The answer is: An evil beast devoured him

Gen 37:32-34

In the drama of Joseph's life, covered in Genesis, we see one cauldron of emotions boiling, sparked by misunderstandings and deception. Jacob, heartbroken and aging, ends up believing the worst about his beloved son—an unfortunate victim of jealousy kindled by his brothers. When they present him with Joseph's blood-stained coat, that infamous Technicolor dream coat, it's easy to imagine the agony swirling in Jacob’s heart. The vivid imagery of a “beast” seemed more palatable than the brutal truth: that his own children had turned against each other.

Digging deeper reveals Joseph’s coat as a symbol of his father's affection, which was tied to Jacob's own hard life—more than one metamorphosis was happening here, and certainly Jacob knew complexity. It’s interesting to note that in ancient times, this image of bright clothing denoted more than just favoritism; it suggested divine purpose. When Joseph sees a royal-like coat, we can’t help but see shades of inevitable fate intertwined with human choice, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Moreover, Jacob’s gut-wrenching belief brings to light the ancient practice of tearing garments in mourning, reflecting the depths of his sorrow. Years later, Joseph's journey unfolds dramatically, reminding us—all storms pass, and we often grow through our deepest valleys. Highlights of familial conflict in Genesis echo throughout the biblical narrative, encouraging readers to reflect not just on events, but to formulate their own understanding of loyalty, pain, and eventual peace.