The dreamer was a Favorite son. (Vv. 3-7)
The Bible tells us that Joseph was loved more than all his children because he was the son of his old age. When Joseph’s brethren saw that he was loved more than they were, they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him. The coat of many colors reminded the brothers that Joseph enjoyed a favored position. This signified a position of favor, princely standing, and birthright. It was a dramatic way of saying he was the son to receive the birthright. This favorite son dreamed and explained his dreams causing more hatred to develop.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION: I am not sure if Israel was wise in showing the partiality that he had towards Joseph or not. Even with him doing so, that did not justify the brothers having the hatred that they did for Joseph. I know that as parents that we should show the same love to each of our children. There may be a human tendency to give preferential treatment to one child over the other. This can be readily detected by the other siblings. There also can be a tendency for showing partiality in a class room. Most of us have heard the expression: “She or he is the teacher’s pet.”
From W. Alderman’s Sermon "The Dreamer"