Joseph's Coat of Many Colours

I have a question,and would be grateful of some imput.I love typology in the old testament and all that.Could any one expound on Joseph's coat of many colours. I would love to hear some feedback on it. :-D

The coat of God's wisdom, hummmm what a wonderful thought! Makes the admonition James makes to us to ask for wisdom all that much more appealing.

dear garoak i love the types and shadows in the old testiment too. i have not meditated much on the coat of joseph much though. i do know that joseph is a type of Christ, so i would say it is symbolic of how the Father has clothed the body of Christ. i know it's not much but it's a start. i like to meditate on the word of God and wait for a divine revelation. i'm excited to see what He will show us. ooo i just got a one! think about this... we are the body of Christ and we are diverse. it's like each of us is a thread and the Father lovingly weaves us together. the full revelation of God comes only when we are skillfully knit together in love by the Holy Spirit. i know there's more let me know what you get! i feel something like a divine connection in the Spirit. it awesome when even two or three are gathered in His name even in cyber space!all glory to God!!!in the love of the Lordone

Hi Garoak,If I remember correctly there was a certain amount of jealousy among the brothers as a result of the his fathers giving him the coat in the first place... It sort of reminds me of the incident where the priests were getting really worried that the whole world would come to believe on Jesus; and so they planned to kill him...??? That is if my memory serves me well....Hi Dozman....how you been doing ?

Hey all. I too love this website and love to hear others thoughts. When I think of colors like in the coat of Joseph I think of fruits, even fruits of the spirit. And am reminded of a scripture, not sure why, but Psalms says in chap 45, 'You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, therefore, God, your God, has annointed you with the oil of gladness far above your fellows.' It seems the coat is a type or symbol of annointing. What do you all think? Am I off base here?Someone said below that his brothers were jealous, and they were. Joseph intended not to make his brothers jealous, nor did he wear it with that in mind, but humbly and proudly showed it to them, so they could rejoice with him. Christ seemed to do just that. He showed humbly and proudly the work He was doing and even told us that the work He did was what His father told Him to do and even what He saw His father doing. Joseph had the mind of a child, a child proudly shows others what is his or what has been given him/her. Am I getting anywhere or am I rambling?To know HimRich

Hey, This feed back is great, somehow I get the feeling we are only scratching the surface.This coat obviously drew him alot of attention.Doesn't it say some where " he that departs from iniquity makes himself a prey" Perhaps the mark of christ in his life causing his own to dispise him. Hey how about a mirror of the future gentile church from every tribe and nation different colours etc.Isn't God's word so!! unfathmable! :-)

God's Word is very deep and filled with incredible meaning, and Praise God we are not alone in our adventure into the Scriptures. We have the Spirit of Truth, to open our understanding to the Word of Truth.Was Joseph as worried about his coat as we are here? I know they made a movie called 'Joseph's Technicolour Dream Coat', but I think that the Scriptures don't reveal a big story about this coat, or do they? (Perhaps a few Scriptures from the section relating to Joseph's coat might help to provide a little colour to this thread.)--------------------------------------------------"The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,....." --------------------------------------------------Grace and Peace in Jesus,

Hey Bro.! I'm hangin' in there. You? I believe you're right in the sense of the coat did provoke jealousy, you might be on something there. I see it alot with other ministers, if a brother or sister seems to display more of God's graces they quickly seem to get jealous and insecure. Interesting parallel and observation.

As we look at Joseph's coat, it may be well to check out the context in which this coat is mentioned, and the wearer as well.Joseph was the son of Jacob's favorite wife, Rachel. He was [obviously] loved by his father and he loved in return which means he was an obedient child. Coupled with this the LORD gave him some dreams which proved to be prophetic and his brothers, and father, sensed this as well which widen the rift between him and his wicked brethern even more. We see there was plenty of tension between the sons of Jacob's other women and Rachel's son. Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors which signified the wearer to be a very special person. Some say it meant he was an heir or a first born and this would have been true in the sense he was Rachel's first-born. In any case it told the world this is a special person and this irked his brothers even more. Being away from home, away from dad, they believed they could do as they will with no lasting consequences and so they did: they took the boy, stripped him of his symbol of prestige and sold him to some distant relatives who in turn took him to Egypt and sold him there. We know the story; this was God's way of providing for his people in the future while at the same time teach Jacob's family some very important truths: 1. Imagine the guilt these men carried all these years until Joseph unmasked them. By then they had mellowed a lot. They actually became submissive. At the point where they sold Joseph, they could not have been described as being humble, gentle, submissive men. 2. Joseph accepted his fate and made the best of the situation. 3. Joseph is considered to be a type of Christ: a. Both were sold. Joseph's brethern received 20 pieces of silver; Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver. b. Both were beloved their fathers. c.Both made unusual claims which were rejected by their brothers. d. Both became a blessing to the gentiles and acquired a Gentile bride.Now there may be other points which I missed...and it may not be what you are looking for. As I look at the coat of many colors, I see it must be understood in the larger context of Joseph's entire life and the prevailing culture.What did you have in mind?ginnyrose

