Genesis 35:21-22 “And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar. And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:”

While yet on this journey Jacob faced yet another tragedy and deep sorrow. The scripture says. “And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar.” Here at this stopping point on their journey to Hebron we learn of Reuben, his oldest son committing the vile act of incest with Jacob’s wife Bilhah.

Because of this crime against his father, himself, and against God, Reuben was deprived of his entire birthright. Just before his death, Jacob pronounced a birthright blessing upon all of his sons except Reuben. We will so observe in the future that the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in fact bypassed Reuben and this blessing was given to Ephraim one of the sons of his younger brother Joseph.

Tragically we see Reuben, like Esau had each exercised their power of agency in making a very negative choice and in turn forfeited their sacred birthright blessings.

We should all remember that the power of agency granted by God to man is and always has been one of his greatest blessings. For we are free to choose by our daily acts and thoughts, however great or small, a course that will lead to liberty and eternal life with God and like Christ, we as joint heirs, may also "receive all that the Father hath" or by making daily wrong or tragic choices we can also by our free will thus choose to follow Lucifer and reap captivity and death.

The way of the transgressor is hard. In some cases repentance may be extremely difficult. Sometimes that repentance process may require one's total submission to God on "his terms" in order that one may gain the strength to come to complete repentance. For only when we have overcome evil in our lives, can we then partake of the tree of life.

Gernesis 35:23-26 “The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun: The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin: And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali: And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padan-aram.”

While Reuben is listed as one of the sons of Jacob, he was nevertheless not listed as one of the tribes of Israel. That privilege was forever denied him and was as stated previously transferred to Ephraim. What a tragedy this was and is. I suppose one of the greatest tragedies each of us could ever face is “that it might have been”. Consider the striking contrast between the choices of Cain and Abel. Or Enoch and the faithful who chose to follow the way of the Lord and be translated as opposed to the fate of the residue who disobeyed. Consider the stark contrast between Noah and his family, who chose to follow the Lord and all the remainder who chose to seek evil continually.

How different history “might have been” had Ishmael chosen to join or partake of the everlasting Abrahamic covenant? How different might history have been written if Esau had not despised his birthright? How different might part of history been written if Reuben had not forfeited his birthright blessing to be counted as one of the tribes of Israel, by his choice to commit the evil act of incest?

Do we of today carefully guard our thoughts and actions that we may have full claim upon all the blessings of Abraham, Issac and Jacob? Or do we wrongfully exercise that mighty power of agency and choose to forfeit those blessings? If we have fallen from our noble state before God, have we carefully sought full and complete repentance and learned to submit our will unto God and have claim upon his mercy?

Genesis 35:27-29 “And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”

Now we see Jacob finally returning to Hebron, the place where Abraham and Isaac also sojourned. For some reason his aged father Isaac did not remain in Beer-sheba. We find that Isaac had now moved up to Hebron where his father, Abraham had lived for many years. This was also the location where both Abraham and Sarah were also buried.

We see here that after so many decades of being absent from his father’s family, Jacob, (now Israel) at last has a short time to be reunited before Isaac’s death. So when did Rebekah die? The record is silent as to this issue.

Isaac thought he would die shortly after Jacob had fled from the face of Esau. We now learn that:“And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days”. We here learn that Isaac lived 180 years. This being the case we find that Isaac actually may not have seen his father for close to 50 years.

We should so remember that Isaac and Rebekah were married for 20 years before they were blessed with offspring. As we have already observed, Isaac focused his affection on the oldest twin, not withstanding the fact that divine revelation had given preference to the younger twin Jacob.

This raises an important doctrinal issue. Was God therefore a respecter of persons in so choosing Jacob to be the chosen son through whom his covenant with Abraham should flow? Absolutely not! For they were both spirit children of God before coming to this earth to receive mortal birth. Do we not also observe this to be the very doctrinal point we learn from the prophet Jeremiah found in Jeremiah1:4-5 “Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

We learn some very powerful things about ourselves from the above scripture.

