JOSEPH’S COAT

 

Thursday, September 4, 2025

 

JOSEPH’S COAT

Gen 37:1-3

37 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.

2 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.

3 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.

KJV

 

          Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown provide interesting information regarding this coat. “‎a long tunic with sleeves, worn by young men and maidens of the better class. [‎Paciym ‎is only used in this phrase. But the word, ‎pac‎, signifies a piece, as well as the palm of the hand; and hence, the phrase is usually rendered 'a coat of pieces of various colours;' Septuagint, ‎chitoon ‎‎poikilos‎, a striped or variegated tunic.] It was formed in those early days by sewing together patches of coloured cloth, and considered a dress of distinction (Judg 5:30; 2 Sam 13:18).”

 

          My thoughts, this morning, were on this coat of many colors. Although already seventeen, Joseph was the favorite of his father, Jacob. JFB adds that Jacob considered his son to be “a wise son'-one who possessed observation and wisdom above his years-an old head on young shoulders.” There was something about Joseph!

 

          God’s plan for him, and for all of Israel, was that he should suffer while doing no wrong. This, eventually, placed him in a position of authority and required him to make a selfless decision to bless those that hurt him.

 

Gen 50:20-21

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

 

          God is frustratingly patient to those who are impatient, as most of us are. He sees the big picture and knows how to bring good from unpleasant circumstances. Can you bless those who have hurt you?

 

Luke 6:28

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

 

Lord, you require of us a very difficult task. We will utterly fail at this unless you help us. Amen