Hi Ginnyrose,Joseph is one of my most favorite characters in the old testament. Because he is so like Christ. The paralelles are so amazing hundreds of years before the messiah arrives, God is telling us through scripture of the coming Christ. Lately I have been journeying with Joseph and looking at many of the aspects of his life and how it all points to Christ, it is just so thrilling! the thought that he (Jesus)is the Christ the Son of the living God!and that it is revealed to the likes of me. It reminds me when Jesus said to his deciples "who do you say I am?" and Simon Peter says "you are the Christ the Son of the living God". Jesus replies blessed are you simon son of jonah, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my father in heaven. And we who are born again it has been revealed to us by our father in heaven, Praise God!So I have been looking at Joseph's coloured coat feeling there is so much more in it, I guess it God's word at the end of the day and we will never get to the bottom of it or the top of it. Its eternal.

I agree 100%! That is the marvel of the scriptures: it seems you can never get enough of it because it is so deep! Now this does not mean you cannot understand it. Far from it: you can but you cannot get all of it at once!Joseph is an amazing character: he also grew up in a far less then ideal home. His brothers were men of violence; his dad had four women which did not do anything to enhance household harmony; severe sibling rivalry ruled. He was taken away while a teen, thrust into a pagan society AND he remained faithful to what he was taught! Now THAT is amazing! Do not let anyone tell you a young male cannot be pure under those circumstances. Think about that! His bosses' wife tried hard to seduce him and he fled, never minding how it jeopardized his job. The difference? He reverenced the God of his father, g-father- g-g grandfather Abraham. Now that made all the difference. I am glad you like to study the character of Joseph. He is one amazing person. Now the coat: I will have to think about that a litle bit more....this will give me something to think about while I work on my tomato plants today. (We grow tomatoes hydroponicaly.) ginnyrose

This is so true. The Joseph of the Old Testament is a direct symbol of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Recently I had 15 aspects published on how Joseph's life is figurative of the life of Jesus Christ. Joseph was a savior to his family in the time of famine. Jesus came into our world to be our Savior and to bring us His salvaiton. The same publicaiton that is mentioned above begins with the alagory of Joseph's Colorful Coat. That coat, I believe, is symbolic of God's redemptive love. Joseph's coat was bestowed on him prematurely, but God's robe of righteousness is ours because of His love to us. It is not given to us prematurely, nor because of playing favorites. Joseph's Colorful Coat is only the first of several pieces of clothing that the Bible talks about Joseph wearing. Each is symbolic of our Christian walk.

ginnyrose, I love the relations that you pointed out in the figurative comparision of Joseph and Jesus. God has shown me several more points...but all in all, they were both unjustly judged, grew spiritually through unmerited injustice and became saviors. Jesus...the Savior with a capital 'S.'The Lord has given me many insights into the life of this awesome Old Testament hero. He has really been an example for me to bring me to glorious victory.

Have you ever considered the thought that Joseph's colorful coat could be symbolic of God's robe of righteousness for us?

Psa 35:7 For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.

Joseph's brothers faked his death. They threw him in a pit. Then, when the passing Midianites arrived, the brothers dragged Joseph up and sold him to the merchants for 20 pieces of silver. The brothers then dipped Joseph's coat in goat blood and showed it to their father, saying that Joseph had been torn apart by wild beasts. Indeed, those "wild beasts" were the jealous brothers.

Wild beasts are a "type" of religionists such as the ones that crucified Jesus. They cannot abide the authority of Jesus Christ in their lives so they set out to destroy Him or destroy those representing Him.

When Joseph confronts his brothers in Egypt, he recognizes them, but they failed to recognize him.

