Where Did Reuben Go?

 

Q: In Genesis 37:21, Reuben tries to prevent his brothers from harming Joseph and suggests throwing him into a pit instead. However, in Genesis 37:29, it states, “When Reuben returned to the pit, Joseph was not there.” By then, Joseph had already been sold to the Ishmaelites. Where did Reuben go during that time? Since the Bible does not explicitly mention his whereabouts, what possible explanations exist?

 

A: The Bible does not provide specific details about where Reuben went during that time, leaving room for interpretation. However, various possibilities can be explored based on historical and cultural context.

 

 

 

Introduction

Question: In Genesis 37:21, Reuben tries to prevent his brothers from harming Joseph and suggests throwing him into a pit instead. However, in Genesis 37:29, it states, “When Reuben returned to the pit, Joseph was not there.” By then, Joseph had already been sold to the Ishmaelites. This raises an intriguing question: Where did Reuben go during that time? Since the Bible does not explicitly mention his whereabouts, various interpretations and possibilities have been considered.

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1. Possible Explanations for Reuben’s Absence

A. Tending the Flock

One possible explanation is that Reuben left to take care of the flock. In ancient societies, it was common for family members to take turns overseeing their livestock. Given that Jacob’s family was wealthy and owned large herds, it is plausible that Reuben temporarily left his brothers to fulfill his responsibility.

• Herding duties could have required his attention elsewhere, leading to his absence when Joseph was sold.
• Since Reuben was the eldest, he may have taken a leadership role in managing the flock, which might have drawn him away at that crucial moment.

B. Deliberate Separation from His Brothers

Reuben’s absence may have been intentional. Knowing that his brothers harbored hostility toward Joseph, he may have felt conflicted about their plans.

• He might have stepped away to avoid direct involvement in their plot while secretly intending to return and rescue Joseph later (Genesis 37:22).
• His moral dilemma could have led him to distance himself, allowing his brothers to act without his immediate opposition.

C. A Matter of Timing

Some biblical scholars suggest that his absence was purely coincidental and played a literary role in building suspense in the narrative.

• The dramatic tension in Genesis 37 suggests that Reuben’s return just after Joseph was sold heightened the sense of tragedy.
• His shock and grief upon realizing that Joseph was gone emphasize his helplessness in preventing the sale.

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2. The Symbolic Meaning of Joseph Being Sold

A. Reuben’s Reaction and the Expression of Deep Regret

When Reuben returned and found Joseph missing, he tore his clothes, which was an ancient symbol of intense grief and distress (Genesis 37:29).

• This act signified deep sorrow and regret, showing that Reuben had not intended for Joseph to be sold.
• His grief also highlights the irreversibility of the situation, reinforcing the theme of unintended consequences.

B. Reuben’s Limitations as the Eldest Brother

Despite his good intentions, Reuben ultimately failed to protect Joseph. His absence underscores his inability to control his younger brothers, reflecting themes of human weakness and leadership struggles.

• As the firstborn, Reuben should have had authority, yet his brothers ignored his protests.
• His failure to prevent Joseph’s sale demonstrates the limits of human effort when divine providence is at work.

C. God’s Sovereignty Over the Situation

From a theological perspective, Joseph’s sale into slavery was not merely an unfortunate event but a part of God’s divine plan.

• Later in Genesis 50:20, Joseph himself acknowledges this when he tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
• Even Reuben’s absence may have been orchestrated by divine providence to ensure that Joseph ended up in Egypt, setting the stage for his rise to power and the future salvation of his family.

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3. Theological Reflections on Reuben’s Absence

A. The Contrast Between Human Plans and God’s Will

Reuben’s attempt to rescue Joseph failed, demonstrating that human plans do not always succeed.

• He had good intentions, but ultimately, God’s plan took precedence.
• This serves as a reminder that even when human efforts fall short, God’s purpose prevails.

B. The Role of Human Mistakes in God’s Greater Plan

Even though Reuben’s absence led to Joseph being sold, this event was a crucial part of God’s redemptive story.

• Joseph’s journey to Egypt led to his eventual rise as Pharaoh’s second-in-command, positioning him to save his family from famine.
• This mirrors how God can use human failings to fulfill His greater plan.

C. The Broader Theme of Redemption

Reuben’s failed rescue attempt aligns with the overarching biblical theme of redemption through suffering.

• Just as Joseph’s suffering in Egypt ultimately led to his family’s salvation, many biblical figures—including Moses, David, and Jesus—experienced hardship before fulfilling their divine mission.
• This story foreshadows the sacrificial nature of salvation, where suffering often precedes deliverance and restoration.

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4. Conclusion: The Lessons from Reuben’s Absence

A. Reuben’s Good Intentions vs. God’s Plan

Reuben’s actions illustrate the limitations of human intervention. Although he tried to save Joseph, God had a greater purpose at work.

B. The Reality of Family Conflict

The tension between Jacob’s sons reminds us that family struggles and betrayals are common themes in the Bible. Despite their mistakes, God worked through their failures to bring about His will.

C. Trusting in Divine Sovereignty

Joseph’s story teaches us that God’s plan is often beyond human comprehension. Even in moments of despair—like Reuben’s realization that Joseph was gone—God is still in control.

Ultimately, Reuben’s absence serves as a reminder that no human action can override God’s divine plan. While we may not always understand why certain events unfold as they do, we can trust that God’s purposes are always for the greater good. Just as Joseph’s suffering led to the salvation of his family, God can use even our greatest failures to accomplish His perfect will.