colored coat? Verse 4 said, “His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.” So inflamed were they that they would rebuff every friendly gesture Joseph would show toward them. They literally loathed his presence.  

This short four verses tell us of what can cause division within a family or a fellowship of believers. It’s hard for harmonious relationship when there exist a person with the penchant of snitching on others. It’s already hard to accept when true facts concerning a person are spoken behind his or her back. It is worst when they are not facts but untruths and distortions. Never tell tales on others because it’s the surest way to create misunderstanding. We also learn from these verses that playing favoritism can cause rejection and bitterness in those not within the circle of favorites. In life people are always looking for acceptance, approval and appreciation. Playing favorite will always generate rejection in others who deem themselves not favored. So be careful that partiality is not shown or practiced in any circle of people.