In Genesis, chapter thirty-seven, verse three, describes the “coat of many colors” that Joseph receives from his father. It presents a marked contrast to the plainer tunics worn by his brothers. The “coat of many colors” represents a position of special favoritism and honor with his father. Jacob deeply loved Joseph’s mother, Rachel, while regarding Leah and his two slave-wives with much less care. A blatant example of this preference was the gift given to Joseph: the infamous “coat of many colors.” Jacob’s parents engaged in favoritism between their twin sons, and Jacob has not learned from their mistakes.
The “coat of many colors” created many problems for Joseph. This particular attire starts the beginning of tension and division to eventually separation. The other ten brothers saw the treatment of their father towards Joseph, and it was overwhelming. First, the brothers could not speak about him calmly without being angry, which turned to hate. Secondly, Joseph went around them parading about the dreams he experienced that made him stand out among them.
The “coat of many colors” almost cost him his life if it wasn’t for Reuben overhearing the plan to slay Joseph. A piece of clothing given as a gift jeopardizes Joseph’s life due to the jealousy of his relatives.
Today, there are many situations where parents show their appreciation toward one child more than the other. Most often, it goes undetected but is sometimes discovered and unexpected. Some kids will remember while other children will forget. However, parents do not realize the damage they create in the child that notices these things. The same kids may grow older to be resentful towards their parents. Therefore, parents must not do what Jacob did by choosing a preference or creating a “coat of many colors,” causing separation and division, but love and submission.