Topical Bible: Intercession: Reuben for Joseph

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In the biblical narrative, the act of intercession is vividly illustrated in the account of Reuben's intervention on behalf of his younger brother Joseph. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, where Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob, plays a crucial role in attempting to save Joseph from the deadly intentions of his other brothers.

The context of this intercession is found in Genesis 37. Joseph, favored by their father Jacob, incurs the jealousy and hatred of his brothers due to his dreams and the special coat he receives. When Joseph approaches his brothers in Dothan, they conspire to kill him. Genesis 37:18-20 states, "But they saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams!'"

Reuben's intercession is a pivotal moment in this narrative. As the eldest, Reuben feels a sense of responsibility and seeks to prevent the murder of Joseph. In Genesis 37:21-22 , it is recorded, "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 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's suggestion to throw Joseph into a pit instead of killing him outright is a strategic move. His intention is to return later and rescue Joseph, thus sparing his life. This act of intercession highlights Reuben's desire to protect his brother and his attempt to mitigate the evil plans of his siblings. Despite his efforts, Reuben's plan is thwarted when the brothers sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites while Reuben is absent (Genesis 37:28-29).

Reuben's intercession is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the power of advocacy and the moral responsibility of the eldest sibling in the family structure of ancient Israel. Reuben's actions, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing Joseph's sale into slavery, reveal a glimmer of conscience and familial duty amidst the brothers' betrayal.

This episode also foreshadows the theme of intercession that runs throughout the Bible, where individuals stand in the gap to plead for mercy or justice on behalf of others. Reuben's attempt to save Joseph can be seen as a precursor to the greater acts of intercession found in the Scriptures, culminating in the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who stands before God on behalf of humanity.

In summary, Reuben's intercession for Joseph is a compelling example of brotherly concern and the complexities of familial relationships. It underscores the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of intercession in the biblical narrative.

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

Demonstration viii. --Of the Resurrection of the Dead.
... even) that of the bones of Joseph (that were ... said in the beginning of his
blessing:"Reuben shall live ... after they had prayed and made intercession and delayed ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration viii of the resurrection of.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... of the camp of Judah represented a lion; that of Reuben, a man; that of Joseph,
an ox ... the means of grace, for whom we made a constant intercession." Is there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... Reuben escaped the punishment due to his crime ... Joseph resisted the temptation of
Potiphar's wife because he ... to their father and asked his intercession to free ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... mercy of God and confirmed by the intercession of Christ ... Then follows the horrid
wickedness of Reuben his first ... being buried there, that he took Joseph bound by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... in His words and in the intercession for their ... He rejected," he saith, "the tabernacle
of Joseph, and the ... said, He rejected the tabernacle of Reuben, who was ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... Yea, Ananias, good man, made intercession to my Lord against me; yet he would have
mercy upon me, yea, joined mercy to mercy, until he had made me a monument ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Yea, Ananias (good man) made intercession to my Lord against me; yet he would ... was
sometime an idolater, and Jacob, that was a supplanter, and Reuben, that lay ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... not concerned in a covenant of grace; they think they know enough, though ignorant
of a mediator, and count they have no need of the intercession of Christ.[6]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm