Genesis 37:1-12
There were twelve sons in Jacob’s family: the two youngest were Joseph and Benjamin, who stayed with the father; but the ten oldest had charge of the large docks and herds, often keeping them on lands some distance from the home at Hebron. They were grown men at this time and very rough and evil in their lives, caring not to honor God or for the wishes of their father.
When Joseph helped his brothers with the care of the flocks, he saw their evil ways and told his father of them. It was right for Joseph to tell his father, but it made his brothers hate him, and they would not speak well to him. They also envied Joseph because they knew their father loved hint very much and had given him a line coat, made in many colors. Such a coat was different from what the others had, and better, and was it mark of special favor.
Then Joseph had two dreams which angered them-still more; and we next read how wickedly they treated him and what they did to his coat. Do you know how old Joseph was at this time? If not, read verse 2 of our chapter.
Below are the names of Jacob’s twelve sons; Some are very easy, although some are hard. Learn all of them if you can, as they are used many times after this in the books of the Old Testament, and all are in the New Testament, except one. Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Levi, Judah, Gad, Asher, Is-sa-char„ Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.
ML 09/27/1936