What a family!
Here we see Reuben attempt to outsmart his brothers in order to protect Joseph.
But what sort of family plans to kill a pesky brother?
Preparing the Bride for GOD’s Story
How do we prepare as the Bride of Christ? One aspect is to learn GOD’S STORY. He created us in His image…. Piece by piece, and peace by peace, we learn to walk as He has walked. And we learn His perspective.
Genesis 37:21-22
“But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.”
Reuben was a bit of a quick-thinker. Perhaps he had more of a conscience. Maybe he held less of a grudge against the arrogant (or overly enthusiastic) Joseph. Maybe he loved his father and recognised how devastating Joseph’s disappearance would have upon him. Perhaps Reuben had more wisdom than the others and wanted to ensure no one betrayed Joseph. In whatever case, Reuben intended to secure a position for Joseph that would temporarily satisfy the bitter brothers, and would preserve the younger man’s life.
Everything backfired!
The boys did the deed! As soon as Joseph appeared, his brothers stuffed him into a hole. Reuben must have gone for a walk — perhaps distressed, nervous for Joseph and perhaps he has a fear of GOD the others lacked, an inherent understanding of right and wrong. In any case, he wasn’t present when the travellers came along. Joseph was sold into slavery. If any other brothers objected, there is no clear testimony of this in this passage.
Reuben’s plan had backfired. While Joseph’s life was preserved, nevertheless, the boy was gone! As good as dead, the brother fabricated a story and pre-DNA testing, they “sacrificed” a goat, who’s blood stood in the place of Joseph’s.
Anything sound familiar??
Anyway, by the time Reuben returns to the scene, Joseph is gone and the boys have nothing but their brother’s coat to show for their troubles.
Or did it?
Just when we think the worst possible thing has happened, GOD makes a way. Fast forward to decades later when Jacob’s family are in famine (along with a lot of others), Joseph rescues them, and just as in his dream, they all bow before him — not knowing of course, that he was their long lost brother, and his dream was being fulfilled.
GOD’s plan was that Jacob’s family and all the inheritors would be saved. Why GOD allowed a drought in the first place, is another strand of debate. But as Joseph said, what his brothers meant for evil, GOD allowed for His good.
“And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)
So, whilst Reuben would have had a number of sleepless nights, GOD had all things under His ultimate authority. Joseph lived, Joseph learned, Joseph thrived, and Joseph rescued the Hebrew nation from extinction.