‘And they took Joseph's coat and killed a he-goat and dipped the coat in the blood. And they sent the coat of many colours and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Decide now whether it is your son's coat or not.” And he recognised it and said, “It is my son's coat. An evil beast has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” '
The dreadful deed has been done but now Reuben's words stir them into action. How can they best cover it up? The answer is simple. They will take Joseph's coat, cover it in blood and then pretend they have found it. And that is exactly what they did. And Jacob was completely taken in. But what they had not considered was the effect on their father. How easily we do things without thinking how many people might suffer as a consequence. Each wrong action can produce a chain of suffering.
“Sent --- and brought.” Is there here an indication of the wrestling already taking place within their minds? Do they ‘bring' it by sending it by the hands of servants who pass their words on? One can understand why they would not wish to touch the coat themselves.