Genesis 37:22

"Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him." Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father.

Study Bible

Do not shed his blood
The phrase "shed his blood" is a direct reference to the act of murder, which is strictly prohibited in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "shed" is "shaphak," which implies a violent outpouring. Reuben's plea reflects an early understanding of the sanctity of life, a principle deeply embedded in the Judeo-Christian ethic. This plea is a call to avoid the irreversible act of taking a life, emphasizing the moral responsibility to preserve life whenever possible.

Reuben said
Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, speaks with the authority and responsibility expected of a firstborn. His intervention highlights his role as a protector, albeit flawed, within the family dynamics. Historically, the firstborn held a position of leadership and was expected to guide and protect the younger siblings. Reuben's actions, though not entirely selfless, demonstrate a desire to fulfill this role, albeit imperfectly.

Throw him into this pit
The "pit" mentioned here is likely a cistern, a common feature in the arid regions of Canaan used to collect rainwater. The Hebrew word "bor" can refer to a pit, cistern, or dungeon. This choice of action suggests a temporary solution, one that avoids immediate bloodshed while still removing Joseph from the brothers' presence. The pit symbolizes a place of abandonment and despair, foreshadowing Joseph's descent into trials that ultimately lead to his rise in Egypt.

here in the wilderness
The "wilderness" refers to the desolate, uninhabited areas surrounding the settled regions. In biblical narratives, the wilderness often represents a place of testing and transformation. It is a setting where individuals encounter God and are refined through trials. Reuben's suggestion to leave Joseph in the wilderness unwittingly sets the stage for Joseph's journey of faith and divine providence.

but do not lay a hand on him
This phrase underscores Reuben's intent to prevent physical harm to Joseph. The Hebrew idiom "lay a hand on" implies an act of violence or harm. Reuben's insistence on non-violence reflects a glimmer of conscience and a desire to protect his brother, even amidst the brothers' jealousy and hatred. It serves as a reminder of the power of restraint and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions.

intending to rescue him
Reuben's intention to "rescue" Joseph reveals his underlying plan to restore him to their father, Jacob. The Hebrew word "natsal" means to deliver or save, indicating Reuben's hope to rectify the situation. This intention highlights the complexity of human motives, where self-preservation and genuine concern can coexist. Reuben's plan, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrates a desire for redemption and reconciliation within the family.

from their hands
The phrase "from their hands" signifies the brothers' collective responsibility and potential guilt in the plot against Joseph. In biblical terms, "hands" often symbolize power and action. Reuben's attempt to rescue Joseph from their hands reflects an effort to prevent collective sin and the ensuing consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of individual accountability within a community.

and return him to his father
Reuben's ultimate goal is to "return" Joseph to Jacob, highlighting the familial bond and the importance of reconciliation. The Hebrew word "shuv" means to turn back or restore, indicating a desire to mend the fractured family relationships. This intention foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and restoration that occurs later in the narrative, emphasizing the biblical theme of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Reuben
The eldest son of Jacob, who intervenes to prevent his brothers from killing Joseph. His intention is to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father, Jacob.

2. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, who is envied by his brothers due to his dreams and his father's favoritism. He is the target of his brothers' plot.

3. The Brothers
The sons of Jacob, who are envious and hostile towards Joseph. They conspire to harm him but are persuaded by Reuben to throw him into a pit instead of killing him.

4. The Pit
A cistern or dry well in the wilderness where Joseph is thrown. It symbolizes a place of abandonment and despair.

5. The Wilderness
The desolate area where the brothers plot against Joseph, representing isolation and danger.

Teaching Points

The Role of Conscience
Reuben's intervention shows the importance of listening to one's conscience and taking a stand against wrongdoing, even when it is unpopular.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Joseph's account reminds us that God can use difficult circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt.

The Power of Intentions
Reuben's intention to save Joseph highlights the significance of our motives and how they can influence our actions and decisions.

Family Dynamics and Responsibility
Reuben's actions reflect the complexities of family relationships and the responsibility of the eldest sibling to protect and guide.

The Consequences of Envy
The brothers' envy leads to destructive actions, teaching us to guard our hearts against jealousy and its potential to harm others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Reuben's intervention in Genesis 37:22 reflect the role of conscience in making moral decisions? Can you think of a time when you had to stand up for what was right?

2. In what ways does Joseph's experience in the pit foreshadow his future role in Egypt? How does this encourage you to trust God's plan in your own life?

3. How do Reuben's intentions to save Joseph compare to other biblical figures who acted with good intentions? What can we learn from their accounts?

4. How can we apply the lessons of family dynamics and responsibility from this passage to our own family relationships?

5. Reflect on a time when envy affected your actions or relationships. How can the account of Joseph and his brothers guide you in overcoming envy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 42
Reuben's later interactions with his brothers reveal his ongoing concern for Joseph and his sense of responsibility as the eldest.

Exodus 2
The account of Moses being placed in a basket and left in the Nile parallels Joseph's abandonment, highlighting themes of divine protection and deliverance.

Luke 15
The parable of the Prodigal Son reflects themes of familial reconciliation and the father's love, similar to Jacob's eventual reunion with Joseph.