“Joseph Sold into Slavery: Betrayed by His Brothers and God’s Greater Plan”

“Joseph Sold into Slavery: Betrayed by His Brothers and God’s Greater Plan”

From Genesis 37:18-36

Introduction:

Genesis 37:18-36 is a compelling and poignant chapter that serves as a crucial turning point in the life of Joseph, a narrative that unfolds with deep theological significance across subsequent verses. Here, we encounter a tapestry of human emotions: jealousy, cruelty, and deception, woven into the very fabric of family dynamics. The story begins with a chilling intent to murder Joseph, setting a dark tone that only escalates as the brothers devise a plan to sell him into slavery. This moment marks the onset of Joseph’s suffering and ironically initiates the divine orchestration of his journey to Egypt. In this place, his true potential will eventually emerge.

The themes of betrayal and sin permeate the actions of Joseph’s brothers, who allow their hatred and envy to propel them towards a decision that will reverberate through their lives. Their calculated attempt to deceive Jacob about Joseph’s fate showcases the destructive consequences that such sins can unleash within a family. Yet, amid this human treachery, we glimpse a profound truth: God’s providence doesn’t falter. It operates subtly, guiding Joseph’s steps toward a future fraught with trials and triumphs. This chapter invites us to ponder human nature’s complexities while simultaneously recognising God’s sovereign hand at work in our lives.

Verses 18-20 – The Brothers Plot Against Joseph:

“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams” (Genesis 37:18-20, KJV)

As the brothers catch sight of Joseph in the distance, their simmering resentment ignites into an explosive confrontation. Joseph, often labelled the “dreamer,” embodies their deepest insecurities through his prophetic visions, which foretell a future in which his family bows before him (Genesis 37:5-11). To his brothers, these dreams symbolise not divine insight but an insufferable arrogance, a claim to superiority they cannot tolerate. Their envy festers, transforming into a dark plan to eliminate him, driven by a desperate need to escape the shadows of favouritism cast by their father.

The decision to cast Joseph into a pit is not merely an act of betrayal but a stark display of their willingness to embrace cruelty. In their minds, this deliberate abandonment serves as a solution to their perceived rival’s threat. Strikingly, they concoct a deceitful story to cover their heinous act, fabricating a tale that a wild beast has claimed his life. This calculated lie reveals the depths of their wickedness and highlights their moral decay. The act of deceiving their father adds a layer of chilling betrayal, tearing apart family bonds while concealing their treachery.

Joseph’s plight ultimately serves as a profound encapsulation of the human experience, exploring themes of envy, betrayal, and the disastrous consequences of allowing jealousy to dictate actions. Their disdain for Joseph’s spiritual journey and prophetic insights only amplifies the tragedy of their choices, painting a vivid picture of the complexities of family dynamics and the dark paths they can lead us down.

Verses 21-22 – Reuben’s Intervention:

“And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.”  (Genesis 37:21-22, KJV)

Reuben, the eldest of the brothers, steps forward to intervene in an attempt to prevent the murder of Joseph, showing a glimmer of mercy and compassion amidst the brewing tide of cruelty. While Reuben’s intervention may appear as a moment of kindness, there is more beneath the surface. His actions seem driven not solely by an altruistic desire to protect Joseph but also by a desire to redeem himself and solidify his position within the family. Reuben had previously committed a grave sin when he slept with his father’s concubine, Bilhah, in a moment of personal failure (Genesis 35:22). This scandal had tarnished his reputation and his authority as the firstborn son. By stepping in to save Joseph, Reuben likely hoped to restore his standing with Jacob and prove that he was still the rightful leader of the brothers. Therefore, his desire to preserve Joseph’s life may have been as much about his personal redemption as it was about showing mercy to his brother. Reuben’s internal struggle with his past mistake adds complexity to his actions; he is seeking to repair the damage he caused, all while trying to act as a peacemaker in the volatile environment among the brothers.

