Joseph the Son of Israel

These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Genesis 37:2-4

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4

Israel’s eleventh son is Joseph. Joseph is the first son of Israel’s beloved, but now deceased, wife Rachel. He is the second to the last of Israel’s twelve sons, the last being Benjamin. Israel loved Joseph more than all of his sons and he used Joseph to get reports on the behaviors of all of his other sons, including the “murderers” Simeon and Levi. Israel even gives Joseph a special garment symbolizing the rainbow covenant between God and man. As a result of this preferential treatment Israel inadvertently sets in motion many years of sorrow and loss.

Prayer for Today: God You know how easily we can get sidetracked and get involved with issues we did not intend to get into. We thank You that even then You know what is happening and You know how to use even these events to bring us closer to You. Help us to stay as close as possible to You and to not allow these events to interfere with Your plans of blessing for us and for those around us. Thank You for Your love and care.