Meaning of Genesis 37:21

This verse, Genesis 37:21, reveals Reuben's immediate and compassionate reaction to the escalating cruelty of his brothers towards Joseph. Having overheard their plotting to kill their younger half-brother, Reuben intervenes not with passive observation but with a direct plea for Joseph's life, proposing an alternative that preserves his life while still addressing the brothers' animosity. This act highlights Reuben's moral compass and his role as the eldest son, who, despite the prevailing sentiment of hatred, attempts to uphold justice and familial responsibility. His intervention is a pivotal moment, demonstrating a flicker of ethical resistance within a deeply flawed family dynamic.

Context and Background

Genesis 37 narrates the story of Joseph, his favored status with his father Jacob, and the intense jealousy it breeds among his ten older half-brothers. This jealousy culminates in their conspiracy to dispose of Joseph. Prior to this verse, the brothers had already stripped Joseph of his special tunic and were contemplating his death, as indicated by their discussion. Reuben, as the firstborn, holds a position of leadership and responsibility within the family, making his reaction particularly significant. His proposed alternative – to throw Joseph into a pit – suggests a desire to save Joseph from immediate death while perhaps intending to return him to Jacob later, though this intention is not explicitly stated here.

Key Themes and Messages

• Compassion and Empathy: Reuben's response is driven by compassion. He recognizes the barbarity of his brothers' plan and feels empathy for Joseph's plight.
• Moral Courage: In a situation where the majority sentiment is murderous hatred, Reuben stands out by speaking against it, demonstrating moral courage.
• Leadership and Responsibility: As the eldest, Reuben feels a sense of duty to protect his younger brother and to guide his brothers away from such a heinous act.
• The Struggle Against Evil: This verse showcases the internal conflict between good and evil, even within a single family unit.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Reuben's actions serve as an example of how individuals are called to act when confronted with injustice and cruelty. It encourages believers to speak up for the defenseless, to advocate for righteousness, and to resist the pressures of conformity when those pressures lead to sin. The verse prompts introspection on our own willingness to intervene when we witness wrongdoing, and whether our compassion translates into courageous action. It underscores the importance of discerning right from wrong, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is crucial to the unfolding of the Joseph narrative, which in turn is foundational to the history of Israel. Joseph's eventual sale into slavery and subsequent rise to power in Egypt are direct consequences of his brothers' actions, mitigated by Reuben's initial intervention. This story foreshadows themes of suffering, betrayal, divine providence, and eventual redemption that are central to the Old and New Testaments. Joseph's journey from victim to savior of his family mirrors Christ's own path of suffering and ultimate triumph.

Analogies

One might compare Reuben's intervention to a witness in a court of law speaking up to prevent a miscarriage of justice, or to a single voice of reason in a mob. It is like a shepherd trying to pull a lamb from the jaws of wolves, even when the other shepherds are indifferent or complicit.

Relation to Other Verses

Reuben's role here can be contrasted with other instances of leadership or lack thereof. For instance, his attempt to save Joseph can be seen as a nascent understanding of the "love your neighbor" principle, which Jesus later elaborates upon. His action also foreshadows the broader theme of God working through human choices, even flawed ones, to achieve His purposes, as seen throughout scripture. In Proverbs 24:11-12, there is a similar exhortation: "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we didn't know,' does not he who weighs the heart recognize it? Does not he who guards your life know your ways, and will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?" Reuben, in this moment, acts on this principle, even if imperfectly.