First we learn: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee”. I would ask, If God knew Jeremiah before he was conceived for mortal birth, did he not also know all of us?

Secondly we learn: “ and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee”. Sanctify means: to make holy, to set apart as holy, consecrate, make free from sin; purify. Thus Jeremiah as a spirit son of God was holy and free from sin. In like manner, are we all not likewise pure and innocent as little children when we are born?

Thirdly we learn: “and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Thus we learn from scripture that not only Christ was foreordained before the foundations of the world were laid (Revelations 13:8 “8: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
1 Peter 1:18-20 “ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,”) But we also learn that others, even prophets such as Jeremiah were also foreordained as spirit children of God, prior to being born into mortality. Thus the Lord taught Jeremiah that prior to being conceived: “and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

Genesis 36:1-5 “Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth. And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel; And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.”

We learn here that Esau is also known as Edom or the father of the Edomite nation: “Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.”

We also learn from this brief genealogy that Esau, had three wives. Two were the daughters of Canaan, namely: “Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite”. The other one was: “ Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.” We should so note that none of those whom he had married were of the “covenant lineage”. From these sprang all the Edomite nation.

Genesis 36:6-7 “And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.”

After this great and warm reconciliation and reunion of Jacob and Esau we see that: “Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.” This was very reminiscent of a similar departing in the case of Abraham and Lot. This scripture also states: “For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.” Their departing reflected no disharmony, but rather a logistic problem in that the flocks or herds of each were so great that the land could not sustain both in the same locality.

We should also remember that there was one major difference on this occasion though. When Abraham and Lot came into this land, "it was well watered everywhere, like unto the garden of the Lord" When Jacob and Esau were now in the land we should remember that the land no longer was the lush green and well watered land as it was before God destroyed Sodom. For since the destruction of Sodom, the land no longer yielded her strength.

Genesis 36:8-30 “Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom. And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir: These are the names of Esau's sons; Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Bashemath the wife of Esau. And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife. And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife. And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah. And these are the sons of Reuel Esau's son; duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah: these are the dukes that came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife. And these are the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: these were the dukes that came of Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife. These are the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these are their dukes. These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,
And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister was Timna. And the children of Shobal were these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father. And the children of Anah were these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.
And these are the children of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan. The children of Dishan are these: Uz, and Aran. These are the dukes that came of the Horites; duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah, Duke Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan: these are the dukes that came of Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir.”

We observe in the bible various different genealogies giving the lineage from Adam forward through the Israelite nation forward to Christ. We also learn in Luke 3:23-38 additional genealogy records tracing certain lineage back to God. God appears to have been very careful to see that the blood lines from Adam to Christ were carefully guarded to follow the covenant lineage.

The above genealogy of those nations who were not of the covenant lineage are also preserved.

Why was it so important to use precious scripture space to preserve the genealogy of the lineage of those who were not the covenant people of the Lord? We are taught elsewhere in the bible that all scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof and for instruction. (2 Tim 3:16) When examined carefully we may find that the genealogy was just as important to be preserved of the non covenant peoples as it was with the covenant peoples to assist them in avoiding intermarrying with those of the heathen nations. If one searches the scriptures carefully, it will be seen that there are instances recorded where intermarrying with those of the heathen nations has turned ones heart from worshiping the true and living God to idol worshiping and other heathen practices.

For the past several hundred years the records of many nations have been fairly well preserved. However, we find that during the period known as the “dark ages” a very poor, cloudy or non-existent records were the order of the day.

Considering what has been Prophesied in Isaiah 11:1-5 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.”
and Isaiah11:10 “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots”. Who is the rod spoken of who shall come out of the stem of Jesse? And who is the branch that shall grow out of his roots?

One should rightfully ask this sobering question. Shouldn’t a more careful record have been kept or preserved relating to the fulfillment of all those prophesies?

Genesis 36:31-43 “And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel. And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead. And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith. And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. And Saul died, and Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.”

We here observe that the Canaanite and Edomite nations had their kings and opportunity to prove themselves before the Lord long before Israel was to rise as a nation. The Canaanite and Edomite nations were not of the covenant lineage.

