Genesis 37 introduces Joseph, the favored son of Jacob (also called Israel), and sets into motion a series of events that will shape not only Joseph’s own life but also the future of Israel. Jacob, who lived around the early second millennium BC, had settled in the land of Canaan. This land was a region stretching along the eastern Mediterranean, including the area around modern—day Israel and Palestine. The chapter begins by highlighting Jacob’s special love for Joseph, the son of his old age, and describing the varicolored tunic Joseph received as a sign of the favoritism: “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.” (Genesis 37:3)

Joseph, at seventeen years old, has two dreams suggesting that one day his family will bow down to him, causing his brothers to grow more resentful. They seize an opportunity to eliminate their rival when Jacob sends Joseph to check on them near Shechem, a location in central Canaan that connected major ancient travel routes leading to the north and south. Learning that his brothers had moved on, Joseph travels further to Dothan, an area near the ancient trade roads. Upon his arrival, his brothers plot against him, ultimately selling him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites. Seeking to hide their treachery, they return Joseph’s tunic to Jacob, splattered with goat’s blood, leaving their father to believe his beloved son was killed by a wild animal.

This chapter not only highlights family tensions but also foreshadows greater plans at work. Joseph’s being sold into slavery sets the stage for the eventual migration of the Israelites into Egypt, a key development in the biblical story. Historically, Joseph’s time in Egypt (likely in the early 19th century BC) will create a path for Jacob’s entire family to survive a coming famine and multiply there. Despite the treachery of Joseph’s brothers, God’s sovereignty and redemptive purposes will become evident over the course of the Book of Genesis and beyond.

Genesis 37 resonates with timeless themes of redemption, pointing to a pattern found throughout Scripture: a beloved individual is opposed by his own people, yet ultimately becomes a means of salvation to those around him. This echoes the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the One who was “despised and forsaken” (Isaiah 53:3) yet brought redemption through His suffering and exaltation (John 13:1-30; Acts 2:22-24). Joseph’s initial humiliation ultimately leads to his elevation, reminding believers that God is able to bring about His purposes despite human sin and frailty.