Topical Bible: Brother: Reuben's Love for Joseph

◄ Brother: Reuben's Love for Joseph ►

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Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, is a significant figure in the narrative of Joseph and his brothers. His actions and intentions reveal a complex character who, despite his own failings, demonstrates a protective love for his younger brother Joseph.

Reuben's Position and Responsibility

As the eldest son, Reuben held a position of responsibility among Jacob's sons. This role is evident in his interactions with his brothers and his father. Reuben's actions often reflect the burden of leadership and the expectation to safeguard his siblings. His sense of duty is particularly highlighted in the account of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers.

The Plot Against Joseph

In Genesis 37, Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy and resentment over Joseph's favored status and his dreams of supremacy, conspire to kill him. Reuben intervenes in this plot, demonstrating a protective instinct towards Joseph. Genesis 37:21-22 states, "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. 'Let us not take his life,' he said. 'Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him'—intending to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father."

Reuben's suggestion to throw Joseph into a pit, rather than kill him, reveals his intention to save Joseph from harm. His plan was to return later and rescue Joseph, thus restoring him to their father, Jacob. This act of intervention underscores Reuben's love and concern for Joseph, despite the animosity that existed among the brothers.

Reuben's Absence and Distress

Reuben's absence when the brothers sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites further complicates the narrative. Upon returning to the pit and discovering Joseph gone, Reuben is distraught. Genesis 37:29-30 records his reaction: "When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, returned to his brothers, and said, 'The boy is gone! What am I going to do?'"

Reuben's tearing of his clothes is a traditional expression of grief and distress, indicating his deep sorrow over Joseph's disappearance. His question, "What am I going to do?" reflects his anguish and the weight of responsibility he feels as the eldest brother.

Reuben's Later Advocacy

Reuben's concern for his family continues to manifest in later events. During the famine in Canaan, when Jacob's sons must return to Egypt for grain, Reuben offers his own sons as a pledge to ensure the safe return of Benjamin, Joseph's full brother. In Genesis 42:37 , Reuben says to his father, "You may put both of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back."

This offer, though ultimately rejected by Jacob, illustrates Reuben's ongoing commitment to his family and his willingness to take responsibility for their welfare.

Conclusion

Reuben's actions throughout the narrative of Joseph reveal a brother who, despite his own shortcomings, exhibits a genuine love and concern for his siblings. His attempts to protect Joseph and later to ensure Benjamin's safety highlight his role as a caretaker and advocate within the family. Reuben's account is a testament to the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring bonds of brotherly love.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 37:21,22
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... to slay him; but upon the entreaty of Reuben, they put ... Had each a brother's interest
in his heart ... Ye stars of glory, have ye ever witnessed such stoops of love? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... to a conclusion; consequently, "he had come to love" as a ... For Reuben had sacrificed
his claim by incest. ... distinction bestowed upon this young brother moved the ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... 'Whosoever hateth his brother is a ... from the beginnings of envy, and for walking in
love. ... contrivance for murder without criminality, which Reuben suggested, is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... Reuben, before he died in the 125th year of ... first had peaceable relations with his
brother, after an ... resistance to her words, caresses, and love potions: His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... Reuben escaped the punishment due to his crime, because the ... the temple by night;
and Haran, his brother, perished [265 ... and thousands and on all who love Him." If ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... He knows that such an one will love more than many that have not sinned half ... saith
my author, was a very holy woman, much like Lazarus, her brother; but Mary ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm