Compare Reuben's plan in Genesis 37:22 with other biblical examples of peacemaking. Setting the Scene: Sibling Hatred in Genesis 37 • Joseph’s brothers “hated him even more” because of his dreams (Genesis 37:5). • Their jealousy escalated to a murderous plot when Joseph approached them at Dothan (Genesis 37:18-20). Reuben’s Proposal Explained (Genesis 37:22) “Reuben said to them, ‘Do not shed blood! Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him’—intending to rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father.” • Reuben intervenes verbally—his first step toward peace is to stop violence. • He offers an alternative plan—placing Joseph alive in a pit. • His hidden motive—“return him to his father”—shows a desire for reconciliation, not merely damage control. Why Reuben’s Idea Qualifies as Peacemaking • It places high value on life (cf. Genesis 9:6). • It defuses immediate anger, buying time for calmer reflection. • It preserves family unity by preventing irreversible sin (murder). Parallel Moments of Peacemaking in Scripture • Abigail Intervenes (1 Samuel 25:23-33) – Abigail “fell at David’s feet” and offered provisions. – She redirected David’s wrath from bloodshed to blessing. – Like Reuben, she proposed an alternate course that protected the guilty (Nabal) and the innocent (her household). • Jonathan Defuses Saul’s Rage (1 Samuel 19:1-6) – Jonathan “spoke well of David to Saul” (v. 4). – He appealed to Saul’s conscience and reminded him of David’s loyalty, turning Saul from murder—for a time. – Echoes Reuben’s verbal persuasion and commitment to a threatened brother. • Moses Stops Hebrew Strife (Exodus 2:13-14) – Moses asked, “Why are you striking your companion?” – Though earlier he slew an Egyptian, here he urges Israelites to reconcile. – Highlights the peacemaker’s role of questioning violent impulses. • Barnabas Bridges Saul and the Church (Acts 9:26-28) – Disciples feared Saul; Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles.” – His testimony calmed suspicion, allowing fellowship. – Like Reuben, Barnabas mediates for one party viewed as a threat. • Paul Reconciles Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3) – Paul “implores” both women “to agree in the Lord.” – He further enlists a mediator (“true yokefellow”)—demonstrating that peacemaking often needs a third party. Common Threads among the Peacemakers • Immediate action to prevent sin or violence. • Courage to stand against majority pressure. • Creative alternatives that honor God’s commands. • Desire for long-term restoration, not merely short-term quiet. Lessons for Today • Speaking up matters—silence can become complicity (James 4:17). • Offer a concrete alternative when you oppose wrongdoing; vague protests rarely satisfy anger. • True peacemaking seeks the good of every party involved, aiming for repentance and restoration (Matthew 5:9; Galatians 6:1). Closing Reflection Reuben’s quick thinking bought crucial time, sparing Joseph’s life and setting the stage for God’s larger plan to preserve Israel (Genesis 50:20). Like Reuben—and like Abigail, Jonathan, Barnabas, and others—believers today are called to step between anger and action, turning hearts toward righteousness and reconciliation. |
    |