Genesis Chapter 37

The Explained Book of Genesis Chapter 37 by Anietie Hanson

 Study Bible: Genesis Chapter 37 – The Beginning of Joseph’s Story

Introduction

Genesis Chapter 37 marks the beginning of the remarkable story of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons. This chapter explores themes of familial favoritism, jealousy, betrayal, and God’s sovereignty in the midst of trials. Joseph’s journey starts with his dreams, which foreshadow his rise to prominence, and the chapter concludes with him being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Through these events, we see the unfolding of God’s providential plan for Joseph and his role in the survival and redemption of his family.

With 36 verses, this chapter introduces Joseph as a pivotal figure in the narrative of Genesis, laying the groundwork for God’s plan to preserve His chosen people. Let’s examine each verse in detail, drawing out its symbols, meanings, and connections to other scriptural passages, exclusively using the World English Bible (WEB).

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Genesis 37:1

"Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan."

Explanation: This verse reaffirms Jacob’s presence in Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:8). The reference to “the land of his father’s travels” underscores the nomadic nature of Abraham’s and Isaac’s journeys and the fulfillment of God’s covenant. The mention of Canaan ties Joseph’s story to the broader narrative of God’s promises to His people. Hebrews 11:9 reflects this faith: "By faith he lived as a foreigner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own." Canaan represents both physical and spiritual inheritance.

Genesis 37:2

"This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father."

Explanation: The narrative shifts focus to Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh son, emphasizing his youth (seventeen years old) and his close relationship with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. Joseph’s evil report about his brothers suggests his integrity and concern for righteousness but also foreshadows the growing rift between him and his siblings. Proverbs 10:18 warns of the consequences of speaking against others: "He who hides hatred has lying lips. One who utters a slander is a fool." This verse sets the stage for Joseph’s isolation within his family.

Genesis 37:3

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors."

Explanation: Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph, the son of his old age, reflects his deep affection for Rachel’s firstborn. The tunic of many colors, a symbol of distinction and honor, sets Joseph apart from his brothers and fuels their jealousy. This favoritism mirrors earlier family dynamics, such as Isaac’s preference for Esau and Rebekah’s for Jacob (Genesis 25:28). James 2:1 cautions against favoritism: "Don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality." The tunic becomes a focal point of Joseph’s brothers’ resentment.

Genesis 37:4

"His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him."

Explanation: The brothers’ hatred stems from Jacob’s blatant favoritism, deepening their animosity toward Joseph. Their inability to “speak peaceably” reflects the breakdown of family relationships and highlights the destructive power of jealousy. Proverbs 14:30 warns: "Envy is the rottenness of the bones." This verse emphasizes the emotional and relational strain within Jacob’s family, setting the stage for the betrayal that follows.

Genesis 37:5

"Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more."

Explanation: Joseph’s first dream introduces his prophetic gift and foreshadows his rise to prominence. However, sharing the dream with his brothers exacerbates their hatred. Dreams often serve as a means of divine communication in Scripture, as seen with Daniel and others. Joel 2:28 foretells: "Your old men will dream dreams; your young men will see visions." Joseph’s dreams reflect God’s unfolding plan, though misunderstood by his brothers.

Genesis 37:6–7

"He said to them, 'Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.'"

Explanation: Joseph’s dream of binding sheaves reflects an agricultural setting, connecting it to the brothers’ livelihood. The imagery of the sheaves bowing down to Joseph’s sheaf symbolizes his eventual authority over his brothers. This dream foreshadows his role in Egypt as a leader during a famine, where his brothers will come to him for sustenance (Genesis 42:6). Psalm 105:16–17 affirms Joseph’s role in God’s plan: "He called for a famine on the land... He sent a man before them. Joseph was sold for a slave." The dream reveals God’s sovereignty and Joseph’s future prominence.

Genesis 37:8

"His brothers said to him, 'Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?' They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words."

Explanation: The brothers’ rhetorical questions—“Will you reign over us?”—show their scorn and disbelief at the implication of Joseph’s dream. Their increasing hatred reflects their resentment not only toward Joseph’s dreams but also toward his favored status. Proverbs 27:4 underscores the destructive nature of jealousy: "Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?" This verse highlights the growing conflict that will lead to their betrayal of Joseph.

Genesis 37:9

"He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, 'Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed down to me.'"

Explanation: The second dream expands the symbolism, with the sun, moon, and eleven stars representing Joseph’s family (his father, mother, and eleven brothers) bowing to him. This vision underscores Joseph’s destiny of leadership, ordained by God. Revelation 12:1 mirrors this imagery: "A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." While Joseph’s brothers see this dream as arrogance, it is a prophetic glimpse into God’s plan for Joseph’s life.

