Genesis 37:21

And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

And Reuben {H7205} heard {H8085} it, and he delivered {H5337} him out of their hands {H3027}; and said {H559}, Let us not kill {H5221}{H5315} him.

But when Re'uven heard this, he saved him from being destroyed by them. He said, "We shouldn't take his life.

When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. โ€œLet us not take his life,โ€ he said.

And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.

Commentary

Genesis 37:21 marks a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Joseph and his brothers, revealing an unexpected act of compassion amidst deep-seated jealousy and malice.

Context

This verse immediately follows the culmination of the brothers' intense hatred for their younger sibling, Joseph. Driven by envy over Jacob's clear favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:9), they had initially conspired to kill him (Genesis 37:19-20). Their intent was to dispose of him and concoct a story for their father, Jacob. It is at this dark juncture that Reuben, the eldest son, intervenes.

Key Themes

  • Reuben's Timely Intervention: As the firstborn, Reuben likely felt a responsibility, or perhaps a twinge of conscience, to prevent outright murder. His plea, "Let us not kill him," was not a complete defense of Joseph, but a strategic move to save his life with the intention of later rescuing him and returning him to Jacob (Genesis 37:22). This act, though imperfect, highlights a flicker of humanity within the family's destructive dynamic. Later, Reuben expresses remorse for his inability to fully save Joseph (Genesis 42:22).
  • Mitigation of Evil: While the brothers still proceed with a cruel act (selling Joseph into slavery), Reuben's intervention prevents the greater sin of fratricide. This shows how even partial obedience or a small act of righteousness can alter a tragic course, even if not fully preventing suffering.
  • Divine Providence at Work: Though born from wicked intentions, Reuben's intervention, coupled with the brothers' subsequent decision to sell Joseph, ultimately serves God's larger plan. This seemingly disastrous event sets the stage for Joseph's journey to Egypt, his rise to power, and eventually the preservation of the entire family during a famine, fulfilling God's covenant promises. This is a powerful demonstration of God's ability to turn evil intentions for good.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "delivered him out of their hands" (ื•ึทื™ึทึผืฆึดึผืœึตื”ื•ึผ ืžึดื™ึธึผื“ึธื, vayatzilehu miyadam) signifies an active rescue or deliverance. Reuben literally snatched Joseph from the immediate threat of death. The Hebrew verb natzal (ื ึธืฆึทืœ) often implies pulling someone or something out of danger or from the grasp of another, emphasizing Reuben's decisive action to prevent the ultimate harm his brothers intended.

Practical Application

Genesis 37:21 offers several lessons for us today:

  • Standing Against Injustice: Reuben's act, however flawed, reminds us of the importance of speaking up against injustice, even when it is unpopular or difficult. It encourages us to be a voice for those who cannot defend themselves.
  • The Power of One Voice: One person's intervention can significantly alter a destructive path. Reuben's single dissenting voice prevented murder and changed the trajectory of Joseph's life, and by extension, the future of Israel.
  • God's Sovereignty: This narrative powerfully illustrates that God can work His purposes through human actions, both good and bad. Even in moments of great sin and betrayal, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate plan for His people.

Reflection

Reuben's intervention in Genesis 37:21 is a testament to the complex interplay of human sin, imperfect righteousness, and divine sovereignty. It highlights that even in the darkest moments of human depravity, there can be a glimmer of conscience, and more importantly, God's overarching plan continues to unfold, using every circumstance to achieve His redemptive purposes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:22

    And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

  • Matthew 10:28

    And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

  • Genesis 9:5

    And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

  • Joshua 10:28

    ยถ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

  • Genesis 35:22

    And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: