When the Color is Gone

Scripture: 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. Genesis 37:3[a]

[a] See Septuagint, Vulgate; or (with Syriac) a robe with long sleeves. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

Observation: Wait ... the robe might NOT have had many colors? This phrase might mean it had ... long sleeves??

Application: Since everyone knows the robe was "many colors" (Sunday School lesson) or "Technicolor" (Broadway promotion), this insight would make the actions of the brothers even more petty. A colorful robe would have been costly and unique, generating jealousy. However, long sleeves are just ... different from theirs.

Prayer: As the story of Joseph unfolds, Lord, we see how you are at work in EVERY situation for your plan. May my impending change be within your plan as well. Amen.

(I don't have a lot to say today. Instead, I have had this secular song stuck in my head - was even humming it on my way into my workout today - which my daughter was singing the other night. It applies to my immanent departure from work. I wonder if Joseph would have sung it to his brothers when they sold him into slavery!)