Genesis 37:28-35
37:28 a the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders (literally the Midianite traders): Ishmaelites were descendants of Abraham through Hagar (16:5 b), while Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (25:1-2 c). The term Ishmaelite may have described bedouin tribes generally. The Midianites might also have been traveling with a separate caravan of Ishmaelite traders (37:27 d).• Kidnapping (see 40:15 e) would become a capital offense (see Exod 21:16 f) in Jewish law.
Summary for Gen 37:29-30: 37:29-30 g When Reuben returned, he tore his clothes in grief. His attempt to restore his relationship with his father by saving Joseph had gone awry.
Summary for Gen 37:31-35: 37:31-35 h The old family propensity for deception seized the brothers’ imagination. Jacob had killed a young goat to deceive Isaac (27:5-17 i); now Jacob’s sons deceived him with a goat (see study note on 30:34-36).
37:32 j your son: In their cold hatred, the brothers did not refer to Joseph by name or acknowledge him as their brother (see 21:10 k).
37:33 l recognized: Cp. 27:23 m.
Summary for Gen 37:34-35: 37:34-35 n Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap: These were signs of great distress and mourning (see 44:13 o; Job 1:20 p; 16:15 q). Jacob was devastated and refused to be comforted. The treachery thus affected everyone in his family.
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