“And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.” v. 1. In contrast to his brother Esau, Jacob found his choice of residence in his father’s land — the place where God had first called Abraham and Isaac. What a consolation it must have been for the wanderer to return home and dwell where God’s promises had been so clearly made time after time, and to himself personally, last of all.
The possessor of great flocks, Jacob placed them in the care of his sons, who covered many miles of the fertile plains to find pasturing for them. It is in connection with this that the lovely and thrilling story of Joseph is introduced. What the Scriptures recount concerning his entire life will ever be a reminder that he presents the clearest and loveliest of all types of Christ found in the Old Testament. The story of Joseph will readily intrigue every reader, young or old, but if only the historical account were considered there would be great loss in failing to gain the rich pictures that are a constant reminder of the bonds between God the Father and His Son and between the Lord Jesus Christ and His people Israel, as well as the Gentiles.
“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.” v. 2. Joseph is here found tending the flocks with his half-brothers, Dan, Napthali, Gad and Asher. A shepherd by calling, he thus is a reminder, in this opening portion of his life, of “The Good Shepherd” whom he was to portray for his remaining 93 years.
“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 colors.” v. 3. The affection that flowed between Joseph and his father excelled all others. Their hearts were united in a deep and lasting love and this reveals, in type, the love that Jesus spoke of when confronted by those who questioned His authority: “For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth.” John 5:2020For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (John 5:20). Joseph’s coat of many colors tells too, of the varied beauties which adorn the Person of Christ and of the Father’s love that delights to give Him a place of honor: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name.” Phil. 2: 9.
“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.” v. 4.
Although at times engaged with his brethren in care of the flocks, Joseph was never one with them in their evil ways. The fact that he was upright and obedient to his father only emphasized their own wickedness, and they developed such hatred in their hearts towards him that they “could not speak peaceably unto him.”
ML 01/22/1967