Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 37:1-4

"And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father`s sojournings, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father`s wives: and Joseph brought the evil report of them unto their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him." — Genesis 37:1-4 (ASV)

In Joseph's history, we see something of Christ, who was first humbled and then exalted. It also shows the experience of Christians, who must enter the kingdom through many tribulations. It is a history that is unparalleled for displaying the various workings of the human mind, both good and bad, and the singular providence of God in making use of them to fulfill His purposes. Though Joseph was his father's darling, he was not raised in idleness.

Those do not truly love their children who do not accustom them to business, labor, and hardships. The coddling of children is, with good reason, called spoiling them. Those who are trained to do nothing are likely to be good for nothing. But Jacob showed his love by dressing Joseph more finely than the rest of his children.

It is wrong for parents to make distinctions between one child and another, unless there is significant reason for it, based on a child's dutifulness or undutifulness. When parents make such distinctions, children quickly notice, and it leads to quarrels in families. Jacob's sons did things when they were out of his sight that they dared not do at home with him; but Joseph gave his father an account of their misconduct so that he might restrain them.

Not as a tale-bearer, to sow discord, but as a faithful brother.