Genesis 37:22
Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)
Moenie bloed laat vloei nie. Gooi hom in hierdie put in die veld, maar moenie hom doodmaak nie.” Ruben het dit gesê sodat hy later vir Josef kon red en hom na sy pa toe kon laat teruggaan.
What Does This Mean?
In Genesis 37:22, Reuben tells his brothers not to kill Joseph but to throw him into a nearby pit instead. Reuben plans to save Joseph and return him to their father.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friends are playing a game where one friend is in trouble. One friend, like Reuben, says, 'Don't hurt him, let's just put him in a safe place and we'll come back to help him later.'
Historical Background
The Book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC, recounting the early history of the Israelites. This passage describes the actions of Joseph's brothers, who were angry at him and considered killing him.
Living It Out Today
Consider a situation where you see a coworker being unfairly targeted by others. Instead of joining in, you might suggest a less harmful solution and plan to help your coworker later.
Topics
forgivenessfamilyconflict resolutionbrotherhoodredemptionsibling rivalry
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Reuben want to save Joseph?
Reuben likely wanted to save Joseph because he felt that killing him would be too harsh and would make it impossible to reconcile with his father in the future.
How does this verse show Reuben's character?
This verse shows Reuben's character as one of compassion and foresight. He wanted to prevent a violent act and had a plan to save Joseph.
What does Genesis 37:22 teach about conflict?
It teaches that in conflict, it's important to consider less harmful solutions and to think about the long-term consequences of our actions.
How does this verse relate to forgiveness?
This verse indirectly relates to forgiveness by showing an attempt to prevent a severe wrongdoing, which could make forgiveness more possible later on.