Genesis 37:22

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

Genesis 37:22 (KJV)

Context

Joseph’s brothers hated him because their father Jacob loved him more than them. Their anger grew when Joseph told them two dreams in which they bowed to him. In the verses just before this one, the brothers plotted to kill Joseph and throw him into a pit, planning to say a wild animal had eaten him. Reuben, the eldest brother, heard this plan and wanted to save Joseph.

Meaning

Reuben told his brothers not to shed blood but to cast Joseph into a pit in the wilderness and lay no hand on him. The Hebrew word for “pit” often means a dry cistern or well, and Genesis 37:24 confirms it was empty of water. Reuben’s hidden purpose was to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father. His words were a compromise: he did not fully stop the brothers’ plan, but he tried to prevent murder.

Biblical connections

Reuben’s plan did not succeed. Before he could return, the brothers sold Joseph to Ishmaelite traders, who took him to Egypt as a slave (Genesis 37:25-28). This event began Joseph’s descent into Egypt, which later became the means of preserving his family during famine. Joseph himself later recognized that God used the brothers’ evil for good (Genesis 45:5-8; 50:20), though the text here does not yet state that purpose.

Application

This verse shows the destructiveness of envy and the importance of protecting the vulnerable, even when our efforts are imperfect. Reuben acted with good intention but not full courage. His failure reminds us that human rescue is limited. We should speak up for those in danger, but we must also trust that ultimate deliverance comes from God, who can work through flawed human actions to accomplish His purposes.

Reflection

Consider how jealousy can blind us to the value of others. Reuben’s intervention was a small act of mercy in a family torn by sin. It points to the greater deliverance God provides through Jesus Christ, who saves us from the pit of sin and death. Let this verse encourage you to be an agent of protection and to rely on God’s providence even when human plans fail.