of Jacob's partiality for Joseph. He was the son of Jacob's old age. However this expression may be explained ('lli,de Exposition), the amount of it seems to be diat Joseph had come to gladden Jacob's heart after a considernble period of wait- ing, and at a time when Jacob was beginning to feel himself an old man. Hence more than to any of his other children Jacob's affections went out to the firstborn of Rachel, and this affection could not fail to strengthen after Rachel's death. It is just possible also that it was kept alive and fostered by a. reminiscence of Rachel'a beauty, which he saw reproduced in the well-proportioned frame and finely-cut features of the growing lad. Anyhow, Jacob's fondness for Joseph was palpable· and without affirming that it was right, it may at least be contended that it wa~ natural, the more especially when Josepl1 1s piety is contrasted with the notorious wickedness of Jacob's other sons. (~) The exhibition of Jacob's partiality for Joseph. Many parents who find themselves in Jacob's situation, drawn to one child more than another in their families, make an effort at least to conceal n preference which in their inmost hearts they cannot but feel to be justifiable. But Jacob, with a sad lack of prudence, displayed his superior estimation of Rachel's son by pre- senting him with a rich and valuable coat of ends or pieces (vide Exposition). As might have been expected, such a. mark of preference was distasteful to his other children, and, had it not been for Joseph's superior character, might have been morally hurtful to Joseph himself. As it was, it was no kindness to .Joseph, but only a foolish gratification to Joseph's father. 2. By God. Joseph was honoured to receive dreams prophetic of his future greatnesl!. The first, the dream of the bow- ing sl1eaves, was a Divine foreshadowing of his advancement above his brethren ; and the second, the dream of the nodding orbs, of his elevation above all the members of his family. Even had they not concerned himself at all, to have been made the recipient of Divine communications was an honour; much more when theso communications related to his own exaltation. This preference of Joseph was un- questionably gracious, but it was also natural (1 Sam. ii. 30) III. JOSEPH HATED DY HIS DRETHREN. 1. The cause of their liatred. This was-(1) The superior place which he enjoyed in their father's affection (ver. 4). Parents may here observe the danger of cherishing, and especially of manifesting, a preference of one member of the family above another. Unless in very exceptional circumstances, all are equally entitled to a father's care and a mother's love. (2) The supetior piety he displayed above themselves. It is difficult to credit the actors in the Shechemite and Dothan tragedies with anything in the shape of religion. Certainly they were not looked upon as exemplary characters by those who had the misfortune to live beside them. Out of their father's sight they shook off any little restraint which his presence may have inspired. Their scandalous behaviour became the talk of every neighbourhood they chanced to visit; and Joseph hearing it, as in duty bound, reported it to Jacob. Not that the mere reporting of it at home would much concern these reckless youths. Possibly it would exasperate their minds against their brother. But the thing which would incense them most would be the disinclination which he showed to run with them into the same excess of riot. (3) The superior honour he received from God. The brethren clearly enough understood the dreams to con- tain a prognostication of Joseph'e future, else why did they allow themselves to be- come inflamed with anger on account of a foolish boy's fancies ? At least they believed Joseph regarded them in this light, and they hated him on that account. 2. The progress of their hatred. (1) They omitt~d to give him the. customary ~alutati_on of Shalem. It is a bad sign when a man declines to exchange fnendly greetmgs with hie neighbour, and much more with hie. brother. (2) They passed on to deep and bitter hatred. They hated him yet the more fo~ hie ~reams and bis word~. _E:,:il passions have a tendency to grow, an~ sh_ould be mpped m the b':1~- Obst0;pri'fl,cipi71. (3) They envied him ; the fierce mahgmty of their enraged spmte burnmg 111 their bosoms, suffusing their countenances with ominous Io·oke and angry scowls, an? generally expressing itoelf in dislike, irritation, and annoyance. 3. The end of. tliew hatred. It was impossible that the gathering storm should continue long without bnrsting. All things wundane, evil as well as good, strive after completeness. " Lust, when it bath conceived, bringeth forlh sin: sin, when it is finiehed, bringeth fo1ih death' (James i. 15). Hence, "whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer" JI!, XXX\'11. 2-lJ.] 'l'HE BOOK OF GENESIS. 431
(1 John iii. 15); initially in thought, nnd nltimntely, granting time and opportunity, in deed. The murderous feeling of Joseph's brethren very speedily found occasion to become the fratricidal net.