However, Reuben’s plan to cast Joseph into a pit, while sparing his life, is not as much of a mercy as it might initially seem. The pit, or cistern, into which Reuben suggests throwing Joseph, was likely a deep, dry well that would have offered no comfort or means of escape. This cistern would have been dark and empty, a cold and isolated place where Joseph would be left to endure physical discomfort, emotional torment, and an uncertain future. While Reuben’s suggestion of a pit appears less lethal than outright murder, it still carries a significant degree of cruelty. Joseph, left in the pit alone, would have suffered the intense fear of abandonment, darkness, and physical vulnerability. The pit symbolises Joseph’s helplessness in the face of his brothers’ intentions, as it would offer no real means of survival, only isolation.

Yet, the faint flicker of mercy in Reuben’s proposal is noteworthy. Though flawed, his suggestion to leave Joseph in the pit opens the door for a potential rescue. Reuben intends to return later to free Joseph and return him safely to their father. Though limited in scope, this subtle mercy demonstrates that even in moments of profound sin and disobedience, God can work through human actions to preserve His greater purposes. Reuben’s attempt to save Joseph, though not fully executed as planned, can be seen as a part of God’s providence at work. Through the seemingly small act of sparing Joseph’s life, God sets the stage for future events that will ultimately lead to Joseph’s deliverance and the unfolding of His grand plan of salvation for Israel. This moment serves as a reminder that even the flawed decisions of individuals, whether driven by personal ambition, guilt, or compassion, can become instruments through which God’s will is ultimately carried out.

The tension between human imperfection and divine sovereignty is evident in this instance. Reuben’s plan to save Joseph may not have been perfect, but it was enough to prevent Joseph’s death and set the chain of events leading him into the heart of Egypt, where his fate would take a dramatic turn. Even amid sin, God can use human actions to further His purpose, showing that no act is beyond God’s ability to use for good, no matter how small or imperfect. Reuben’s role here, though not without fault, is a reminder that God’s grace can shine through even the most unlikely circumstances and that He works through human frailty to accomplish His divine will.

Verses 23-24 – Joseph Thrown into the Pit:

“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.” (Genesis 37:23-24, KJV)

Joseph’s brothers stripping him of his coat of many colours transcends the mere removal of clothing, shattering the essence of Joseph’s identity and societal standing. This coat, a lavish gift from their father Jacob, is not simply fabric but a potent emblem of love and favouritism; a constant reminder of the deep-seated rivalry that brews among the siblings. In their act of violence, the brothers are not just rejecting Joseph; they are making a deliberate statement about their sense of worth and significance. By stripping away the vibrant colours that signify their father’s affection, they attempt to diminish Joseph physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

The humiliation is amplified by the collective decision to impose this fate upon him. In their eyes, removing the coat is a symbolic act that levels the playing field, turning the favoured son into just another brother among them. Yet, this attempt to erase Joseph’s identity highlights a profound irony: it is not possible to strip him of his inherent worth, which remains intact regardless of their misguided actions. This moment represents a deep injustice, as Joseph is reduced to a pawn in their power play, illustrating the heart-wrenching nature of familial betrayal and disdain.

Following the coat’s removal, Joseph is thrown into a pit, an empty, desolate space that is a powerful metaphor for his emotional state. This pit is more than a physical prison; it’s an abyss of isolation and vulnerability. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, water symbolises life. Its absence from the pit starkly contrasts with the abundance of love, dreams, and future possibilities Joseph experienced in his father’s household. Instead of the warmth of familial affection, he faces a chilling solitude that reflects his brothers’ betrayal; a psychological torment as deep as the pit itself.

Yet, within this grim reality lies the seed of hope. While Joseph’s situation appears hopeless, it sets the stage for a divine narrative of providence and redemption. His isolation, though painful, does not go unnoticed; it becomes the crucible through which his faith is forged and refined. The brothers who sought to humiliate him unknowingly propel him toward a destiny far greater than their petty jealousy can foresee.

