Genesis 37:2

The generations of Jacob. Here opens a new section (see chs. 5:1; 6:9; etc.). Although the name of Jacob alone is mentioned in this title, the history of his family is clearly implied, as the following chapters show. During his lifetime whatever experiences came to members of his family are considered part of his family record.

Joseph, being seventeen. The events about to be described took place some 11 years after Jacob’s return from Haran, when he had reached the age of 108 years (see ch. 30:25 and on ch. 27:1).

With the sons of Bilhah. Joseph was more closely associated with the sons of Bilhah and Zilphah, who stood nearer to him in age, and who were perhaps less haughty than those of Leah. It may be that Bilhah, who had been his mother Rachel’s maid, cared for Joseph after Rachel’s death.

Their evil report. Joseph either reported what he had observed personally or repeated what he had heard about his brothers. This marks the beginning of the bitter hatred that his brothers felt toward him. Joseph was actuated by high ideals, and his sensitive conscience rebelled against the evil deeds of his brothers. His report of these things to Jacob was doubtless with the thought that his father’s influence might lead them to change their ways, lest dishonor come to the family name as it had in the massacre of the Shechemites.