Genesis 37
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate[f] robe for him. 4 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.
How Rebekah treated him, so also Jacob treats Joseph. Like his mother had done towards him, Jacob also openly shows his love to his favorite son, Joseph. He singles him out from the other ten sons, by wrapping him in a robe his brothers would have thought is fit for royalty. As expected, their father's special treatment of the boy strains the relationship between him and his brothers, like it also strained the relationship Jacob had with his brother Esau.
Favoritism in families is unavoidable but its divisive effects can be minimized. Parents may not be able to change their feelings towards their favorite child, but they can change their actions toward the others. Moreover, parents have to always be mindful how they treat their children. Always model the behavior you want them to learn. Avoid making the mistake Rebekah and Jacob made.
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