The pit, an instrument of despair, turns out to be the unlikely starting point of Joseph’s extraordinary journey, one that will ultimately bring salvation not only to his family but also to nations. This narrative arc reminds us that even in the darkest moments of life, when we feel abandoned and forgotten, there is a greater plan at work. The journey through suffering has the potential to cultivate resilience, strength, and hope, leading to an unforeseen destiny that only God can orchestrate. Thus, what began as a moment of betrayal transforms into a profound story of redemption, inviting us to reflect on the mysterious ways our trials can lead to unexpected grace and purpose.

Verses 25-28 – Joseph Is Sold to the Ishmaelites:

“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”  (Genesis 37:25, KJV)

After throwing Joseph into the pit, the brothers seem to continue their lives as though nothing significant had happened. They sit down to eat their meal in a chilling display of cold indifference. This casual, almost blasé attitude toward Joseph’s distress underscores the depth of their cruelty. Here, the brothers show no sign of guilt, remorse, or empathy for the suffering they have inflicted on their brother. Instead of feeling the weight of their actions, they continue their daily routines as if Joseph’s fate is of no consequence. This stark contrast between their apparent apathy and Joseph’s intense suffering, alone, in a dark pit, helpless and betrayed, highlights the extent to which their hearts have been hardened by jealousy, hatred, and resentment. The fact that they can sit and eat while their brother is in torment demonstrates the callousness that envy and anger can cultivate in a person’s heart. They are not only indifferent to his suffering but seem to find comfort in their ability to carry on without remorse, showing how deeply entrenched sin and bitterness can sever empathy and human compassion.

At just the right moment, a caravan of Ishmaelites passes by, travelling from Gilead to Egypt, carrying spices, balm, and myrrh with them. This seemingly coincidental occurrence is a profound reminder of God’s sovereign control over the unfolding of events. While the brothers are unaware, God’s hand is at work, directing the situation’s details in ways they cannot comprehend. The timing of the caravan’s arrival is no accident—it occurs precisely when Joseph’s life is hanging in the balance, offering a way out of their immediate dilemma. Judah, always quick to propose a plan, suggests that they sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites rather than kill him outright. Judah’s suggestion might seem merciful compared to the brothers’ initial plan, yet it is still born from a desire to rid themselves of Joseph without direct bloodshed. In essence, Judah’s idea offers a way for the brothers to escape the guilt of murder while still fulfilling their ultimate objective of getting rid of Joseph. His proposal not only spares Joseph’s life but also sets in motion the events that will eventually lead to Joseph’s journey to Egypt, where God will use him in ways his brothers cannot yet imagine.

The caravan itself is significant beyond its mere presence in the narrative. The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, carry a unique connection to Joseph’s family line. This family ties to the descendants of Ishmael emphasises God’s far-reaching plan, wherein even those who are not directly part of the covenant promise of Israel are woven into His greater design. The caravan’s journey to Egypt is not simply an ordinary passage of trade goods; it is part of God’s sovereign orchestration of history, marking the beginning of Joseph’s life in Egypt, where he will eventually rise to great power and influence. This seemingly random encounter with the Ishmaelites is a key moment in the unfolding narrative of God’s salvation plan for Israel. Although Joseph’s brothers act out of selfish motives, they unknowingly become instruments in God’s grand design.

The sale of Joseph for twenty pieces of silver carries significant theological weight. The amount, though seemingly a trivial sum compared to the true value of a human life, holds deep foreshadowing for the future. The twenty pieces of silver paid for Joseph mirrors the later betrayal of Jesus Christ, who was sold for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). In both cases, the betrayal is motivated by greed and the desire to rid themselves of someone who stands as a challenge to their pride and authority. The price of betrayal: twenty pieces of silver for Joseph, thirty for Jesus, is a powerful connection between the Old and New Testaments, symbolising the ultimate betrayal of innocence and righteousness. Both Joseph and Jesus will experience rejection, suffering, and unjust treatment at the hands of those who should have loved and protected them. Yet, in both cases, the betrayal is not the end of the story. Joseph’s suffering in Egypt will ultimately lead to the salvation of his family, and Jesus’ betrayal will culminate in His sacrificial death on the cross for the salvation of all who believe in Him. In this light, the sale of Joseph is a prophetic act pointing to the ultimate betrayal of Christ, marking an intersection between the Old Testament narrative and the New Testament fulfilment of God’s redemptive purposes.

