JEALOUSY DISRUPTS PEACE
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age.
And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him
more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefullyH7965 to him.
Genesis 37:3-4 (ESV)
This note from the MacArthur Study Bible explains the significance of Joseph’s special coat:
37:3 tunic of many colors. The Septuagint (LXX) favored this translation of the Heb. phrase used by Moses, although some prefer “a long-sleeved robe” or “an ornamented tunic.” It marked the owner as the one whom the father intended to be the future leader of the household, an honor normally given to the firstborn son. (7)
If we look back to Genesis 37:2, Joseph had “brought their father a bad report about” his older brothers. His brothers thought of him as a “tattle tale”. On top of this, Jacob had recognized Joseph as the future leader of their tribe by giving him a special coat or tunic. The older brothers’ jealousy developed into hatred and they “could not speak peacefully” to him or as some translations read “they did not have a kind word” for him. They were both hurt and angry, feeling their father had betrayed them by favoring their younger brother.
Many of us know the rest of Joseph’s story. He had dreams that implied that he would rule over not just his brothers, but his father and mother as well, with the entire family bowing to him. This caused his brothers’ envy to fester into absolute animosity toward him. We know they sold him into slavery but told their father he was killed by a wild beast. Ultimately, however, God used what they intended to harm him to elevate him to second in command of all Egypt! Even though his brothers, not recognizing him, bowed before him to beg for food during a drought, he eventually saved his entire family (and therefore, the nation of Israel) from famine by bringing them to Egypt. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Joseph, read on through Genesis chapter 50 to see how God works all things together for our good in His own way and in His own timing (Romans 8:28).
Envy or jealousy in this story lead to hatred and unrest in Jacob’s family. The peace that brothers should enjoy with each other was broken as the older brothers allowed jealousy to boil within them until it became hatred. God wants us to dwell in peace with others as much as it relies on us. If we feel envious of others, we need to confess it and ask the Lord to change our hearts. Christians are to be known by their love (John 13:35). We are to make every effort to be at peace with others (Romans 12:18).
Psalm 133:1 (VOICE) How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace!
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to make peace? A biological sibling or a brother or sister in Christ? Do you need to forgive someone or ask their forgiveness? Are you envious of someone—a coworker, church member, neighbor or even a friend? Confess it and ask the Lord to replace that envy with His love, and like the song from Frozen™, “Let it go!” Do not let jealousy fester into animosity and steal your peace!
Father, being at peace with others is not always easy. Sometimes we are provoked but many times, if we are honest, we are just jealous. Help us to let go of attitudes that are not in keeping with Your commands. Help us to live at peace with everyone as much as possible through the power of Your Holy Spirt within us.