Genesis Chapter 37: Coat of Many Colors, Joseph Sold By Brethren
Mar 9th, 2010 | By admin | Category: Genesis, Verse by Verse --Studies led by Br. Frank Shallieu (Click on Book name)When the ten brothers (not Benjamin) saw Joseph approaching afar off, they conspired to slay him. Joseph’s life contains incidents that are an allegory of Jesus. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, and so was Jesus. Jesus “came unto his own, and his own received him not. But [to] as many as received him, … [he gave the privilege and] power to become the sons of God” (John 1:11,12). Jesus was slain, and there was an attempt to slay Joseph.
This incident shows the progression of evil if we harbor envy or hatred in our hearts. Such a heart condition could lead to murder. Earlier, when the brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than he loved them, they hated Joseph. By not coming to grips with their feelings, they progressed in evil until they were ready to slay him. The lesson is that as soon as we recognize any envy or pride in our hearts or minds, we must take immediate steps to get rid of the feeling. Any root of bitterness or malice must be dealt with right away lest it grow.