Psalms 105:17

KJV

He sent a man before them, [even] Joseph, [who] was sold for a servant:

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} a man {H376} before {H6440} them, even Joseph {H3130}, who was sold {H4376} for a servant {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but sent a man ahead of them -Yosef, who was sold as a slave.

Berean Standard Bible

He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.

American Standard Version

He sent a man before them; Joseph was sold for a servant:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:17 profoundly declares God's meticulous foresight and sovereign hand in orchestrating Joseph's journey to Egypt. Far from being a mere victim of his brothers' malice, Joseph was divinely "sent" ahead as a providential forerunner, sold into servitude as a crucial step in God's grand plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel from impending famine and prepare them for their eventual growth into a mighty people. This verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and demonstrates how He purposefully works through human circumstances, even suffering and injustice, to accomplish His redemptive purposes for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 105 is a historical psalm, functioning as a national hymn of praise that systematically recounts God's covenant faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings. It forms part of a larger collection (Psalms 105-107) designed to remind the people of God's mighty acts and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The psalm begins by recounting God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing its eternal nature and divine oath found in passages like [Psalms 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "Psalms 105:8-11 - God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"). Following this, the narrative shifts to the trials of the patriarchs, culminating in a significant focus on Joseph's pivotal role in Egypt, spanning verses 16-22. [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") serves as a crucial transition, introducing the detailed account of Joseph's suffering and subsequent exaltation as the divinely appointed means through which God would preserve Jacob's family from a severe famine. This positioning underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating how even seemingly adverse events are integral to His overarching plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events referenced in [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") are rooted in the detailed narrative found in [Genesis 37-50](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal"). In the ancient Near East, famine was a recurrent and devastating threat, often prompting migrations, with Egypt, due to its reliable Nile-based agriculture, frequently serving as a refuge, as seen in the accounts of Abraham and Isaac. The practice of selling individuals into servitude was common, whether due to debt, capture, or, as in Joseph's unique case, betrayal by family members. Joseph's brothers sold him to Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, who then took him to Egypt ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")). While the human agents acted with malicious intent, the psalmist reinterprets this act through a profound divine lens, portraying it not as a random misfortune but as God's sovereign initiative. This perspective transforms a personal tragedy into a strategic move within God's overarching plan for His chosen people, reflecting the ancient Israelite understanding of divine providence actively shaping historical events.

* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting that God is not merely reactive but actively orchestrates events, even painful and unjust ones, to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's being "sent" and "sold" is presented as part of God's intentional design, not a random misfortune, a truth Joseph himself articulates in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Intent"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant**, demonstrating how God meticulously preserves His chosen line (Jacob's family) even when they are few in number and face existential threats like famine, ensuring the continuity of His promises. Thirdly, the verse introduces **Joseph as a Type or Forerunner**, whose suffering, humiliation, and subsequent exaltation serve as a means of salvation for his people. This prefigures later biblical figures and, most significantly, the Messiah, who would also endure suffering to bring ultimate salvation. Finally, it illustrates the profound concept of **Redemptive Suffering**, where human evil and personal trials are transformed by God into instruments for good and the advancement of His divine plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) signifies a deliberate, intentional dispatch or commission, often with a specific purpose or message. It is not merely that Joseph "happened" to go, but that God actively "sent" him. This emphasizes divine initiative and purpose, transforming a human act of malice (his brothers selling him) into a divine act of providence. The psalmist attributes the action directly to God ("He sent"), underscoring His sovereign control over seemingly chaotic human events and His active involvement in the lives of His people.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** The specific naming of Joseph (H3130) is crucial. It personalizes God's providential plan, showing that God works through specific individuals. Joseph's life, from his dreams to his enslavement, imprisonment, and eventual rise to power, becomes a living testament to God's foresight and ability to use human circumstances for His greater glory. His name, derived from the root "to add" or "to increase," ironically foreshadows his role in preserving and increasing the family of Jacob, ultimately leading to the growth of the nation of Israel.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This term (H5650) denotes a bondservant or slave, emphasizing Joseph's initial state of humiliation and powerlessness. He was sold into a position of subservience, which was a deeply painful and unjust experience, stripping him of his freedom and status. However, the psalmist's framing ("who was sold for a servant") implies that even this degradation was part of the divine sending. It highlights the profound contrast between his initial lowly status and his eventual exaltation, where he became ruler over all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, demonstrating God's power to reverse human fortunes for His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent a man before them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God as the primary agent ("He"). The "man" refers to Joseph, and "before them" indicates a strategic, anticipatory action on God's part. God did not wait for the famine to strike; He proactively positioned Joseph as a forerunner, preparing the way for His people's preservation. This highlights God's foresight, His active involvement in history, and His meticulous planning for the welfare of His chosen family.
* **"[even] Joseph,"**: This parenthetical clarification identifies the specific individual God sent. The insertion of Joseph's name anchors the general statement of divine sending to a concrete historical figure whose life story, familiar to the psalmist's audience, perfectly illustrates God's providential care. It emphasizes the personal and intentional nature of God's plan, demonstrating His particular attention to the details of individual lives within His grand narrative.
* **"[who] was sold for a servant:"**: This final clause describes the immediate circumstance of Joseph's "sending." It directly addresses the painful reality of his betrayal and enslavement. However, within the context of "He sent," this painful event is reinterpreted not as a tragic accident or a mere consequence of human sin, but as a divinely permitted and purposed step in God's larger redemptive plan. The suffering was a means to an end, preparing Joseph for his future role as a deliverer and underscoring God's ability to redeem even the most unjust circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices in [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") to convey its profound theological message. **Divine Foreshadowing** is central, as Joseph's journey, marked by betrayal, suffering, and eventual exaltation to save his people, powerfully prefigures the redemptive work of Christ. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, where the human act of selling Joseph into slavery, intended for evil and personal gain by his brothers, is paradoxically presented as God's deliberate act of "sending" him for good. This highlights the overarching theme of **Divine Providence**, where God's ultimate purpose transcends and even redefines human intentions, demonstrating His absolute control over all circumstances. The concise phrasing also utilizes **Economical Language**, packing deep theological meaning into a few words, allowing the listener to recall the entire Joseph narrative and its profound implications for God's faithfulness and sovereign care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and His interaction with humanity. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most painful and unjust human actions can be woven into His perfect tapestry of redemption. Joseph's suffering was not wasted; it was a necessary prelude to his elevation and the salvation of his family, showcasing God's ability to turn evil into good. This verse reassures believers that God is always at work, meticulously planning and executing His purposes, even when circumstances appear chaotic or contrary to His promises. It invites a deep trust in God's providential care, recognizing that our personal trials may be part of a larger divine strategy for our good and the good of others, ultimately fulfilling His eternal designs.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Intent")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Joseph, encapsulated in [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead"), serves as a powerful reminder that God's perspective on our lives is far grander and more encompassing than our own. When we face betrayal, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, it's easy to feel like victims of circumstance, lost in the immediate pain and confusion. However, this verse challenges us to look beyond the present suffering and recognize the potential for divine purpose in our trials. Just as Joseph's enslavement was part of God's intentional "sending," our current difficulties might be God's way of positioning us for future service, profound spiritual growth, or to be a unique blessing to others. It calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is meticulously working all things for our ultimate good and the fulfillment of His kingdom purposes, even when the path is arduous, unclear, and seemingly devoid of hope. This perspective transforms our lament into a posture of expectant faith, recognizing that God's plan is always unfolding, even in the darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced hardship or injustice that, in hindsight, you can now see God might have been "sending" you through for a greater purpose?**
* **How does the concept of God's active "sending" (even through suffering and betrayal) challenge or affirm your current understanding of divine providence and His involvement in your personal life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more resilient trust in God's sovereign plan, especially when circumstances seem chaotic, unjust, or entirely beyond your control?**
* **Considering Joseph's journey, how might your current "servitude," humble position, or period of waiting be a divinely orchestrated preparation for a significant future role God has uniquely designed for you?**

### FAQ

**Was Joseph's suffering God's direct will, or was it a result of human sin that God merely used?**

Answer: [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") frames Joseph's experience as God's direct initiative ("He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant"). This does not negate the reality of human sin (his brothers' malice, Potiphar's wife's false accusation, the cupbearer's forgetfulness), but rather asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over those sinful acts. The biblical perspective, often termed "compatibilism," is that God can permit sin and even use its consequences to achieve His righteous purposes, without Himself being the author or instigator of sin. Joseph himself articulates this profound theological truth in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Intent"), stating, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This highlights that God's providential hand is so powerful and wise that it can redeem and repurpose even the darkest human intentions for His glory and the ultimate good of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Joseph, as succinctly summarized in [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead"), serves as a profound **type** or **foreshadowing** of Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer. Like Joseph, Jesus was "sent" by His Father into a world that largely rejected Him and His message ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")). He was betrayed by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), sold for a price ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")), and suffered unjustly, enduring humiliation and a servant's death on the cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ Took the Form of a Servant and Humbled Himself")). Yet, this suffering was not an accident but part of God's eternal, divine plan, "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan for Jesus' Death")). Just as Joseph's humiliation led to his exaltation as ruler over Egypt, saving his family from famine, so too was Jesus exalted to the right hand of God after His suffering, becoming the Lord of all, through whom salvation is offered to all who believe ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Jesus Above All")). Joseph saved his family physically from starvation; Christ saves humanity spiritually, taking away the sin of the world and offering eternal life ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). Thus, [Psalms 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17 - Joseph Sent Ahead") points us to the ultimate divine "sending" in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the true Lamb of God, whose suffering and exaltation secured eternal life for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Genesis 37:36

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

Genesis 45:4

And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Genesis 45:5

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 39:1

¶ And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

Genesis 45:7

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.