The sale also carries a deeper layer of irony. The brothers believe they are rid of Joseph, but they unknowingly set the stage for his eventual rise to power. What seems like an act of finality, a permanent rejection, is a step toward God’s greater plan for Joseph’s life. Similarly, the betrayal of Jesus, which appears to be the culmination of His rejection, is paradoxically how salvation is accomplished. Thus, in both Joseph’s story and the story of Jesus, what seems like the end is the beginning of something much greater: God’s plan of redemption for His people.

Verses 29-30 – Reuben’s Return and Discovery of Joseph’s Absence:

“And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” (Genesis 37:29-30, KJV)

When Reuben returns to the pit, filled with hope and determination to rescue Joseph, he is met with a gut-wrenching reality: the pit is empty. This shocking discovery intensifies his internal turmoil, culminating in an ancient gesture of grief: he tears his clothes, a profound expression of sorrow that resonates deeply within the cultural context of the ancient Near East. This act is more than just a display of mourning; it symbolises Reuben’s overwhelming shock and a harrowing sense of failure. As the eldest brother, he harboured aspirations of redemption to save Joseph and restore his honour in the eyes of their father, Jacob.

In this moment, Reuben grapples with the weight of his choices and the stark reality that he has lost the chance to amend his past mistakes. His grief is palpable, reflecting not only the absence of his brother but also a profound sense of personal loss—a shattering of his identity as protector and firstborn. The pit, once a symbol of conflict, now embodies Reuben’s sense of helplessness, illustrating how swiftly the tides of family dynamics can shift, leaving one unmoored.

But Reuben’s mourning is layered with more than just sorrow. It stirs a deep fear of the consequences he will face. Joseph’s disappearance signifies that their plot has spiralled far beyond his control, and the looming judgment from Jacob only amplifies his anxiety. Reuben is not merely grieving for Joseph; he is haunted by the prospect of his father’s despair and the blame that will inevitably fall on his shoulders for the family’s disunity. His past, a painful sin involving Bilhah, casts a long shadow over his present, leaving him doubly shameful, as if his chance for redemption had slipped through his fingers.

This moment is a poignant embodiment of the intricate relationship between human agency and divine providence. Reuben’s intentions were noble; he sought to protect Joseph, yet the unfolding events highlight a greater narrative at play, one that aligns with God’s sovereign will. Reuben’s desperate attempt to alter the course of events contrasts with the broader tapestry of destiny woven in the unseen realms. The emptiness of the pit is not just a void; it represents the limits of human control and the reality that divine purposes often operate beyond our understanding.

Interestingly, this turmoil underlines a recurring biblical theme: the clash between human actions and divine sovereignty. While Reuben’s grief is deeply personal, it intersects with a divine plan larger than any individual story. What appears to be a devastating turn of events for him is, in reality, a vital thread in the fabric of God’s grand design. Joseph’s eventual journey to Egypt, far from being a tragic outcome, is a crucial step towards fulfilling God’s purpose for His people, demonstrating how even the darkest moments can be intricately woven into His overarching narrative.

Reuben’s despair speaks to a universal truth: though we possess free will and bear responsibility for our actions, God’s will ultimately prevails. His tears, while brimming with genuine emotion, cannot alter the path set in motion. This compelling intersection of human failure and divine control invites reflection on our lives. How often do we find ourselves grappling with our limitations and the outcomes of our choices, only to discover that, in the tapestry of life, each thread, no matter how frayed, plays a role in a larger unfolding story orchestrated by a higher power?

