Genesis 37: A Story of Jealousy, Dreams, and God’s Plan

Genesis 37 introduces us to Joseph, a young man with big dreams and a complicated family. This chapter sets the stage for an epic story filled with twists and turns, ultimately revealing God’s hand at work even in the midst of human turmoil.

What Happened?

• Joseph’s Dreams: Joseph receives two vivid dreams that indicate his future prominence, even over his parents and brothers. He shares these dreams, which only fuels the already existing jealousy among his brothers.
• Favouritism: Jacob clearly favours Joseph, giving him a special coat of many colours. This favouritism further alienates Joseph from his brothers.
• Jealousy and Betrayal: When Joseph’s brothers see him coming, they plot to kill him. However, Reuben intervenes, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead. Ultimately, they sell Joseph into slavery to a passing caravan.
• Deception: The brothers deceive their father by covering Joseph’s coat in blood, leading Jacob to believe his beloved son has been killed by a wild animal.

Why is this Important?

This chapter highlights several key themes:

• The destructive nature of jealousy and envy: Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy leads them to commit a terrible act. This story serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing these emotions to control us.
• The importance of dreams and visions: Joseph’s dreams provide a glimpse into God’s plan for his life. Even though the path to fulfilling those dreams is filled with challenges, God is ultimately in control.
• God’s sovereignty: Even in the midst of human sin and brokenness, God is working to accomplish His purposes. Joseph’s story demonstrates that God can use even difficult circumstances for good.
• The complexities of family relationships: The story reveals the challenges of family dynamics, including favouritism, sibling rivalry, and betrayal.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have you ever experienced jealousy or envy towards someone else? How did you handle those feelings?
2. Do you believe in the power of dreams and visions? How can we discern if a dream is from God?
3. How does this story demonstrate God’s sovereignty even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
4. What lessons can we learn about family relationships from this chapter? How can we foster healthy family dynamics?
5. Despite the challenges Joseph faces, how does his story inspire hope?

Challenge

Reflect on any areas in your life where jealousy or envy might be hindering your relationships or your relationship with God. Ask God to help you overcome these negative emotions and to trust in His plan for your life, even when it’s difficult to understand.

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Genesis 37: The Storm Clouds Gather

A Beloved Son, A Hated Brother (v. 1-4)

“Joseph, a shepherd, feeding the flock with his brethren.” (v. 2)  

Matthew Henry observes how, despite being his father’s favourite, Joseph was not raised in luxury. He laboured alongside his brothers, an important lesson for parents today. Spurgeon adds a spiritual dimension, likening Joseph to Christ: “The type of Christ is clear…He was the beloved Son of His Father and yet hated by a wicked world.”

“Israel loved Joseph more than all his children…and he made him a coat of many colours.” (v. 3)

Jacob’s favouritism, symbolised by the ornate coat, fuels his sons’ jealousy. Henry cautions against parental partiality, while Spurgeon notes how the coat “distinguished him, and made him the observed of all observers.” This mirrors Christ, who was both exalted and despised.

Dreams and Discord (v. 5-11)

“Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him even more.” (v. 5)  

Joseph’s prophetic dreams further isolate him. Spurgeon highlights the brothers’ reaction: “Their hatred was intensified because he did not conceal his dreams.” This foreshadows how the world will reject Christ’s message.

“Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” (v. 9)

Henry interprets this as a clear prediction of Joseph’s future exaltation. Spurgeon adds, “Joseph’s dreams were from God…and though they angered his brethren, they were true, and would be fulfilled.”

The Plot Thickens (v. 12-24)

“His brothers saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him.” (v. 18)  

The brothers’ hatred escalates to murderous intent. Henry points out their cruelty, while Spurgeon observes, “They hated him without a cause…a common experience for those loved by God.”

“Reuben heard it and rescued him out of their hands, saying, ‘Let us not take his life.'” (v. 21)  

Reuben’s intervention provides a glimmer of hope. Henry calls this a “check to their passion,” while Spurgeon notes Reuben’s intention to return Joseph to his father later.  

Betrayal and Deceit (v. 25-30)

“They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.” (v. 28)  

Joseph is cruelly sold into slavery. Henry condemns this act of “barbarous treachery,” while Spurgeon laments, “For a few pieces of silver they sold their brother…a picture of Judas’ betrayal of Christ.”  

“They took Joseph’s coat, dipped it in blood, and brought it to their father.” (v. 31)  

The brothers deceive their father with a lie. Henry calls this “an act of the greatest inhumanity,” while Spurgeon notes, “They added sin to sin, hardening their hearts.”  

A Father’s Grief (v. 31-36)

“He recognised it and said, ‘It is my son’s coat! A wild animal has devoured him! Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.'” (v. 33)

Jacob’s anguish is heart-wrenching. Henry highlights a father’s worst fear realised, while Spurgeon reminds us, “Sin always brings sorrow.”

“All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.” (v. 35)  

Jacob’s grief is inconsolable. Henry acknowledges the depth of his sorrow, while Spurgeon draws a parallel to God’s mourning over lost sinners.

Conclusion

Genesis 37 is a story of envy, betrayal, and sorrow, but also of God’s providence at work. As both Spurgeon and Henry emphasise, Joseph’s suffering foreshadows Christ’s, and his eventual exaltation points to the hope of redemption. Even in the darkest moments, God’s purposes are unfolding.