Meaning of Genesis 37:22

Reuben's words in Genesis 37:22 reveal a complex interplay of familial duty, moral compromise, and nascent divine providence amidst the brothers' plot to kill Joseph. Driven by a mixture of fear of shedding blood, a desire to uphold a semblance of righteousness, and perhaps a nascent recognition of Joseph's unique status, Reuben proposes a less lethal, though still cruel, alternative to outright murder. His command to throw Joseph into a cistern, rather than kill him, is a strategic move to preserve Joseph's life while appeasing his brothers' murderous intent and, crucially, allowing Reuben to later "rescue" Joseph and return him to their father, Jacob. This action, while not entirely altruistic and tinged with the need to manage his brothers' volatile emotions, marks the first instance of a direct, albeit flawed, attempt to intervene and protect Joseph within the narrative.

Context and Background

This verse occurs within the narrative of Joseph's descent into Egypt, a pivotal moment in the book of Genesis. Joseph, Jacob's favorite son, has been given a richly ornamented tunic, a symbol of his father's special favor, which incites intense jealousy among his older brothers. After Joseph recounts two prophetic dreams that further elevate him above his siblings, their hatred boils over. They conspire to kill him, seeing him as a threat to their own status and future. It is at this critical juncture, as they strip Joseph of his tunic and prepare to murder him, that Reuben, the eldest son and therefore the one with the most responsibility, steps in.

Key Themes and Messages

• Moral Compromise: Reuben's proposal is a clear example of moral compromise. He is unwilling to participate directly in murder but is also unwilling to fully defy his brothers and protect Joseph overtly. His solution is a middle ground, a way to avoid direct culpability while still allowing the brothers' anger to be partially sated.
• Familial Conflict and Jealousy: The verse highlights the destructive power of jealousy and sibling rivalry. The brothers' hatred for Joseph is so profound that they contemplate fratricide.
• Preservation of Life: Despite the flawed nature of his plan, Reuben's primary motivation is to save Joseph's life. This is a significant act of intervention, moving the narrative away from immediate tragedy.
• The Role of Providence: While not explicitly stated by Reuben, his intervention sets in motion a chain of events that, from a theological perspective, aligns with God's overarching plan for Joseph and the nation of Israel.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Reuben's actions, though imperfect, underscore the principle that even in situations of intense human conflict and sin, there can be glimmers of hope and intervention. His desire to preserve life, even through a flawed plan, reflects a basic moral instinct that can be a conduit for divine action. For believers today, this verse can serve as a reminder that:

• Even imperfect actions can have positive outcomes: While we should strive for clear moral rectitude, sometimes our attempts to do good, even with limitations, can lead to better results than inaction or outright evil.
• God can work through flawed individuals: Reuben is not presented as a perfect hero. He is a man struggling with his brothers' sin and his own leadership. Yet, God uses his imperfect intervention to safeguard His chosen servant.
• The importance of speaking up: Reuben's intervention, though not fully decisive, is an act of speaking out against injustice. This can be a model for us to speak truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This episode is foundational to the entire Joseph narrative and, by extension, to the story of Israel's sojourn in Egypt. Joseph's survival, facilitated by Reuben's intervention, allows him to be sold into slavery and eventually rise to a position of power in Egypt. This rise is crucial for the survival of Jacob's family during a subsequent famine, leading to their settlement in Goshen and the eventual enslavement that sets the stage for the Exodus. Reuben's act, therefore, is an early, albeit unintentional, step in God's grand redemptive plan.

Analogies

Reuben's action is akin to a doctor who, unable to prevent a serious injury, opts for a less damaging surgical procedure to save a patient's life. Or, consider a parent who, unable to fully stop a child from making a mistake, guides them towards a less harmful version of that mistake, hoping to mitigate the damage. It is an act of damage control, born out of a desire to preserve what is valuable, even if the method is not ideal.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 37:21: This verse immediately precedes the one in question, stating, "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. 'Let's not kill him!' he said." This establishes Reuben's intent to save Joseph before he proposes the cistern plan.
• Genesis 37:23-24: These verses describe the execution of Reuben's plan: "When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him, including his ornate robe. Then they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it." This shows the immediate aftermath of Reuben's counsel.
• Genesis 45:4-8: Here, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and explains the divine orchestration of his suffering: "Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life... It was not you who sent me here, but God.'" This passage retrospectively confirms the providence that Reuben's action indirectly served.