In the grand scheme of God’s plan, Reuben’s sorrow becomes a poignant reminder that our missteps can lead to profound outcomes. God’s purposes are resilient; they persist even when we feel lost in the chaos of our circumstances. Reuben learns that even in the depths of despair, God is at work, guiding history with a hand that transcends human understanding. This realisation holds a powerful truth: our journeys, with all their twists and turns, contribute to a divine narrative unfolding with purpose and intention, illuminating the strands of hope woven into every tragedy.

Verses 31-33 – The Deceptive Ruse:

“And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or not.” (Genesis 37:31-32, KJV)

The brothers’ cruelty reaches a new level in these verses as they enact their heartless deception. After their treacherous decision to sell Joseph into slavery, they kill a goat, a symbol of innocent life taken in the service of their lies, and smear its blood onto Joseph’s prized coat of many colours. Once a symbol of their father Jacob’s deep love and affection for Joseph, this coat becomes a chilling instrument of deceit. The brothers create the illusion that a wild animal has killed Joseph. This elaborate and grotesque act serves to sever any connection between Joseph and his family in their minds. By presenting this bloodied coat to Jacob, they manipulate their father’s emotions and force him to conclude that his beloved son has met a tragic and untimely death. This act of deception is a calculated move, showing the brothers’ complete disregard for the truth and the deeply painful emotional consequences of their actions. They are not simply lying to Jacob; they are playing with his heart, leaving him to suffer under the weight of an unimaginable loss that, in reality, they have caused.

The brothers’ actions go beyond cruelty; they reveal a complete lack of empathy or conscience. They allow their father to believe this lie, knowing that their fabricated story will crush him. This coldness is compounded by the fact that Jacob’s grief is not just for a son who was cherished but for the loss of a child he loved deeply; Joseph was not just any son; he was the son of his beloved Rachel, the wife he had worked for and waited for many years to marry. To Jacob, Joseph was not just a favourite child but a living reminder of his great love for Rachel. Therefore, His attachment to Joseph is profound, and the news of his death, though falsely constructed by his sons, will strike him with an unthinkable sorrow.

When Jacob is presented with the bloodied coat, his immediate reaction is one of devastation and despair. The brothers’ cruel act of deception cuts to the heart of his deepest love, causing a grief that will not be easily healed. Jacob’s anguished response is not only a result of losing Joseph but also of the cruel nature of the lie he has been forced to accept. In allowing him to come to the false conclusion that Joseph is dead, the brothers demonstrate the hardened state of their hearts. Their willingness to let their father suffer in this way reveals how far their hatred for Joseph has driven them to lose all sense of compassion, even for the man who raised them and loved them.

The tragedy of this moment is further compounded by the depth of Jacob’s love for Joseph. This love was not just that of a father for his son, but one forged through years of heartache and longing. Jacob had experienced the pain of Rachel’s barrenness, and Joseph’s birth had been a source of immense joy and fulfilment for him. To lose Joseph, in Jacob’s eyes, is not simply the death of a child—it is the death of a part of his soul. The brothers’ deception leaves him to wrestle with this grief, not knowing that the loss is based on a lie. The pain of his perceived loss is intensified by the fact that Jacob has no way of knowing the true fate of his son. In this way, the brothers not only steal Joseph’s life from him but also rob Jacob of the ability to find closure or peace, leaving him in a state of grief that seems endless.

This heartbreaking scene paints a vivid picture of the destructive power of sin, not just for the one wronged but for those who carry out the wrongdoing. The brothers, in their envy and hatred of Joseph, have not only ruined their relationships with him but have devastated their father, forcing him into a deep, unrelenting sorrow. Jacob’s grief will be long-lasting, and it will take many years before he even begins to understand the truth of what has happened. This moment, filled with pain and deception, highlights the far-reaching consequences of sin and how it can affect the victim and those who are complicit in the wrong. It is a powerful reminder that the consequences of deceit and betrayal are not always immediate. Still, they can have a lingering and deeply painful impact on the lives of everyone involved.

