Chapter Summary
This chapter begins the dramatic saga of Joseph, one of Jacob's (also known as Israel) sons. It highlights Jacob's intense favoritism towards Joseph, expressed through the gift of a magnificent, uniquely patterned tunic. Joseph further provokes his older brothers' jealousy and hatred by sharing two prophetic dreams in which they, along with his parents, bow down to him. When Joseph is sent by his father to check on his brothers as they tend the flocks, they seize the opportunity to get rid of him. They initially plot to kill him, but Reuben intervenes, suggesting they throw him into a dry pit instead, with the secret intention of rescuing him later. However, while Reuben is away, Judah proposes selling Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelite traders heading to Egypt. They carry out the sale, effectively making Joseph a slave. To deceive their grieving father, the brothers soak Joseph's special tunic in animal blood, presenting it to Jacob as proof that a wild animal has devoured his beloved son. Jacob is plunged into profound sorrow, refusing all comfort, convinced that Joseph is dead, while Joseph is taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, a high-ranking Egyptian official.