Gen 37:23-30 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 37:23-30: Joseph Is Thrown into a Pit and Sold In these verses, Joseph’s brothers carry out their cruel plan against him. First, they take away his special coat and throw him into a deep, empty pit. Instead of feeling sorry for him, they sit down to eat. When some traders come by, the brothers decide to sell Joseph as a slave for twenty pieces of silver. Reuben, the oldest, is upset when he finds out Joseph is gone, because he had secretly hoped to save him. Even though the brothers meant to harm Joseph, God is using these events to fulfill His bigger plan (Genesis 37:23-30 ). v. 23 : As soon as Joseph arrives, his brothers strip off his coat of many colors. This coat was a sign of their father’s love, and by taking it, they insult both Joseph and their father .

‏ Genesis 37:23-30

Genesis 37:23-30: Joseph Is Thrown into a Pit and Sold

In these verses, Joseph’s brothers carry out their cruel plan against him. First, they take away his special coat and throw him into a deep, empty pit. Instead of feeling sorry for him, they sit down to eat. When some traders come by, the brothers decide to sell Joseph as a slave for twenty pieces of silver. Reuben, the oldest, is upset when he finds out Joseph is gone, because he had secretly hoped to save him. Even though the brothers meant to harm Joseph, God is using these events to fulfill His bigger plan (Genesis 37:23-30 ^a).

v. 23: As soon as Joseph arrives, his brothers strip off his coat of many colors. This coat was a sign of their father’s love, and by taking it, they insult both Joseph and their father .

v. 24: The brothers throw Joseph into an empty pit with no water. They leave him there to die slowly. Their jealousy is so strong that they forget kindness and mercy (Genesis 37:24; Proverbs 27:4 ^b).

v. 25: While Joseph is suffering, the brothers sit down to eat, showing they have no guilt. They see a group of Ishmaelite traders coming from Gilead on their way to Egypt. At this time, the brothers think they are finished with Joseph, but they do not realize God’s plan is still at work .

v. 26-27: Judah suggests that instead of killing Joseph, they should sell him as a slave to the traders. This way, they will not be guilty of his blood, and they might even make a profit. The brothers agree with this plan (Genesis 37:26-27 ^c).

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v. 28: The Midianite merchants take Joseph out of the pit and sell him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Joseph is taken to Egypt. God is turning the brothers’ evil plan into something that will later save many people (Psalm 76:10 ^d).

v. 29-30: Reuben returns to the pit and is shocked to find Joseph gone. He tears his clothes in grief and asks his brothers, “Where can I go?” Reuben is upset because, as the oldest, he feels responsible and had planned to rescue Joseph (Genesis 37:29-30 ^e).

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