We are all "wild beasts" without Christ and whom Christ has come to many times in the past but we did not recognize Him. One day, by the grace of God, we recognized Him. Our eyes were opened.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

And Joseph, strengthened his brethren and took care of them, too. Thought they covered him with hate and "murder", and told everyone that he was dead, Joseph covers them with love and forgiveness.

That is the difference between religion and Christ. When you finally "see" Jesus Christ, religion no longer has a hold on you. It's spell is broken and you are released to walk in love because you have been freed from fear.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Pilgrim

QUOTE:
"Have you ever considered the thought that Joseph's colorful coat could be symbolic of God's robe of righteousness for us?"

This quote set me on a train....never thought of it before, but you are on to something.

When we are righteous it will evoke the anger and jealousy of those otherwise. They grind their teeth in anticipation of ridding their environment of those that serve as a reminder of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in their life.

But it did not work. They got rid of the wearer but it evoked a guilt that was not resolved for many years. Wonder if these guys were not a pain to live with?

(Rabbit trail: I have often thought how the story could have been radically different if the brothers had confessed their sin earlier. Would Jacob have sent someone to Egypt in the hopes of rescuing his beloved son? I could imagine it...But it did not happen. I see in this story God sovereignty over human events, even those that are terrible. God will use them to work out his plan to save someone, somewhere, wherever that may be.)

Joseph's father annointed him over his brothers. Joseph would not understand until God gave him revelation through his trials.

The Lord Jesus was sent by his Father to His brothers (Israel) to see to their well being, they rejected Him, conspiring against Him and causing His death.

When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Their family positions were threatened by Joseph being chosen. (Gen. 37:2-4).

The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus and their positions were threatened by Him. They could not speak a kind word to Him.

Joseph's brothers rejected him, consigning him to a "pit" causing his "death".

Jesus was rejected and killed, consigned to Hell (so the Pharisees thought), killed as a common criminal (sinner).

Joseph was later sold to the Midianites as a slave to sin.

Jesus had no earthly station or influence but was hung on a cross between two criminials appointed to save the world from their sins.

Joseph had no earthly station and was jailed with criminals, rescued the "world" from their plight.

Jesus saves one criminal (in prison to sin) and the other dies.

Joseph saves one criminal in prison and the other dies.

Jesus was given a position of prominence on earth receiving all power and authority subject only to the will of His Father.

Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Joseph was given all power and authority subject only to Pharoah.

Gen 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

The Father implements His strategy through Jesus saving us all from death. Jesus takes a Gentile Bride and He puts His brothers through a series of disastrous events designed specifically to place them entirely at His mercy and permit the revelation of His true identity. Jesus is the initiator of love and forgiveness.

Pharoah implements his strategy through Joseph, to save his people. Joseph takes a Gentile Bride and he puts his brothers through a series of testings in order to bring them to a place of utter dependence upon him. They then receive the revelation of who Joseph is. Joseph is the initiator of love and forgiveness.

A highly emotional reunion takes place between Joseph and Israel and a highly emotional reunion will take place when Israel's eyes are opened.

Rom 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

Rom 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Pilgrim

My favourite similarity between them ....
They were both taken from the grave.

You have a lot of great concepts here, but I am wondering what you meant in two different areas. You said, "Joseph's brothers rejected him...causing his death." Can you clarify what you meant by "causing his death?" Then just below that you say "Joseph was later sold to the Midianites as a slave to sin." Can you also please explain what you are saying by "as a slave to sin?"
Iam very blessed by the life of Joseph and have done extensive research and writings, but I haven't come across the above concepts. Thanks, I look for the clarification.

Hi NewAuthor,

I was speaking figuratively since they told Joseph's father that he was dead. For all intents and purposes, Joseph was really dead, even though he was not. But his father always believed he was really dead. Jesus said, when you hate someone you commit murder. Why? Because when you hate someone you will act like they do not even exist. In your heart you have murdered them. His brothers never repented while they were apart from Joseph and kept up their deception towards their father that Joseph was dead.
Now with Jesus, His body actually was killed and all His disciples thought He was dead, but He really was not. As far as the father was concerned, Joseph WAS dead.

Again, Joseph being sold to the Midianites as a "slave to sin", is typology. It was not figurative that he was sold as a slave, just typology of "slave to sin", since he was no longer a FREE man.

I'm glad you started this and have enjoyed it. And there is still more to uncover.

I would actually like to post what I think the coat of many colors represents, but I am still working on that.

Thank you,
Pilgrim

Hi, it is good to hear your clarification here. Yes, Jacob did think that his favorite son was dead. In 'Beyond the Colorful Coat' the author points out 4 things that have made me to realize that things we see in the natural are not the way things are at all. I quote, "Jacob believed the facts" (the blood-stained, torn coat) "The brothers gloated over the facts. Joseph was tested by the facts. God was in control of all the facts." An explaination follows stating that all the facts were needed...You are right, Pilgrim...there is so much to uncover. Let me know what you come up with the coat of many colors representing. I already have one powerful insight, but I'll save it for another session.

Bless you,
NewAuthor

Hi Ginnyrose,
you say so much here...Our righteousness by Christ Jesus does evoke the wrath of our spiritual enemies, but when we wear God's robe of righteousness, we have nothing to fear. According to Eph. 1:4 We are chosen of God in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world. Joseph was chosen of God, and also prematurely set apart by his father, Jacob, which caused the uproar. But when God chooses us it is His perfect timing and place. The following is what I wrote in my journal this morning. Be blessed with a special Valentine's Day thought.

Ephesians 1:4a “According as he has chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world...”

As a child I was usually chosen last for the teams in our school days. In a way I was glad because it 'poured a cup of tea' for my party of self pity. It also proved to me that others thought I was clumsy and couldn't play their games.

But this Scripture says that I AM CHOSEN BY GOD!
I am chosen first
I am chosen last
I am chosen right where I am
Today I am God's choice for this Valentine's Day
I am chosen for a purpose
I am chosen to be a part of God's plan for His church
I am chosen-signaled out, called
\tand ordained to minister to the hurting
I am chosen to receive personal growth in Jesus Christ
I am chosen to be changed and to help others to be changed
I am God's best choice for this Valentine's Day for right where I am

Wow! When was I chosen?
God's choice of me is not an afterthought...
\tGod didn't say, “Oh, I almost forgot, I need to choose New Author too.”
God's choice of me was etched into the very earth of the various places I've lived...
\tSomewhere in the groundwork of this two-room cabin God choice of me is imprinted.
I am a wonder and I am a miracle that was chosen by God at the time that He created the earth.
Every morning I've awakened, I was chosen
Every step that I've walked on this earth-in the various locations...
\tin the many different States of the United States of America, in Mexico, in Canada,
\tIn Tia Wain, in Japan and in the islands of the Philippines-I was God's choice
\t\tfor that day and that place.

I am chosen of God in Christ Jesus from the foundation of the earth and I can expect to encounter trial to purge and purify me, making me Christ-like.

That is where the power of our salvation lies...Christ taken from the grave, and for the descendents of Abraham their personal salvation lay in Joseph being pulled out of the pit...Only to begin a very challenging journey of spiritual growth until he finally brought salvation to his family. The author of Beyond the Colorful Coat, plainly draws the pathway of how Joseph brough salvation to his family.
Today we can only say, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Hi NewAuthor,

The coat represented authority as was revealed in Joseph's dreams. The colors represent the many and varied attributes (character of God) of God that accompany His authority in one's life. Without the accompanying character and attributes of God, authority is nothing, but flesh.

True authority is something that Joseph had to learn about in the furnace of affliction.

Authority is given to us to be a servant and to bless others not to rule over others.

These attributes (colors) of God are His many facets of character. Authority, Righteousness, Zeal, Love, Kindness, Justice, Faithfulness, Servanthood, Gentleness, Holiness, Sacrifice, etc, etc.

This coat had to be dipped in blood (tried and tested) and the coat that we wear today (Jesus Christ) has been dipped (tried and tested) in blood, too.

We put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Our garment is the Lord.

Isa 52:1 Awake, awake; PUT ON thy strength, O Zion; put on thy BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Eph 4:24 And that ye PUT ON THE NEW MAN, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Col 3:12 PUT ON therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, BOWELS OF MERCIES, KINDNESS, HUMBLENESS of MIND, MEEKNESS, LONGSUFFERING;

Col 3:14 And above all these things PUT ON CHARITY, which is the bond of perfectness.

May we all put on Christ and shine forth the many "colors" of God's character.

Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The Authority of Jesus Christ is not just for "elder brothers" that some people know as clergy. But, He is for all. Walk in the authority of Jesus Christ, displaying His many "colors", though some may be enraged and jealous of you. Since Cain and Abel, it has always been about Christ versus Religion.

Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous SHINE FORTH as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Pilgrim