Genesis 36 lists the names of many of Esau’s descendants (Esau is also called “Edom” in verses 1, 43). Esau’s posterity were neighbors to Jacob (Israel) throughout the history of the Bible and were called “Edomites.”The birthright son became the leader of the family upon his father’s death. He also assumed responsibility for caring for other family members. In order to fulfill his responsibilities, he was given a double amount of land and goods in his inheritance. Because of the covenant God made with Abraham, the birthright son also had spiritual responsibilities. (For more information, see the Bible Dictionary, “birthright,” p. 625.)Usually the firstborn son received the birthright. Reuben, however, made himself unworthy of this honor (see Genesis 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1). As the firstborn son of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife, Joseph was given the birthright. The “coat of many colors” Jacob gave to Joseph (see Genesis 37:3) is thought to represent the fact that Joseph received the birthright (see William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies [1978], “colour,” p. 82).Remember that although Joseph was the firstborn son of Rachel, he was the eleventh son born. Even though he was worthy, we can imagine how the ten older brothers must have felt about him receiving the birthright blessings. As you read each part of Genesis 37, think about how you would have felt if you were Joseph at that time.