I have been working on the story of Jacob. He is an absolute failure in almost every verse. I think that if God could love Jacob, and oddly enough Jacob is the only one that God says, “Jacob have I loved,” then God certainly should be able to love me. Of all the heroes of the Old Testament, Jacob seems to be especially a part of God’s affections.
But what a mess he is. His mother talks him into deceiving his father. His uncle takes shameless advantage of him. His wives boss him around. His children commit murders and other evil acts that are beyond his control to control. Finally, in desperation he gives a coat, the correct translation is an embroidered coat, to Joseph as a sign that he is passing on the power of the family to Joseph. The brothers who are older to Joseph are appalled that this little kid is going to get in their way. It is an interesting passage when they finally decide to do him in. They are supposed to be feeding and grazing the sheep and instead they have gone to a town called the Canaan Las Vegas. It was a town full of wine women and song. When they see him coming they know they’re in trouble. They decide to do him in. It isn’t just a chance decision, they are in trouble and they know it.
I’m always a bit frustrated when people think that the cut that Joseph gets is sort of a fashion statement. This is the same coat he loses when part of his wife tries to get him in trouble. A coat or cloak in the ancient world was a sign of authority.
Notice the fuss they make over Jesus’ robe. They mock him they dress them up in a Herod’s robe. It is difficult to read the Bible because of our world and their world being so different. When the woman wishes to be healed, she touches the tip of his robe and he feels the power flow out of him.
My Bible Study Notebook 