Who Prevented Joseph From Being Killed? A Look at Divine Intervention and Human Action
The story of Joseph, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament of the Bible, is one filled with betrayal, hardship, and ultimately, triumph. Among the most dramatic moments in his narrative is the period where his own brothers conspired to end his life. However, Joseph was not killed. The question then arises: who prevented Joseph from being killed? The answer is multifaceted, involving a combination of human intervention and, according to the biblical account, divine providence.
The Brothers' Deadly Plot
The saga begins with Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, who is given a special coat of many colors, symbolizing his father's immense favor. This favoritism breeds deep resentment and jealousy in his older brothers. Their animosity culminates in a plan to murder Joseph. The biblical text in Genesis 37 describes their intention:
"And when Joseph came to his brethren, they stript Joseph out of his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it." (Genesis 37:23-24)
This initial act of casting him into a dry pit was a deliberate attempt to leave him to die, either from exposure or starvation. The brothers even sat down to eat, indifferent to Joseph's fate.
Reuben's Intervention: The First Saver
However, not all the brothers were united in their desire for bloodshed. Reuben, the eldest, had a change of heart. While he didn't physically rescue Joseph from the pit at that moment, he intervened to prevent the murder from being carried out. He proposed an alternative to killing Joseph outright:
"And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands to deliver him to his father again." (Genesis 37:22)
Reuben's intention was to return Joseph to their father, Jacob, later. So, while he didn't immediately pull Joseph out, his plea saved Joseph from immediate death by his brothers' hands and steered them away from outright murder.
The Midianite Traders: A Shift in Fate
The brothers, having cast Joseph into the pit, then saw a caravan of Ishmaelites (often referred to as Midianites in some translations) approaching from Gilead. It was at this juncture that another significant intervention occurred, one that ultimately led to Joseph being sold into slavery rather than left to perish. Judah, another brother, proposed a new plan:
"And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content." (Genesis 37:26-27)
Thus, it was a caravan of Ishmaelite traders who purchased Joseph from his brothers for twenty pieces of silver. They then took him down into Egypt. This act, while still a horrific betrayal by the brothers, prevented Joseph from dying in the pit. So, in essence, Judah's suggestion and the arrival of the Ishmaelite traders were the immediate human factors that prevented Joseph's death at that moment.
Divine Providence: The Unseen Hand
Beyond the specific human actions, the biblical narrative strongly emphasizes the role of divine providence. The story is often interpreted as God working through human events, even wicked ones, to fulfill a larger plan. Joseph himself, much later in life when he reunites with his brothers, articulates this perspective:
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God turned it all into good, for to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis 50:20)
This verse highlights the belief that God was the ultimate protector and orchestrator of events, using the actions of Reuben, Judah, and the traders, as well as Joseph's own resilience and faithfulness, to bring about a greater good. Therefore, while specific individuals played crucial roles in preventing his immediate death, the overarching narrative suggests that God's plan was the ultimate safeguard.
Summary of Those Who Prevented Joseph's Death:
- Reuben: He prevented his brothers from killing Joseph outright and suggested casting him into the pit instead.
- Judah: He proposed selling Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders, thus averting death in the pit.
- The Ishmaelite (Midianite) Traders: They purchased Joseph, removing him from his brothers' immediate destructive intent and taking him to Egypt.
- Divine Providence (God): The biblical perspective emphasizes God's guiding hand in orchestrating events for a greater purpose, ensuring Joseph's survival.
In conclusion, the answer to "Who prevented Joseph from being killed?" is not a single individual or event, but a series of interventions. Reuben's moral qualms saved him from immediate murder, Judah's pragmatism led to his sale rather than death, the traders' commerce provided the means of his removal, and the overarching belief in divine purpose underscores his ultimate survival and the fulfillment of God's plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Reuben prevent Joseph from being killed?
Reuben, Joseph's eldest brother, intervened by pleading with the other brothers not to shed blood. He convinced them to cast Joseph into a dry pit instead of killing him directly. His intention was to return Joseph to their father later, thus averting immediate murder.
Why did Judah suggest selling Joseph?
Judah, seeing the arrival of Ishmaelite traders, proposed selling Joseph to them. This was a pragmatic solution that would remove Joseph from their hands, prevent them from being directly responsible for his death, and still allow them to profit from the situation by selling him into slavery rather than leaving him to die in the pit.
Was Joseph's survival entirely due to human actions?
According to the biblical narrative, while human actions like Reuben's and Judah's interventions, along with the traders' purchase, were crucial in the immediate events, Joseph's survival is also attributed to divine providence. The text suggests that God was working through these events to fulfill a larger plan, ensuring Joseph's ultimate safety and purpose.
What was the ultimate fate of Joseph after these events?
After being sold into slavery, Joseph was taken to Egypt. He eventually rose to a position of great power in Pharaoh's court, becoming second-in-command over the entire land. This position allowed him to save his family and many others from a severe famine.
