“Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis that tells the story of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel). It marks a significant turning point in Joseph’s life and sets the stage for his eventual rise to prominence in Egypt.
Background:In Genesis 37, we learn that Joseph was the favourite son of Jacob, which caused resentment among his brothers. Joseph had a dream in which he saw his brothers bowing down to him, and he shared this dream with them. This further fuelled their jealousy and animosity towards him.
The Midianites and the Ishmaelites:In this verse, we encounter the Midianites, who were a nomadic people living in the region of Midian, located east of Egypt. They were known for their involvement in trade and commerce. The Ishmaelites, on the other hand, were descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. These two groups often interacted due to their close proximity and shared trade routes.
Joseph’s Fate:Joseph’s brothers, driven by their jealousy and frustration, plotted to get rid of him. They initially intended to kill him but later decided to sell him as a slave. When the Midianite merchantmen passed by, the brothers saw an opportunity to get rid of Joseph and make a profit. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, a common currency at that time.
Divine Providence:Although Joseph’s brothers acted out of malice, it is important to note that God’s providence was at work throughout this event. Despite the evil intentions of Joseph’s brothers, God would use these circumstances to fulfil His larger plan. This act of betrayal and Joseph’s subsequent journey to Egypt would eventually lead to his rise as a powerful figure in Egypt and the eventual fulfilment of his dreams.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing:The act of selling Joseph into slavery for twenty pieces of silver carries symbolic significance. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ was also betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples. This parallel highlights the sacrificial nature of Joseph’s suffering and foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus, who would be sold for silver and ultimately offer salvation to humanity. This verse in Genesis 37:28 sets the stage for the next chapter in Joseph’s life, as he begins his journey to Egypt. It showcases the complex interplay between human actions, God’s providence, and the ultimate fulfilment of divine purposes. It also highlights the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the redemptive power of God’s plan.
