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"When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes." Psalm 105:13-14

Text: Genesis 37:1-36

RESCUED FROM CERTAIN DEATH

There were some who had no qualms about shedding blood – whether the blood be that of the Shechemites or the blood of Joseph! How could the brothers not distinguish Joseph from the Shechemites? They may have been envious of the fact that he was the favourite son of Jacob, and they may have been irritated by Joseph’s dreams, but surely these were not good enough reasons to think of murdering Joseph in cold blood!

“But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands,
and said, ‘Let us not kill him.’
And Reuben said to them, ‘Shed no blood, but cast him into
this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him’ –
that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back
to his father.”
GENESIS 37:21-22

Reuben, the firstborn argued against slaying Joseph! He had a two-step plan. His immediate concern was to make sure that his brothers did not murder Joseph. He knew just how angry and violently-inclined his siblings were! The second step was to rescue Joseph at a more appropriate time. Perhaps he could persuade his brothers that Joseph had learned his lesson and on that count release him. One way or another, he determined that Joseph would not be slain. With all his heart he wanted to save Jacob from what appeared to be certain death!

A WILD RECEPTION

Joseph was totally unprepared for the reception he received on meeting up with his brothers.

“So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers,
that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colours
that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And
the pit was empty; there was no water in it.”
GENESIS 37:23-24

Joseph had worn what was probably his favourite tunic, his special coat of many colours! The mere sight of Joseph wearing that coat caused the brothers to be so emotionally upset, that they stripped him off his tunic! Only after they had taken his coat off did they throw him into a dry pit.

The brothers had given heed to Reuben’s word! They did not murder Joseph. They must have exercised considerable restraint not to kill him! But Reuben said nothing about the hated coat of many colours!

GOD’S HAND AMIDST SUCH WICKEDNESS

Reading Psalm 105 carefully reveals and important truth! The Lord who had kept the family from powerful enemies was present there to preserve Joseph’s life. He allowed him to undergo a painful time, but He kept him alive to fulfil His divine plan.