The answer is: An evil beast devoured him

Gen 37:32-34

In the dramatic account of Joseph's life, Jacob's despair is palpable. When Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, they concocted a lie to hide their treachery. They dipped Joseph's famous coat of many colors in goat's blood and presented it to Jacob, leading him to believe that an evil beast had devoured his beloved son. This moment is not just a turning point for Jacob; it's an incredibly rich depiction of family betrayal and parental grief.

What’s fascinating is how this moment echoes the theme of deception seen throughout the Bible—so many characters grapple with truths being twisted, sometimes leading to dire consequences. For instance, consider the way Jacob himself deceived his father, Isaac, to obtain the blessing meant for Essau. This connection between the father and son, lying in defense of love and favoritism, is heavy with intergenerational pain.

Moreover, Jacob's intense mourning—he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth—illustrates the cultural practices of grieving, emphasizing how deeply this tragedy affected him. It's interesting how the themes of loss, restoration, and forgiveness evolve later in Joseph's journey, making us consider how even in the depths of heartache, hope and eventual redemption can emerge. Joseph's story ultimately leads to saving not just his own family, but entire nations during a famine, highlighting the intertwining of suffering and divine providences in life’s unpredictable narrative.