Joseph Sold To: Midianites or Ishmaelites?

The narrative of Joseph's sale into slavery, a pivotal event in the Book of Genesis, presents a complex question concerning what kind of people did Joseph brothers sold him to. The biblical text identifies two distinct groups: the Midianites, a nomadic people known for their trade and cultural interactions in the ancient Near East, and the Ishmaelites, traditionally regarded as descendants of Abraham through Ishmael and also engaged in trade. Discrepancies in the account have led biblical scholars and theologians, such as those associated with institutions like the Society of Biblical Literature, to propose various interpretations, often utilizing analytical tools such as the Documentary Hypothesis to reconcile the differing accounts and understand the historical context of these groups. The geographical setting of Canaan, where this transaction occurred, further influences interpretations, as trade routes and tribal interactions played crucial roles in shaping the narrative's details.

The Betrayal and Sale of Joseph: A Critical Genesis Narrative

The story of Joseph, son of Jacob, is a cornerstone of the Book of Genesis and, indeed, the entire Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). Its narrative arc, tracing Joseph's descent into slavery and eventual rise to power in Egypt, is replete with lessons about faith, forgiveness, and divine providence.

Among the many significant events in this epic tale, the act of Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery stands out as a particularly pivotal moment. This act of betrayal sets in motion a chain of events that profoundly shapes not only Joseph's life but also the destiny of his entire family and, arguably, the nation of Israel.

The Significance of the Joseph Narrative

The Joseph narrative transcends the boundaries of a simple family drama. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's ability to work through human fallibility to achieve His purposes.

The narrative explores themes of sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and the consequences of jealousy and deceit. Further, it is a story of resilience, demonstrating how an individual can overcome adversity through unwavering faith and integrity. The subsequent reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers underscores the transformative power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption even after profound wrongdoing.

The Sale of Joseph: A Central and Contentious Event

The act of selling Joseph into slavery is not merely a plot point; it is a deeply significant and ethically complex event. It represents a profound breach of familial trust and a violation of fundamental moral principles.

This act raises important questions about the motivations of Joseph's brothers and the extent of their culpability. It forces us to confront the dark side of human nature and the potential for even those closest to us to act in ways that are self-serving and destructive.

Thesis: Exploring Complexities, Interpretations, and Motivations

This examination of Genesis 37 aims to delve into the intricacies surrounding the sale of Joseph. We will explore the complexities of the biblical text, examining diverse interpretations offered by scholars and theologians.

The goal is to critically analyze the identities of those involved, particularly the roles of the Midianites and Ishmaelites. We will investigate the potential motivations behind the brothers' actions, considering the psychological and social factors that may have contributed to their decision to betray Joseph. Ultimately, this will provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of this pivotal narrative.

Genesis 37 Unveiled: Setting the Stage for Joseph's Fate

Following our introduction to the Joseph narrative, it's crucial to meticulously examine the foundational events of Genesis 37. This chapter serves as the catalyst for Joseph's dramatic transformation, providing the context for his eventual enslavement and rise to power in Egypt. Understanding the nuances of this chapter is essential to grasp the full weight of the ensuing narrative and its profound theological implications.

The Seeds of Discord: Joseph's Dreams and Brotherly Jealousy

The chapter opens by establishing the familial tensions that will ultimately lead to Joseph's downfall. Joseph, at seventeen, is portrayed as a shepherd tending his father's flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. His role as a potential informant to Jacob regarding his brothers' activities fuels their resentment.

This animosity is further exacerbated by Joseph's dreams. In the first dream, sheaves of wheat belonging to his brothers bow down to his sheaf. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to him.

These dreams, recounted innocently by Joseph, are interpreted by his brothers – and even his father, Jacob – as predictions of Joseph's future dominance over them. This perceived arrogance fans the flames of their already simmering jealousy, transforming it into a consuming hatred. The dreams, while seemingly straightforward, set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences.

