Genesis 37:24

and they took him and threw him into the pit. Now the pit was empty, with no water in it.

Study Bible

and they took him
This phrase indicates the physical act of Joseph's brothers seizing him. It reflects the culmination of their jealousy and animosity towards Joseph, which had been building due to his favored status with their father, Jacob, and his dreams that suggested he would rule over them (Genesis 37:5-11). This act of taking Joseph can be seen as a betrayal, similar to how Jesus was betrayed by Judas (Matthew 26:14-16).

and threw him into the pit
The pit, or cistern, was likely a dry well or storage for water, common in the region. This act of throwing Joseph into the pit symbolizes rejection and abandonment. It foreshadows the suffering and isolation that Joseph would endure, paralleling the suffering of Christ, who was also rejected by His own people (John 1:11). The pit can also be seen as a metaphor for death and resurrection, as Joseph is later "raised" from the pit, akin to Christ's resurrection.

Now the pit was empty,
The emptiness of the pit emphasizes the severity of Joseph's situation. There was no water or sustenance, highlighting his vulnerability and the brothers' callousness. This emptiness can be seen as a symbol of desolation and despair, akin to the spiritual emptiness that humanity faces without God's intervention. It also underscores the miraculous nature of Joseph's eventual deliverance, as there was no natural means of escape.

with no water in it
The detail of the pit having no water is significant, as it indicates that Joseph was not only abandoned but also left without basic necessities for survival. Water is often symbolic of life and sustenance in the Bible (John 4:14), and its absence here underscores the dire nature of Joseph's predicament. This detail also serves to highlight God's providence, as Joseph's survival and eventual rise to power demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, who was given a coat of many colors. His brothers were envious of him due to his dreams and their father's favoritism.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who were envious of Joseph. They plotted against him and ultimately threw him into a pit.

3. The Pit
A cistern or dry well where Joseph was thrown by his brothers. It symbolizes despair and abandonment.

4. Dothan
The location where Joseph found his brothers and where they plotted against him.

5. Reuben
The eldest brother who initially intended to rescue Joseph later, suggesting they throw him into the pit instead of killing him.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Envy
Envy can lead to destructive actions and broken relationships. Joseph's brothers allowed their jealousy to drive them to harm their own kin.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Even when Joseph was in the pit, God had a plan for his life. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances.

The Importance of Compassion
Reuben's attempt to save Joseph, though flawed, shows the importance of compassion and standing up for what is right, even when others are against it.

The Symbolism of the Pit
The empty pit represents moments of despair and abandonment in our lives. It reminds us that God can transform our lowest points into stepping stones for His purpose.

Repentance and Forgiveness
The account of Joseph and his brothers ultimately leads to reconciliation, teaching us the power of repentance and forgiveness in healing relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Joseph being thrown into the pit illustrate the dangers of unchecked envy and jealousy in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's hand at work in Joseph's life, even when he was in the pit? How can this encourage us in our own times of trial?

3. How does Reuben's intervention reflect the importance of standing up for what is right? Can you think of a situation where you might need to do the same?

4. What does the empty pit symbolize in your own life, and how can you find hope and trust in God's plan during those times?

5. How does the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers inspire us to seek forgiveness and healing in our own relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:18-28
Provides the broader context of the brothers' plot against Joseph, including their initial plan to kill him and Reuben's intervention.

Genesis 42:21-22
Reflects the brothers' later guilt and recognition of their wrongdoing against Joseph, showing the long-term impact of their actions.

Jeremiah 38:6
Similar imagery of being thrown into a pit, highlighting themes of suffering and deliverance.

Psalm 40:2
Speaks of God lifting one out of the pit, symbolizing hope and redemption.

Acts 7:9
Stephen's speech references Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, illustrating God's providence and plan through adversity.