ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 37

Gen. 37:1 Whereas Esau’s descendants dwell in Seir (alongside the Horites), Jacob settles in Canaan (like his father Isaac).

Gen. 37:2–50:26 Jacob’s Descendants. The last main section of Genesis further develops the theme of a royal line descended from Abraham. As governor of Egypt, Joseph brings divine blessing to many people. Genesis, however, looks forward to a time when the leadership of Israel will pass from the tribe of Joseph’s son Ephraim to the tribe of Judah (see Ps. 78:67–68). This story would have shown its first readers how they came to be in Egypt, namely, through God’s mysterious use of both evil and noble deeds to bring about his purpose (see Gen. 50:20).

Gen. 37:2–36 Joseph is the second youngest son of Jacob, but his father gives him privileges normally given to the firstborn. Joseph’s dreams further antagonize his older brothers, who cannot accept that he will someday reign over them.

Gen. 37:2 These are the generations of. See note on 2:4. Joseph brought a bad report of them. Joseph’s action brings him into conflict with his brothers.

Gen. 37:3 the son of his old age. Since Benjamin, not Joseph, was actually the last son born to Jacob, the unusual Hebrew expression “son of old age” could mean either (1) someone who displays exceptional maturity while still young or perhaps (2) the son closest to Jacob in his old age. robe of many colors. The actual design of the cloak is uncertain.

Gen. 37:5 Joseph had a dream. In Genesis, dreams are normally associated with divine revelations (see 20:3; 28:12; 31:10–11; 40:5–8; 41:1).

Gen. 37:8 Joseph’s brothers understand Joseph’s first dream to mean that he will reign over them.

Gen. 37:9–11 The second dream reinforces the expectation that Joseph will have authority over the rest of his family. Shall I and your mother. When Joseph had this dream, his mother Rachel was probably dead (see 35:16–19); “your mother” refers to Leah.

Gen. 37:12–14 Shechem. See note on 33:17–18.

Gen. 37:15–17 Since his brothers have moved farther north, Joseph travels from Shechem to Dothan, a journey of about 16 to 20 miles (26 to 32 km), to find them.

Gen. 37:18–20 this dreamer. The brothers’ comment is full of sarcasm. The expression implies “master/owner of the dreams.”

Gen. 37:21–22 As the oldest, Reuben convinces his brothers not to kill Joseph. Reuben plans to rescue Joseph later and restore him to his father.

Gen. 37:25 caravan of Ishmaelites. These traders come from the Sinai Peninsula. Although initially identified as Ishmaelites (a broad category covering various people groups), in vv. 28 and 36 they are specifically called Midianites. coming from Gilead. See note on 31:21. camels. See note on 12:16.

Gen. 37:26–27 Judah said to his brothers. Although Judah shows compassion by not wanting to kill Joseph, he may have seen an opportunity to profit from selling his brother.

Gen. 37:29–30 tore his clothes. A visible sign of intense anguish and pain. where shall I go? Reuben’s grief might not be about the loss of Joseph but about how upset his father will be with Reuben when he learns that Joseph is gone (see note on vv. 21–22).

Gen. 37:34 put sackcloth on his loins. A common mourning custom.

Gen. 37:35 I shall go down to Sheol. Jacob believes that his grief will continue through the afterlife. “Sheol” is the proper name for the place where people go after death, though specific knowledge about the afterlife was lacking at this time.