A Fateful Errand: Jacob's Instructions and Joseph's Obedience

Jacob, seemingly unaware of the depth of his sons' animosity, sends Joseph to check on his brothers as they tend their flocks near Shechem. This seemingly innocuous errand becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative.

Jacob's paternal concern unwittingly places Joseph in a vulnerable position, directly into the hands of his resentful brothers.

Joseph's obedience to his father underscores his dutiful character, yet it also highlights the tragic irony of his situation. He is walking directly into a trap, oblivious to the danger that awaits him.

From Jealousy to Conspiracy: The Brothers' Initial Murderous Intent

Upon seeing Joseph approaching from afar, the brothers, excluding Reuben, conspire to kill him. "Here comes that dreamer!" they exclaim, revealing the extent of their contempt.

They propose throwing him into a pit and claiming that a wild animal devoured him, thereby discrediting his dreams and asserting their own authority.

This initial plan reveals the depth of their malice and their willingness to commit fratricide to quell their perceived threat. It is a moment of profound moral failure, highlighting the destructive power of envy and unchecked anger.

Reuben's Intervention: A Reprieve from Death

Reuben, the eldest brother, attempts to thwart the murderous plot, intending to rescue Joseph later. He persuades the brothers to throw Joseph into a pit without harming him directly.

Reuben's intervention, while seemingly motivated by a desire to save Joseph, may also be driven by a sense of responsibility as the eldest son. He perhaps fears his father's wrath should Joseph disappear entirely.

His plan, however, is ultimately unsuccessful, as he is absent when the other brothers decide to sell Joseph to passing merchants.

Judah's Pragmatism: From Murder to Profiteering

While Reuben is away, Judah proposes selling Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites (or Midianites, depending on the interpretation of the text). This suggestion offers a practical alternative to murder, allowing the brothers to rid themselves of Joseph without directly shedding his blood.

Judah's suggestion reflects a shift from passionate anger to cold, calculated pragmatism. He recognizes the potential for financial gain and the opportunity to permanently remove Joseph from their lives.

The brothers agree to Judah's plan and sell Joseph for twenty shekels of silver, a price that underscores their low regard for their brother's worth.

Dothan: The Geography of Betrayal

The choice of Dothan as the location of this betrayal is not incidental. While the text does not explicitly elaborate on the significance of Dothan, it is worth noting that Dothan was a strategic location known for its wells and caravan routes.

Dothan serves as a geographically significant backdrop to the betrayal, emphasizing the confluence of opportunity and intent that led to Joseph's sale. It was a place where merchants passed through, providing the brothers with the means to carry out their scheme. Dothan is forever etched in the annals of biblical narrative as the site of a brother's treachery.

Merchants of Misfortune: Identifying the Midianites and Ishmaelites

Having established the initial betrayal by Joseph's brothers, the narrative introduces another layer of complexity: the identity of those who ultimately purchased Joseph. The text presents both Midianites and Ishmaelites as playing a role in this transaction, leading to scholarly debate and interpretive challenges. Understanding their respective involvement is crucial to unraveling the full scope of this event.

The Tangled Web of Merchants: Midianites and Ishmaelites in Genesis 37

Genesis 37 doesn't offer a straightforward account of who exactly acquired Joseph from his brothers. A close reading reveals seemingly conflicting details regarding the merchants involved. Identifying them accurately is essential to interpreting the sequence of events and assessing the culpability of various parties.

Textual Evidence for the Midianites

The text explicitly mentions Midianites in verse 28: "Then Midianite traders passed by; so [the brothers] pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt." This verse clearly places Midianites as the ones who physically extract Joseph from the pit and initiate the transaction.

Later in the same verse, however, the text says they sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites. This creates an apparent contradiction.

Textual Evidence for the Ishmaelites

The Ishmaelites are also prominently featured, both as the recipients of Joseph from the Midianites (according to verse 28), and as the traders who ultimately bring him to Egypt. Genesis 39:1 states, "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there." This reinforces the Ishmaelites' role in the final stage of Joseph's journey to Egypt.