Genesis 37:10–11

"He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, 'What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?' His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind."

Explanation: Jacob’s rebuke—“Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed bow?”—reflects his initial skepticism, yet the phrase “kept this saying in mind” reveals his contemplation of its deeper significance. This parallels Mary’s response to prophetic words about Jesus in Luke 2:19: "But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart." The brothers’ envy intensifies, showing the tension between divine purpose and human emotions.

Genesis 37:12–13

"His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, 'Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.' He said to him, 'Here I am.'"

Explanation: Jacob’s instruction to send Joseph to Shechem, where his brothers are grazing the flock, sets the stage for the betrayal. The mention of Shechem, a location of previous conflict (Genesis 34), foreshadows impending trouble. Joseph’s obedient response—“Here I am”—reveals his readiness to serve, contrasting with his brothers’ resentment. Isaiah 6:8 echoes this willingness: "Here I am. Send me!" This moment emphasizes Joseph’s innocence and devotion to his family.

Genesis 37:14–17

"He said to him, 'Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again.' So he sent him out of the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, 'What are you looking for?' He said, 'I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.' The man said, 'They have left here, for I heard them say, "Let us go to Dothan."' Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan."

Explanation: Jacob’s concern for the well-being of his sons and flocks underscores his role as a shepherd and patriarch. Joseph’s encounter with the unnamed man, who directs him to Dothan, illustrates divine providence guiding Joseph toward his destiny. While this chance meeting seems incidental, it aligns with God’s sovereign plan. Psalm 37:23 reminds us: "A man’s steps are established by God." Dothan becomes the site of Joseph’s betrayal, furthering the divine narrative.

Genesis 37:18–20

"They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. They said to one another, 'Behold, this dreamer comes! Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, "An evil animal has devoured him." We will see what will become of his dreams.'"

Explanation: The brothers’ plot—“let’s kill him”—reveals the depth of their jealousy, fueled by Joseph’s dreams and favoritism. Referring to him as “this dreamer” belittles his prophetic role and emphasizes their disdain. Their plan to dispose of him in a pit and blame an animal attack reflects their deceitfulness. Proverbs 6:16–17 warns against such evil intentions: "God hates… hands that shed innocent blood." This conspiracy reflects humanity’s tendency toward jealousy and sin but also sets the stage for God’s redemptive plan.

Genesis 37:21–22

"Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, 'Let’s not take his life.' Reuben said to them, 'Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him'—that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father."

Explanation: Reuben, the eldest of Jacob’s sons, intervenes to spare Joseph’s life, proposing instead to throw him into a pit. His intent—“to restore him to his father”—suggests a sense of responsibility as the eldest, though his failure to fully protect Joseph reflects his weakened authority, possibly due to his earlier indiscretions (Genesis 35:22). Proverbs 24:11 aligns with Reuben’s attempt to save Joseph: "Rescue those who are being led away to death." This action highlights Reuben’s struggle between duty and fear of his brothers.

Genesis 37:23–24

"When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him; and they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it."

Explanation: The brothers stripping Joseph of his tunic symbolizes their rejection of his favored status and their resentment of Jacob’s favoritism. The pit, an empty and waterless cistern, becomes a place of abandonment and despair. This imagery parallels Psalm 40:2: "He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay." While the brothers’ actions signify betrayal, the empty pit represents both Joseph’s isolation and the beginning of God’s providential plan for his deliverance.

Genesis 37:25

"They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt."

Explanation: The brothers’ meal while Joseph languishes in the pit underscores their callousness, reflecting their hardened hearts. The arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan, transporting goods to Egypt, marks a turning point. The mention of spices, balm, and myrrh connects Joseph’s story to broader trade networks of the ancient world and foreshadows Egypt’s role as a place of both bondage and deliverance for Israel. This caravan also represents God’s providence in moving Joseph toward his destiny. Proverbs 16:9 reveals: "A man’s heart plans his course, but God directs his steps."

Genesis 37:26–27

"Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.' His brothers listened to him."

Explanation: Judah’s suggestion—“let’s sell him”—shifts the brothers’ plan from murder to slavery, motivated by greed and a feigned sense of mercy. By emphasizing Joseph as “our brother, our flesh,” Judah appeals to their shared kinship while still betraying him. This act foreshadows Judah’s later redemption and role as an ancestor of the Messiah. Genesis 49:10 prophesies: "The scepter will not depart from Judah." This verse highlights God’s sovereignty in working through even flawed individuals.

Genesis 37:28 (Completed)

"Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They brought Joseph into Egypt."

