Jacob’s fondness for Joseph was natural, perhaps, since he saw in him not only the child of his beloved Rachel but also an excellence of character which stood in marked contrast to the notorious lives of some of his other sons. Many parents who find themselves in Jacob’s position, drawn to one child more than to another, at least put forth the effort to conceal the preference, which in their inmost hearts they probably feel is wholly justified. But with inordinate and obvious partiality, Jacob made evident his preference for Rachel’s son by presenting him with an expensive and princely garment. As expected, such a mark of esteem was distasteful to his other sons and, had it not been for Joseph’s fundamentally sound character, might have been injurious to Joseph himself.