Then there passed by Midianites merchant men, and they drew and lift vp Ioseph out of the pit, and sold Ioseph to the Ishmeelites for twentie pieces of siluer: and they brought Ioseph into Egypt. Genesis 37:28 (KJV)
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. That revelation further fuelled their jealousy and animosity toward him.
The Midianites and the Ishmaelites: In this verse we encounter the Midianites, a nomadic people living in the region of Midian east of Egypt, known for their involvement in trade and commerce. The Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, and the two groups often interacted because of their close proximity and shared trade routes.
Joseph’s Fate: Driven by jealousy and frustration, Joseph’s brothers plotted to get rid of him. They first 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 profit and to rid themselves of Joseph. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, a common currency at that time, and the Ishmaelites carried him into Egypt.
Divine Providence: Although the brothers acted out of malice, God’s providence was at work throughout this event. Despite their evil intentions, God would use these circumstances to fulfil His larger plan. The betrayal and Joseph’s subsequent journey to Egypt would eventually lead to his rise as a powerful figure and the fulfillment of the dreams he had received.
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 betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by Judas Iscariot. 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.
Thus the verse sets the stage for the next chapter of Joseph’s life as he begins his journey to Egypt. It showcases the complex interplay between human actions, God’s providence, and the ultimate fulfillment of divine purposes, emphasizing themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the redemptive power of God’s plan.
