The story of Joseph being sold into slavery is one of the most dramatic narratives in the Bible. It provides a deep insight into family dynamics, jealousy, and divine providence. In this blog, we will explore who sold Joseph and the events that led to this pivotal moment in biblical history.
Joseph’s Background
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s most beloved wife. Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph was evident, particularly when he gifted Joseph a richly ornamented robe, often called the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). This act of favoritism bred jealousy and resentment among Joseph’s ten older brothers.
The Plot Against Joseph
The turning point in Joseph’s life came when he shared his dreams with his brothers. In his dreams, Joseph saw himself in a position of authority, with his brothers bowing down to him (Genesis 37:5-11). This fueled their jealousy and hatred even more.
One day, when Joseph was sent by his father to check on his brothers who were tending their flocks, the brothers saw an opportunity to rid themselves of the “dreamer” (Genesis 37:18-20). Initially, they plotted to kill him but ultimately decided against it.
The Sale of Joseph
Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened to prevent Joseph’s murder, suggesting that they throw him into a pit instead, with the intention of rescuing him later (Genesis 37:21-22). However, when Reuben was away, the other brothers saw a caravan of Ishmaelites (Midianite merchants) passing by on their way to Egypt. Judah, another brother, proposed selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites rather than leaving him to die. The brothers agreed, and they sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:26-28).
The Aftermath
After selling Joseph, the brothers needed to cover up their actions. They took Joseph’s ornate robe, dipped it in goat’s blood, and presented it to their father, Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Jacob was devastated by the loss of his beloved son.
Meanwhile, Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Despite the betrayal and hardship, Joseph’s journey was part of a divine plan that eventually led to his rise to power in Egypt, where he would save many lives, including those of his own family, during a severe famine.
