Genesis 36, entirely, establishes that Esau is the original ancestor of the Edomites. Whenever you read about Edom (Edomites) in Scripture, remember that it is talking about the descendants of Esau.
Chapter 37:
Verses 1-4
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When parents show favoritism to any of their children, it creates resentment in the siblings. Some will become envious of the more favored children.
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If you're a parent, do not show any special favor to any of your children. Treat and favor them equally. If you pick favorites in your actions, this will bring strife into your family.
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Verse 2. As a child, be careful not to speak badly about your siblings to your parents. Never try to make yourself look better than your siblings. Be honest.
Verses 5-20
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Do not be quick to share knowledge or prophecies from God about your future. By default, if you have secret knowledge, or knowledge about your future, keep this information private. If there is envy, such information will only make it worse, and you will be a cause of sin.
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People will accuse you of pride and come to despise you if you speak of a great calling or future revealed to you from God.
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Verse 22-30
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Reuben wanted to save Joseph and bring him back to his father, but he acted too timidly. Rather than boldly rebuking his brothers and protecting Joseph forcefully, he tried to pretend to go along with his brothers. As a result, while he wasn't looking, Joseph was sold and taken away.
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Because Reuben did not speak up honestly, he also became guilty of Joseph's demise.
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When you're with people who are doing something that you know is wrong, say so frankly.
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If you do not, you will be held partly responsible for any sin that results; and the regret of this will be very painful.
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Verses 31-36
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Because Jacob had favored Joseph, he could not be comforted when he lost him.
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Anything in life that you favor, or that becomes more important to you than God, will bring you comfortless grief if it is ever lost or endangered. You will greatly worry about anything that you idolize.
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If you want to avoid worry and comfortless grief, do not pick favorites out of people (or your children), and do not let anything in this world become more important to you than God. Make God your sole focus.
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