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Come, and let`s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh." His brothers listened to him.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Rationalization of Sin

Commentators highlight the brothers' twisted logic. They use their kinship—"he is our brother, our flesh"—as a reason to avoid the guilt of direct murder, yet they feel no remorse in selling him into a life of slavery. This demonstrates how people can rationalize sin, framing a cruel act as a more merciful alternative to an even worse one.

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Book Overview

Genesis

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Commentaries

3

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Genesis 37:1–36

18th Century

Theologian

17. דתין dotayı̂n Dothain, “two wells?” (Gesenius)

25. נכאת neko't “tragacanth” or goat’s-tho…

John Gill

John Gill

On Genesis 37:27

17th Century

Pastor

Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites
For a slave, and that will defeat his dream; and as these were going do…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Genesis 37:23–30

17th Century

Minister

They threw Joseph into a pit, to perish there with hunger and cold; so cruel were their tender mercies. They slighted him when he was in distress, …