Addressing the Contradictions: Reconciling the Accounts

The apparent contradiction regarding the Midianites and Ishmaelites has led to various interpretations and attempts at reconciliation. Scholars have proposed several explanations to account for these inconsistencies.

The Possibility of Interchangeable Terms

One common explanation is that the terms "Midianites" and "Ishmaelites" may have been used interchangeably or broadly to refer to nomadic traders from the same general region. Some scholars suggest that the Midianites could have been a subgroup or clan within the larger Ishmaelite tribal confederation.

This would resolve the contradiction by viewing them not as separate entities but as related groups engaged in similar trade activities. It's important to note that lineage and tribal identity in the ancient Near East were often complex and fluid.

Midianites as Intermediaries

Another possible interpretation is that the Midianites acted as intermediaries, purchasing Joseph from his brothers and then immediately reselling him to the Ishmaelites. This scenario would align with both accounts, with the Midianites handling the initial transaction and the Ishmaelites completing the journey to Egypt.

The Role of Redaction

Source criticism offers another lens through which to view this issue. Some scholars argue that the Joseph narrative is a composite of different sources woven together over time. In this view, the differing accounts of the merchants could stem from distinct source traditions that were later combined, resulting in the apparent inconsistencies. This perspective suggests a redactional process where different accounts were merged without complete harmonization.

Understanding the complexities surrounding the identities of the Midianites and Ishmaelites is crucial for a nuanced appreciation of the Joseph narrative. These interpretive challenges highlight the intricate nature of biblical texts and the ongoing need for careful analysis and scholarly engagement.

Deciphering the Text: Scholarly Analysis and Biblical Interpretation

Having established the initial betrayal by Joseph's brothers and navigated the complexities of identifying the merchants involved, a deeper understanding requires engaging with the tools of biblical scholarship. Source and textual criticism offer distinct yet complementary lenses through which to examine the narrative. This section delves into these methodologies, exploring their potential to illuminate the origins and meaning of the Joseph story.

The Lens of Source Criticism

Source criticism, a cornerstone of biblical studies, seeks to identify the distinct sources that may have been woven together to form the final text of Genesis. Applying this approach to Genesis 37 suggests that differing accounts of the sale of Joseph might stem from separate source traditions.

For example, the varying roles attributed to the Midianites and Ishmaelites might reflect distinct versions of the story that were later combined. Identifying these potential sources can shed light on the narrative's evolution and the diverse perspectives it encompasses.

Contributions of Different Sources

The documentary hypothesis, a prominent theory in source criticism, proposes that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) is comprised of four primary sources: J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), P (Priestly), and D (Deuteronomist). While the application of this hypothesis to the Joseph narrative is debated, considering the potential contributions of different sources can be instructive.

The J source, often characterized by its vivid storytelling and anthropomorphic portrayal of God, might have contributed the more dramatic elements of the narrative, such as the brothers' intense jealousy and their initial plan to kill Joseph.

The E source, known for its emphasis on morality and prophetic dreams, could have shaped the portrayal of Joseph's dreams and the ethical implications of the brothers' actions.

Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses

Source criticism offers valuable insights into the potential origins and development of the Joseph narrative. By disentangling the various threads of the story, scholars can gain a richer understanding of its historical and literary context.

However, the documentary hypothesis is not without its critics. Some argue that it oversimplifies the complex process of textual transmission and that the criteria for identifying the different sources are often subjective.

Despite these limitations, source criticism remains a powerful tool for exploring the layers of meaning embedded within the biblical text.

Resolving Ambiguities Through Textual Criticism

Textual criticism focuses on comparing different versions of the biblical text to identify variations and determine the most accurate reading. This is crucial for resolving ambiguities and ensuring the integrity of the text.

By examining ancient manuscripts, such as the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, scholars can uncover subtle differences that may affect the interpretation of the narrative.

