The tension between Joseph and his brothers is first introduced in Genesis 37:3–4:
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.”
Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph stirred jealousy and resentment among his brothers. This favoritism was further amplified when Joseph received a special coat, a sign of honor and distinction. In addition to this, Joseph shared dreams that suggested he would one day rule over his family. Genesis 37:5 records:
“Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.”
In his dreams, Joseph saw his brothers’ sheaves bowing to his sheaf and the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him (Genesis 37:7, 9). These dreams, though prophetic, increased their hostility because they perceived them as arrogance.
Ultimately, their hatred grew so strong that they plotted to kill him (Genesis 37:18). Though they stopped short of murder, they sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:28), setting in motion a series of events that God would later use for good (Genesis 50:20).
The account of Joseph’s brothers teaches us about the destructive power of envy and unchecked bitterness. Favoritism within a family can breed division, but jealousy and hatred are choices of the heart. This passage also shows how God can take human sin and use it to accomplish His greater plan for salvation.