Verses 34-36 – Jacob’s Grief and the Brothers’ Silence:

“And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.” (Genesis 37:34-36, KJV)

Jacob’s reaction to the devastating news of Joseph’s presumed death encapsulates the depth of human grief in a way that resonates with anyone who has experienced profound loss. The moment he clutches the bloodied coat, his heart is overtaken by a tide of sorrow that marks the beginning of an unrelenting mourning period. This moment not only signals the loss of a son but also represents the loss of a fragment of Jacob’s own identity, as Joseph was a cherished link to his beloved Rachel, the woman for whom he endured so much. Once a bright symbol of his affection, the coat transforms into a haunting reminder of heartbreak, capturing the intricate tapestry of joy and despair woven into their relationship.

Jacob’s refusal to be comforted speaks volumes about the nature of grief. His statement that he will mourn for Joseph until his death underscores a heartbreaking finality; it’s as if he believes he has lost his very essence. This intensity of grief reveals the raw and consuming nature of parental love, one that is marked not merely by loss but by an anguished search for meaning in an unbearable situation. For Jacob, mourning isn’t just a phase; it becomes an all-encompassing reality, a testament to the depth of his love and the weight of his despair.

The tragic irony lies in the actions of Jacob’s sons, who conspired to keep their father shackled in this heart-wrenching illusion. Fully aware that Joseph is alive, they choose silence over truth, allowing their father’s agony to spiral unchecked. Their moral failings paint a chilling picture of how envy and betrayal can corrode familial bonds, turning brothers into accomplices of deceit. This realisation forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature: how easily we can become blinded by our failings, neglecting the suffering of those we claim to love.

As the narrative shifts to Joseph’s life journey, moving towards Egypt and the pivotal encounter with Potiphar, a crucial undertone of divine providence cannot be overlooked. What appears to be an insurmountable loss for Jacob simultaneously serves as a divine redirection for Joseph. While Jacob is enveloped in the shadows of despair, the unfolding story of Joseph begins to hint at hope; a journey that, though ignited by betrayal, is ultimately steered by God’s unyielding hand.

This juxtaposition of Jacob’s mourning contrasted with Joseph’s emerging story prompts reflection on the complexities of life’s experiences—how human tragedies often intertwine with divine purpose. Even in the depths of sorrow, God’s plan weaves through the fabric of our lives, guiding us toward a destiny greater than ourselves. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder that while loss can veil our vision, it can also lead to unforeseen blessings hidden within the folds of our pain. In our darkest moments, when we feel utterly forsaken, we are reminded that even in grief, there can be a path toward hope and resurrection, echoing the timeless truth that endings often conceal new beginnings.

Conclusion:

Genesis 37:18-36 serves not merely as a historical account but as a sobering reflection on the destructive nature of sin and the rippling effects of betrayal, envy, and deception. The brothers’ harsh treatment of Joseph and their cold-hearted ruse against their father Jacob reveal stark truths about the depths of human brokenness. Their actions provoke a deep sense of moral contemplation, compelling us to examine our own choices and the integrity behind them.

Yet, even amid this dark narrative, a glimmer of hope emerges. God’s sovereign plan unfolds with a quiet but undeniable force, guiding Joseph toward Egypt—a land where he will rise to power and become a crucial figure in preserving his family and a greater promise. This profound passage encapsulates the intricate dance between human free will and divine orchestration, illustrating that even in the bleakest moments of our lives, a higher purpose is at play. It challenges us to reflect on the impact of our decisions, embrace integrity, and find solace in the belief that God remains in control, weaving our stories in ways we may not yet comprehend. This story reminds us that every twist in our journey may ultimately lead to fulfilment beyond our understanding, urging us to trust in divine guidance even when the path appears fraught with suffering.

“Joseph Sold into Slavery: Betrayed by His Brothers and God’s Greater Plan”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)