With the passing of his father Isaac, we observe that Jacob now has full responsibility to perpetuate God’s covenant people. Jacob also found that he had only one son who appeared completely dedicated to the preservation of the Abrahamic covenant, his son Joseph.

We so observe that as Jacob made up his mind that his son Joseph was to become the hope of all Israel, he then placed his confidence and unlimited affection upon him. From that moment forward, we see the life of Jacob gravitating almost exclusively around his favored son Joseph. It is now toward Joseph that the biblical course of history now turns.

As we discover the dynamic unfolding events of young Joseph in the following chapter, we should examine carefully the traits that distinguished and set him apart from his brethren. Why were these traits and choices so all important and vital for the spiritual and/or physical well being of so many?

Genesis 37:1-2 “And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.”

We learn here that Joseph was apparently 17 years old when he returned from feeding the flock with his brothers. The scripture says: “and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” So here is a mystery. What was the evil report that Joseph brought back to his father?

What manner of man is this young Joseph who is only seventeen years old? After we, in the up coming verses, examine the life of this one very young man, can anyone doubt that the choices of only “one” person can make a dynamic difference, not only in a family, but also of an entire nation or society.

If each of us would emulate the faith, courage and integrity demonstrated by young Joseph, our world would instantly become a Millenial society where peace, virtue, honor and integrity would reign supreme as the standard.

Genesis 37:3-8 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”

Do we see here exhibited a normal sibling rivalry or does this represent something much deeper to consider? Let us take a closer look at this issue.
First we note that: “when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” This does not appear to be sibling rivalry, but genuine jealousy and hatred for their brother. Even to the extreme that they could not even speak peaceably to him.

Further we observe that when “Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.” Why didn’t they just dismiss the dream as meaningless? I rather suspect that during their 17 years together as brothers that they already knew of his impeccable integrity from other unrecorded experiences. They took his dream very seriously because “the shoe fits”. In their heart they perhaps knew his dream was correct and prophetic. As the saying goes “a prophet is without honor, save in his own country”. Their jealous and weak response was: “Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?”

We should also note that the scripture states: “And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.” The previous scriptures identify only one dream prior to their hateful response. Yet in verse 8 it speaks of his dreams in the plural. Wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could know details of the other undisclosed dreams that invoked his brothers venomous response?

It is so easy for us to sit in judgment against Joseph’s brothers for their reactions to his visions or dreams given by inspiration or revelation from God. But let us place ourselves in their shoes. If this 17 year old boy or young man by the name of Joseph were to make such statements to us in our day would we have the faith to believe and the spirit to discern the truth thereof or would we, like them lack faith humility and fill our hearts with doubt and skepticism???

Genesis 37:9-11 “And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.”

We observe this very young prophet and seer had yet another startling dream. As this young man comes to realize that he has a mission in life and a role to fill. He may have even thought that his family would likewise be pleased to know of these prophesies of his future leadership. This last dream, however, even shocked Jacob. The scripture says: “his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?" This response from his father whom he loved must have hurt deeply in the heart of young Joseph.

We should so note that the scripture says: “And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.” Apparently, Jacob, after rebuking Joseph, then came to a point of personal acceptance of his son’s prophetic role and destiny as a leader. I doubt that he knew the full magnitude of Joseph’s yet future role. Jacob’s acceptance of the divine nature of this dream or vision must have given him a quiet peace and hope for the future of this son of promise.

Genesis 37:12-17 “And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.”

It appears that Joseph and his younger brother Benjamin were permitted to stay close to home instead of caring for the flocks like unto his other ten brothers. This may have also had the effect of increasing their hatred and jealousy towards Joseph.

This opportunity to be at home with his father and mother undoubtedly presented many occasions for Israel to tenderly rear this young son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I would not be surprised to find someday that those precious moments of bonding, nurture and instruction from a loving father and mother may have planted the seeds of great faith, undaunted courage and resolve in this son’s heart that helped to build strength to overcome the temptations and challenges that would beset him in the years to come.

