Bible Commentaries

Genesis 37:3, etc.

Jacob was wrong in making a favourite of Joseph. The coat of many colours was the dress the firstborn child was to wear. In giving it to Joseph, Jacob was making him like the firstborn son. It was a beautiful white tunic, with a great many pieces bound upon it—not many colours like a rainbow.

I. Joseph's coat must have been a snare to him, for we read that he was a tell-tale. He told his father about the wrong things that his brothers did. Never tell of others till you have used every possible persuasion. If you try to do good to others, you must be very good yourself.

II. Just at that time Joseph had two dreams. Perhaps it was the wearing of the coat that made him have these dreams. He was a little proud about the coat, so he had proud dreams.

III. When his father sent him to Dothan, we find that Joseph was very obedient and very brave. He went at once. He lost his way, but he was so persevering he would not go back, because he was determined not to return without doing what his father told him; and even after his brothers had sold him, we find that he was patient and forgiving. The reason was that he loved God and tried to please Him. God took care of him and blessed him through life.

J. Vaughan, Sermons to Children, 4th series, p. 317.

References: Genesis 37:12, Genesis 37:35.—W. M. Taylor, Joseph the Prime Minister, p. 20; R. S. Candlish, Book of Genesis, vol. ii., p. 120. Genesis 37:18.—Parker, Hidden Springs, p. 140. Genesis 37:19.—Parker, vol. i., p. 287; Christian World Pulpit, vol. xxvii., p. 262. Genesis 37:25-36.—R. S. Candlish, Book of Genesis, vol. ii., p. 128. Genesis 37:33.—Homiletic Magazine, vol. xii., p. 139. Genesis 37:36.—Preacher's Monthly, vol. vii., p. 167. Gen 38—R. S. Candlish, Book of Genesis, vol. ii., p. 128. Gen 39—F. W. Robertson, Notes on Genesis, p. 140; Parker, vol. i., p. 294; M. Dods, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, p. 165; R. S. Candlish, Book of Genesis, vol. ii., p. 138. Genesis 39:1.—Ibid., p. 128. Genesis 39:1-7.—W. M. Taylor, Joseph the Prime Minister, p. 33. Genesis 39:2.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. xxvii., No. 1610; G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons, p. 369. Genesis 39:2-21.—Clergyman's Magazine, vol. xiv., p. 96. Genesis 39:7-23.—W. M. Taylor, Joseph the Prime Minister, p. 48.