Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

And they sat down {H3427} to eat {H398} bread {H3899}: and they lifted up {H5375} their eyes {H5869} and looked {H7200}, and, behold, a company {H736} of Ishmeelites {H3459} came {H935} from Gilead {H1568} with their camels {H1581} bearing {H5375} spicery {H5219} and balm {H6875} and myrrh {H3910}, going {H1980} to carry it down {H3381} to Egypt {H4714}.

Then they sat down to eat their meal; but as they looked up, they saw in front of them a caravan of Yishma'elim coming from Gil'ad, their camels loaded with aromatic gum, healing resin and opium, on their way down to Egypt.

And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

Commentary

Genesis 37:25 marks a pivotal moment in the dramatic story of Joseph, revealing both the cold indifference of his brothers and the unfolding hand of divine providence.

Context

This verse immediately follows Joseph's brothers having stripped him of his coat of many colours and cast him into a pit, an act of cruel betrayal. While their younger brother languished in the pit, the ten older brothers "sat down to eat bread," demonstrating a chilling lack of remorse or concern. This scene of casual dining amidst such severity starkly highlights their callousness. It is during this meal that they "lifted up their eyes and looked," spotting a caravan of merchants. These were "Ishmeelites" (also referred to as Midianites in Genesis 37:28), nomadic traders from Gilead, a region known for its aromatic resins and spices. Their destination was Egypt, a detail crucial to the divine plan for Joseph's life.

Key Themes

  • Human Cruelty and Indifference: The act of eating bread while their brother suffered in a pit underscores the depth of the brothers' hatred and their emotional detachment. It's a stark portrayal of how envy and jealousy can harden hearts.
  • Divine Providence: The seemingly coincidental arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan is anything but random. It is a clear instance of God orchestrating events, even through human sin and malicious intent, to accomplish His greater purposes. This encounter sets in motion the very path that would lead Joseph to power in Egypt and ultimately save his family from famine, a theme powerfully articulated later by Joseph himself in Genesis 50:20.
  • The Path to Egypt: This verse introduces the means by which Joseph would be transported to Egypt, laying the groundwork for the next phase of his extraordinary journey (see Genesis 39:1). The caravan's cargo—spicery, balm, and myrrh—were valuable commodities, often used for perfumes, medicines, and embalming, indicating a lucrative trade route.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Ishmeelites" refers to descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's first son. In this narrative, they are depicted as merchants, highlighting the ancient world's bustling trade networks. The mention of "spicery and balm and myrrh" emphasizes the economic significance of these goods in the ancient Near East, particularly the "balm of Gilead," renowned for its medicinal properties.

Practical Application

Genesis 37:25 serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound injustice and human failing, God remains sovereign. It encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or unfair. The indifference of Joseph's brothers also calls us to examine our own hearts, prompting reflection on how we treat those around us, especially family, and to cultivate compassion over callousness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:11

    ¶ And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

  • Genesis 37:28

    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.

  • Jeremiah 8:22

    [Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

  • Genesis 37:36

    And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

  • Genesis 16:11

    And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou [art] with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.

  • Genesis 16:12

    And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

  • Amos 6:6

    That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.