Parent's Favoritism In The Book Of Genesis

Parent’s Favoritism

Approximately twenty-five percent of the fifty chapters, which make up the book of Genesis are devoted to telling the story of Joseph’s life and a large portion of his story concerns feelings prompted by a parent’s favoritism. Even though Jacob had seen the effects of favoritism in his own live; he was guilty of the same with his eleventh son. “Now, Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age.” (Genesis 37: 3)

Jacob and Esau were the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Although they were twins [The first twins mentioned in the Bible], they grew up very differently. “Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field,” and Isaac loved Esau, but Jacob was a mild man who loved being

Yet, Jacob became guilty of favoring his son. Joseph was not required to work in the fields rather he was permitted to remain at home. Also, Jacob made a special coat, which he presented to his teenage son. Now, all of that favoritism caused Joseph’s older brothers to hate him and in the heat of a moment, their thoughtless actions brought grief upon the entire family.

It’s true that God was working His plan, which would eventually culminate in good for His people; nonetheless, God permitted each individual to choose his own course in life. In the same way, God allows us to select the path we choose to follow; however, when we recognize our mistakes, He can take them and mold us into better characters if we will only allow Him to do it.

Years ago Guy Woods told the unhappy story of a dedicated Christian couple who became the parents of two children; a boy and a girl. As they matured the girl developed an interest in the family business, but the young man’s aspirations led him elsewhere. The parents favored their daughter, which caused the son withdraw and then his foolish decision separated the family permanently.

RICHARD