Genesis Chapter 37 Bible Study – Joseph’s Dreams and His Brothers’ Jealousy

Jacob Settles in Canaan and Favors Joseph (Genesis 37:1-4)

Genesis 37 begins by introducing Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son born to Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons and gave him a richly ornamented coat, often called the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism caused Joseph’s brothers to hate him and harbor resentment (Genesis 37:4). The coat symbolized Jacob’s special affection and Joseph’s unique position in the family.

Joseph’s Dreams Increase His Brothers’ Jealousy (Genesis 37:5-11)

Joseph shares two dreams that hint at his future rise above his brothers, which intensifies their hatred.

In the first dream, Joseph and his brothers were binding sheaves of grain when Joseph’s sheaf stood upright, and his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to it (Genesis 37:6-7).

In the second dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to Joseph (Genesis 37:9). Joseph’s family interprets these as symbolic of his father, mother, and brothers bowing to him (Genesis 37:10).

Joseph’s dreams reveal God’s plan to elevate him, but his brothers perceive them as arrogant and boastful, deepening their animosity (Genesis 37:11).

Joseph Sent to Check on His Brothers (Genesis 37:12-17)

Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers who are feeding the flocks near Shechem (Genesis 37:12-14). When Joseph arrives, he learns from a man in the field that his brothers have moved to Dothan (Genesis 37:14-17). This mission, meant to keep the family informed, places Joseph in a vulnerable position.

The Brothers Plot Against Joseph (Genesis 37:18-28)

Joseph’s brothers see him coming and plot to kill him out of jealousy and anger (Genesis 37:18-20). Reuben, the eldest, tries to save Joseph by suggesting they throw him into a pit instead, planning to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22).

However, when Joseph arrives, they strip him of his coat and cast him into an empty pit (Genesis 37:23-24).

While they eat, a caravan of Ishmaelite traders passes by traveling to Egypt (Genesis 37:25). Judah suggests selling Joseph to the traders instead of killing him to avoid bloodguilt (Genesis 37:26-27). The brothers agree, sell Joseph for twenty pieces of silver, and Joseph is taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

The Deception of Joseph’s Death (Genesis 37:29-36)

After selling Joseph, the brothers dip his coat in goat’s blood and present it to Jacob, who assumes Joseph has been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Jacob mourns deeply and refuses to be comforted (Genesis 37:34-35).

Meanwhile, the Midianite traders sell Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard in Egypt (Genesis 37:36). This marks the beginning of Joseph’s journey from favored son to slave, setting the stage for God’s providential plan.

Theological Themes and Cross References

Favoritism and Family Discord

Jacob’s favoritism (Genesis 37:3) parallels Isaac’s love for Esau and Rebekah’s love for Jacob (Genesis 25:28), showing how parental partiality can cause division and strife.

God’s Sovereign Plan Revealed in Dreams

Joseph’s dreams are God’s method of revealing future purposes (Genesis 28:12-15; Daniel 2). Though misunderstood and resented, they foreshadow God’s providence.

Human Sin and Divine Providence

The brothers’ evil plot contrasts with God’s purpose. What was meant for harm, God uses for good (Genesis 50:20).

The Cost of Jealousy and Deception

The brothers’ deception causes pain to their father and themselves, illustrating the destructive power of envy (James 3:16).

Practical Lessons from Genesis 37

  1. Avoid Favoritism in Families – It breeds resentment and conflict.
  2. Trust God’s Plan Even When Misunderstood – Joseph’s dreams were divine but caused strife before fulfillment.
  3. Guard Against Jealousy – It leads to destructive actions.
  4. Deception Has Consequences – The brothers’ lie hurts their family deeply.
  5. God Can Redeem Difficult Situations – Joseph’s sale into Egypt begins a redemptive story for Israel.