Have you ever carefully observed this unusual scene described in the above verses: “And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field”? Young Joseph did not find the man, but as it is recorded, “a certain man found him.” Who was this certain man? Joseph was wandering in a field not knowing were to seek his brothers. Was this unnamed “certain man” another servant of the Lord? Or was he perhaps an angel of the Lord? I am certain that someday we will learn the answer to this mystery.

The certain man informed Joseph of their location “And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.”

Genesis 37:18-20 “And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”

In their hard hearted blindness of mind we see his own brothers exercising their God given mighty power of agency to herewith choose to murder their
own little brother. How foul, evil and terrible the satanic spirit must have been in that camp!

For seventeen years now they had witnessed young Joseph’s Christlike character, his lack of guile, his manifested great faith and his purity of heart before the Lord! They manifested an overwhelming obsession with his dreams. To have such an obsession would indicate that they knew deep within their hateful hearts that his dreams were truly prophetic, yet with that knowledge they chose to serve Lucifer and conspired to kill their own little brother. What a tragic moment in the life of this family. It is hard to imagine their feelings, on the other side of the veil as millions painfully learn of their intended plan to murder their brother. I sometimes wonder at how great a painful price they continue to endure as millions learn of the secrets of their hearts.

Does not the Bible give us a valuable lesson from this, to learn the important lesson for each of us to be careful to guard even our very thoughts? For indeed "the thought is the father of the deed.”

Genesis 37:21-22 “And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 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.”

We do not know exactly how many of Joseph’s brothers were involved in this conspiracy to kill him. I would appear as though 9 were involved in this conspiracy. We do know, however, that at least one of them was not a part of that conspiracy, namely Reuben “And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.”

Reuben because of an earlier very, very bad choice had forfeited his birthright blessing by the sin of incest. We see however that there was some redeeming mark of integrity in his character as he stood forth nobly on this occasion as “his brothers keeper” and apparently, single handedly fought to save his brother’s life. The way of the transgressor is hard. He had already known the pain and guilt and disgrace from his previous loathsome transgression and perhaps abhorred the thought of enduring a lifetime of ever greater suffering if he had agreed to the vile conspiracy.

We see that Reuben devised an alternate plan to free Joseph and return him to his father. However before this plan could be implemented a third option would be presented.

Genesis 37:23-27 “And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, 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. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 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 Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.”

Now we see that an additional brother, namely Judah comes forth with the third option that in fact, becomes the universally accepted one that all the brothers agree upon. Sometime after casting him into the pit wherein there was not water or food, “they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 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 Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.”

Was not this act or plan by Judah also a type and shadow of Christ? Did not Judah’s descendants also many generations hence, sell and or purchase Christ for thirty pieces of silver?

Genesis 37:28-35 “Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.”

The first plan to murder Joseph was not carried out.

The second plan of Reuben to free Joseph and return him to his father was not carried out.

Amazingly, the third plan concocted by Judah, “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 Ishmeelites”, also utterly failed to come to fruition.

Unbeknown to the ten brothers while they were eating and conspiring to carry out their foul deed against their brother Joseph, the scripture records:
“Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”

The Midianite merchantmen men discovered Joseph in the pit, drew him out and sold him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.

We so observe that “murphy’s law” stated as “if anything can go wrong it will”, was in full operation in their day! Either all or part of the three devised plans of Joseph’s ten brothers failed. In the end only the plot of the Midianite merchantmen succeeded. The plan of Joseph’s brothers to sell him failed and they gained nothing!

In these verses we discover something additional, for when “Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?" It appears that this pit may have been located some distance from the location where they were eating. This shocking news of finding the pit empty, must have crashed upon the mind of these ten brothers with a bewildering mental blast. It was perhaps many years before they themselves discovered what really happened to Joseph.

Now, I hope that this revelation does not come as too much of a shock to many of you. I think that many of us have heard from the pulpit, in Sunday school classes or bible study classes or even at home, that Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver. This is false doctrine. This is not true. The brothers received nothing. It was only the “Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver:”