Explanation Recap: Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers and sale for twenty pieces of silver foreshadows redemptive themes seen later in Scripture, such as Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The actions of the Midianites and Ishmaelites further highlight how human sin and cruelty can still serve divine purposes, as God orchestrates Joseph's journey toward Egypt to fulfill His larger plan.

Genesis 37:29–30 (Completed)

"Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes. He returned to his brothers, and said, 'The child is no more; and I, where will I go?'"

Explanation Recap: Reuben’s grief reflects his feeling of failure as the eldest son. His attempt to restore Joseph to Jacob is thwarted, illustrating the limits of human intentions when God’s overarching plan is at work.

Genesis 37:31–33 (Completed)

"They took Joseph’s tunic, killed a male goat, and dipped the tunic in the blood. They took the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, 'We have found this. Examine it now, and see if it is your son’s tunic or not.' He recognized it, and said, 'It is my son’s tunic. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.'"

Explanation Recap: The brothers’ deception using the tunic preys on Jacob’s emotions and symbolizes the false conclusions often drawn from misleading evidence. Jacob’s immediate belief reflects the depth of his love for Joseph and sets up a prolonged period of mourning.

Genesis 37:34–35 (Completed)

"Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, 'For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning.' His father wept for him."

Explanation Recap: Jacob’s mourning and refusal to be comforted reflect the depth of his grief and the mistaken belief that he has lost his beloved son forever. His statement about going down to Sheol expresses a longing to reunite with Joseph in death, reflecting the emotional toll of perceived loss.

Genesis 37:36

"The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard."

Explanation Recap: Joseph’s sale to Potiphar, a significant Egyptian official, signals the beginning of his transformation from a betrayed brother to a prominent figure in Egypt. This verse transitions into the next phase of Joseph’s journey and demonstrates God’s providential hand, as even acts of betrayal lead to Joseph’s rise and the preservation of God’s covenant people.

Questions and Answers on Genesis Chapter 37

1.      Why was Joseph given a tunic of many colors in Genesis 37:3?

o    The tunic symbolized Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph as the son of his old age and Rachel’s firstborn.

2.      What was the significance of Joseph’s first dream in Genesis 37:7?

o    The dream of sheaves bowing down to Joseph symbolized his future leadership and the eventual dependence of his brothers on him.

3.      How did the brothers react to Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:8?

o    They hated him even more, interpreting his dreams as arrogance and a threat to their authority.

4.      Why did Jacob send Joseph to his brothers in Genesis 37:13?

o    Jacob wanted Joseph to check on the welfare of his brothers and their flock, illustrating his care for his family.

5.      What role did Reuben play in Genesis 37:21–22?

o    Reuben attempted to save Joseph’s life by suggesting they throw him into a pit rather than kill him outright, planning to rescue him later.

6.      What does the pit in Genesis 37:24 symbolize?

o    The pit represents isolation, despair, and the starting point of Joseph’s transformative journey.

7.      Who were the Ishmaelites and Midianites in Genesis 37:28?

o    They were traders who purchased Joseph from his brothers and transported him to Egypt, acting as unwitting agents of God’s plan.

8.      Why did the brothers dip Joseph’s tunic in blood in Genesis 37:31?

o    They used the blood to deceive Jacob into believing that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

9.      How did Jacob respond to the news of Joseph’s supposed death in Genesis 37:34–35?

o    Jacob mourned deeply, refusing to be comforted, and expressed his belief that he would grieve until death.

10.  What does Potiphar’s role in Genesis 37:36 foreshadow?

o    Potiphar’s position as captain of the guard sets the stage for Joseph’s rise in Egypt and eventual imprisonment, where God’s plan continues to unfold.

11.  What themes are introduced in Genesis Chapter 37?

o    Themes of jealousy, betrayal, divine providence, and the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan are central to this chapter.

12.  How does Genesis Chapter 37 connect to God’s covenant promises?

o    Joseph’s journey to Egypt begins the process by which God will preserve Jacob’s family and fulfill His promise to make them a great nation.

Final Thoughts

Genesis Chapter 37, with 36 verses, marks the beginning of Joseph’s extraordinary story and highlights the interplay between human sin and God’s sovereign plan. Despite the betrayal and suffering Joseph endures, the chapter sets the stage for his eventual rise and the salvation of his family during a time of famine.

Key Themes:

1.      God’s Sovereignty: Even through betrayal and hardship, God’s hand is at work to fulfill His purposes.

2.      Familial Conflict: Favoritism, jealousy, and betrayal show the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of sin.

3.      Divine Providence: Joseph’s journey to Egypt is part of God’s greater plan to preserve the covenant people.