Read Genesis 37
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3–4 NIV
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3–4 NIV
* * *
Jacob and Rachel waited many years before Rachel conceived.
By then, Jacob already had sons by his wife Leah and their two maidservants,
Zilpah and Bilhah. Rachael's firstborn, Joseph quickly became his father's
favorite. This special treatment of the younger son caused resentment and
hatred, particularly by the sons of Jacob's concubines.
Jacob must have
forgotten the pain of his own father's preferential love for Esau, for now he
was repeating the pattern. Both Isaac and Jacob suffered the loss of a son
because of favoritism. Jacob had to flee to his relatives and Joseph was sold
into slavery in Egypt.
* * *
Lord, help us to avoid comparing our children or
grandchildren in an unfavorable way. Give us sensitivity to the feelings of each
child and the ability to appreciate his or her unique personality and abilities.
I pray like the Psalmist, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden
faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable
in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:12, 14 NKJV)
* * *
Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for
his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he
refused to be comforted.… Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to
Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials.Genesis 37:34–36 NIV
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