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Genesis 37:22 (BSB)
“Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father.” — Genesis 37:22
Wow, let’s take a moment to focus on Reuben’s plea. Picture this: a group of brothers, filled with anger and jealousy, are debating what to do with their younger brother, Joseph, who they’re ready to get rid of. In the middle of this chaotic moment, Reuben steps in, urging them to spare Joseph’s life. He’s not just trying to play the peacemaker; he’s thinking strategically, suggesting they throw Joseph into a pit instead. Reuben is feeling the weight of responsibility here, wanting to save Joseph and bring him back to their father later. It’s a moment of tension where mercy tries to break through chaos, and you can almost feel the heavy air filled with uncertainty and fear. This is where Reuben shows a flicker of bravery, trying to protect his brother against the tide of their anger. Isn’t that powerful? It’s a reminder that sometimes, in the darkest moments, a voice of reason can shine through.
This book, Genesis, is traditionally attributed to Moses. He wrote it to share the stories of creation, the patriarchs, and the foundational moments of the Israelite people. Moses includes this detail about Reuben because it illustrates the complexities of family dynamics. Imagine him wanting to convey how even in families, there can be deep love mixed with fierce rivalry. Moses captures the heart of this moment – the struggle between cruelty and compassion – showcasing how even the most flawed characters can have moments of grace. It’s a reminder that everyone has a part to play, even the ones who might seem like they’re just causing trouble.
When Genesis was written, the world was a very different place. It was around 1400 BC, a time when tribes and clans often struggled for power and resources. People lived in a harsh environment and family loyalty meant everything. Understanding this context helps us see just how serious Reuben’s plea was. In a world where blood feuds could erupt, choosing not to kill someone was a significant act of mercy. The culture at that time often valued strength and survival over compassion, making Reuben’s suggestion stand out even more. It’s like saying, ‘Hey, let’s take a step back from violence and think this through,’ which was revolutionary in that era.
So why should this verse matter to you today? It’s all about choices in the heat of the moment. You might not be dealing with brothers throwing each other into pits, but we all face situations where emotions run high and decisions can lead to harm or healing. Reuben’s call for restraint speaks to the importance of thinking before acting. It’s a reminder that you have the power to influence situations positively, even when things look bleak. When you choose compassion over anger, you can change the outcome for yourself and others. These ancient words are a nudge for you to be that voice of reason in your own life, especially when tensions flare.
Ready to put this verse into action? This week, pay attention to moments when emotions are running high – maybe at home, school, or work. When you feel the urge to react impulsively, take a breath and think about a more constructive response. Could you be a peacemaker like Reuben? Maybe it’s stepping in to calm a heated argument or choosing to listen instead of shout. Practice choosing empathy over anger, and see how even a small action can shift the atmosphere around you. You’ve got this!
Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This moment is part of a larger story about family conflict and betrayal. Earlier, Joseph, the favorite son, had shared dreams that made his brothers feel inferior, sparking jealousy and rage. They plotted against him, and here we find them ready to act on their dark thoughts. Reuben’s proposal to put Joseph in the pit instead of killing him introduces a glimmer of hope and restraint in this intense situation. It shifts the narrative from outright violence to a more complicated plan of betrayal and rescue. After this moment, Joseph does end up in the pit, but Reuben intends to come back and save him. This decision sets the stage for the unfolding drama that will impact their entire family and future. It’s like a crucial turning point in a gripping story where the stakes are high and choices matter deeply.
Think about a time when you had to make a tough decision. How did you handle it, and what could you learn from Reuben's choice to show mercy in a moment of anger?
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