Comparing Different Text Versions

For example, variations in the spelling of names or the phrasing of key events can provide clues about the text's transmission history and the potential influence of different scribal traditions.

Differences in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, can offer alternative perspectives on the narrative.

These variants can sometimes clarify ambiguous passages or shed light on the nuances of the original Hebrew text.

Identifying Variations Affecting Interpretation

Textual variations, while often subtle, can have a significant impact on how the Joseph narrative is understood. For instance, differences in the description of the merchants who purchased Joseph could affect our understanding of the brothers' motivations and the moral implications of their actions.

Similarly, variations in the dialogue between the brothers can reveal subtle differences in their attitudes towards Joseph and their awareness of the consequences of their actions.

Insights from Commentaries and Scholarly Articles

To further deepen our understanding of the Joseph narrative, it is essential to consult commentaries and scholarly articles that offer diverse perspectives on the text. These resources provide valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and literary context of the story, as well as different interpretations of its meaning.

By engaging with the work of leading biblical scholars, we can gain a more nuanced and informed appreciation of the complexities of Genesis 37 and its enduring significance.

Moral Crossroads: Theological and Ethical Implications of Joseph's Sale

Having established the initial betrayal by Joseph's brothers and navigated the complexities of identifying the merchants involved, a deeper understanding requires engaging with the tools of biblical scholarship. Source and textual criticism offer distinct yet complementary lenses. However, beyond the historical and textual layers lies a profound moral and theological landscape. The sale of Joseph forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about human nature, divine intervention, and the intricate dance between free will and destiny.

The Brothers' Moral Failure: A Spectrum of Sin

The actions of Joseph's brothers represent a profound moral failure, a stark illustration of sibling rivalry spiraling into devastating betrayal. Jealousy, envy, and resentment festered within them, ultimately culminating in the decision to sell their brother into slavery.

Their initial impulse toward fratricide, barely averted by Reuben's intervention, reveals the depth of their malice.

Judah's suggestion to sell Joseph, while ostensibly sparing his life, is arguably a more insidious act, driven by calculated self-interest rather than outright rage. This act demonstrates a willingness to profit from their brother's misfortune.

The brothers' collective sin is not monolithic; it's a spectrum of wrongdoing, ranging from impulsive anger to cold-blooded calculation. Each brother bears a unique share of responsibility for the unfolding tragedy.

Divine Providence: A Controversial Interpretation

The question of divine providence looms large over the narrative. Did God orchestrate Joseph's sale as part of a larger plan? The text suggests that God can work through even the most heinous human actions to achieve a greater good.

However, this interpretation is not without its difficulties. Does it imply that God condones or even necessitates evil to fulfill divine purposes? Some theologians argue that God permits evil as a consequence of human free will. This view highlights the complexities of understanding God's relationship to suffering and injustice.

Others emphasize God's ability to redeem even the most tragic circumstances. Joseph himself seems to adopt this perspective when he later tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20).

Foreshadowing and the Seeds of Reconciliation

The sale of Joseph, while a moment of profound brokenness, also contains subtle seeds of hope. Reuben's initial attempt to rescue Joseph, although ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrates a flicker of compassion.

Judah's eventual transformation, evident in his willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin in Genesis 44, suggests that even the perpetrators of great evil can experience redemption.

The suffering that Joseph endures in Egypt foreshadows the future suffering of the Israelite nation in slavery. His eventual rise to power and his act of forgiveness toward his brothers prefigure the possibility of reconciliation and restoration. The narrative arc from betrayal to forgiveness and reconciliation highlights the enduring power of grace and the transformative potential of human relationships.

The story reminds us that even in the face of profound injustice and betrayal, there is always the possibility of hope, healing, and ultimately, reconciliation.

So, whether you lean towards Joseph being sold to Midianites, or perhaps you're more convinced it was Ishmaelites, the key takeaway is the complex narrative itself. It highlights the themes of betrayal, jealousy, and ultimately, redemption, regardless of which group of people Joseph's brothers sold him to. The story continues to resonate even today.