Why did Joseph's brothers sell him?

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most compelling narratives in the Book of Genesis, rich with themes of jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption. To understand why Joseph's brothers sold him, we need to delve deeply into the familial dynamics, cultural context, and divine providence that shape this story.

At the heart of the matter is the complex relationship between Joseph and his brothers, which is marked by favoritism, envy, and resentment. Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. This preferential treatment is explicitly mentioned in Genesis 37:3: "Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him." This "ornate robe," often referred to as the "coat of many colors," became a symbol of Jacob's special affection for Joseph, which did not sit well with his other sons.

The tension escalated when Joseph began to have dreams that hinted at his future ascendancy over his family. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf (Genesis 37:7). In another, he dreamt that the sun, moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to him (Genesis 37:9). When Joseph shared these dreams with his family, it only fueled the fire of his brothers' jealousy and hatred. Genesis 37:8 captures their indignation: "His brothers said to him, 'Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?' And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said."

The brothers' animosity towards Joseph was not merely a result of sibling rivalry but was deeply rooted in the cultural and familial context of the time. In ancient Near Eastern societies, birth order and favoritism played significant roles in inheritance and familial authority. Joseph, being the favored son of Jacob, threatened the established order and the brothers' expectations of their future roles and inheritance.

The opportunity for the brothers to act on their resentment came when Jacob sent Joseph to check on them while they were grazing their flocks near Shechem. Seeing Joseph approach, they conspired to kill him. Genesis 37:19-20 records their initial plot: "'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to each other. 'Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.'"

However, Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened, suggesting they throw Joseph into a cistern instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). This plan was altered when Judah, another brother, proposed selling Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites, reasoning that it would be better to profit from Joseph's disposal than to kill him (Genesis 37:26-27). The brothers agreed, and Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver, a common price for a slave at the time.

The sale of Joseph by his brothers can be seen as a culmination of their deep-seated envy and the immediate opportunity presented by the passing caravan. However, it is also important to recognize the role of divine providence in this narrative. What the brothers intended for harm, God used for good. This is explicitly stated later in the story when Joseph, having risen to a position of power in Egypt, reveals his identity to his brothers and says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the brothers' sinful actions, God's plan was to use Joseph to preserve the family of Israel during a severe famine. This notion is echoed in Romans 8:28, where Paul writes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

The story of Joseph also serves as a profound lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the grievous wrongs committed against him, Joseph forgives his brothers and provides for them during the famine. This act of grace mirrors the forgiveness that God extends to humanity through Jesus Christ, who, like Joseph, was betrayed and suffered unjustly, yet brought about salvation for many.

In conclusion, Joseph's brothers sold him primarily out of jealousy and resentment, exacerbated by familial favoritism and cultural expectations. Their actions, while sinful, were ultimately woven into God's greater plan for the preservation and growth of the nation of Israel. This story not only highlights the destructive power of envy and the importance of forgiveness but also underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating His purposes, even through human failings.