Verse: Genesis 37:22
Theme: Moral Courage, Strategic Intervention, and the Preservation of Life Through Wisdom
“‘Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.’ Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.”
— Genesis 37:22, New International Version (NIV)
“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.”
— Genesis 37:22, King James Version (KJV)
Meaning of Genesis 37:22
This verse reveals Reuben’s moral courage and strategic wisdom in attempting to save Joseph’s life while navigating the murderous intentions of his brothers. Reuben demonstrated leadership by offering an alternative that appeared to satisfy their desire for revenge while secretly planning Joseph’s rescue and restoration to their father.
Reuben’s intervention shows how one person with moral conviction can influence a group dynamic toward mercy rather than violence. His ability to redirect his brothers’ murderous plot without directly confronting their anger demonstrates sophisticated understanding of group psychology and conflict resolution.
The phrase “Don’t shed any blood” reflects Reuben’s understanding that direct murder would cross a moral line that could never be uncrossed. Even in his compromised position, he sought to prevent the most heinous aspect of their conspiracy while buying time for a better solution.
Reuben’s secret plan to rescue Joseph and return him to Jacob reveals his ultimate loyalty to family preservation over sibling solidarity in wickedness. Despite his own complicated relationship with his father, he prioritized protecting innocent life and maintaining family integrity.
The strategic nature of Reuben’s intervention teaches us that sometimes preventing evil requires wisdom and patience rather than direct confrontation. His approach acknowledged the brothers’ anger while redirecting it toward a less destructive outcome.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 37:22
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness, and sometimes that candle is lit by one person’s moral courage.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Pastor and Martyr
“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing, but sometimes good men must act with wisdom rather than force.”
— Edmund Burke, adapted by John Wesley
“True leadership shows itself not in commanding others, but in finding ways to serve and protect the innocent.”
— John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
“When we cannot prevent all evil, we must at least prevent the greatest evil, and trust God to work through our imperfect efforts.”
— Thomas Aquinas, Medieval Theologian
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting rightly despite fear, even when the action seems insufficient.”
— Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Church Father
“Sometimes the greatest act of faith is taking the first step toward righteousness, even when we cannot see the full path to justice.”
— Charles Spurgeon, Prince of Preachers
Explaining the Context of Genesis 37:22
This verse occurs at the crucial moment when Reuben intervened in his brothers’ murderous conspiracy against Joseph. As the eldest son, Reuben bore special responsibility for family welfare and would be held accountable by Jacob for any harm that came to Joseph during this shepherding expedition.
Reuben found himself in an extremely difficult position, caught between his own complicated feelings toward Joseph and his responsibility as eldest brother. He had witnessed the growing hatred among his brothers and now faced their determination to commit fratricide.
The setting in the wilderness provided both opportunity for the brothers’ evil intentions and the means for Reuben’s alternative solution. The empty cisterns that dotted the landscape offered a way to satisfy the brothers’ desire for revenge without immediate bloodshed.
Reuben’s intervention required significant courage, as he was essentially standing against the united will of multiple brothers who had already committed themselves to murder. His leadership in this moment would determine whether their family would be forever destroyed by fraternal violence.
The text’s revelation of Reuben’s secret intentions shows that sometimes righteous action requires strategic thinking rather than direct confrontation. Reuben understood that openly opposing his brothers might result in violence against both Joseph and himself.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 37:22
“Don’t shed any blood”
Reuben’s opening words established a moral boundary that recognized the difference between lesser and greater evils. While he couldn’t prevent all harm to Joseph, he could prevent the ultimate evil of fratricide.
This phrase shows Reuben’s understanding that once blood was shed, there would be no possibility of restoration or redemption for the act. The finality of murder would destroy their family forever.
“Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him”
Reuben’s alternative proposal appeared to satisfy his brothers’ desire for revenge while actually providing a means for Joseph’s eventual rescue. The cistern would serve as a temporary prison rather than a permanent grave.
His specification about not laying hands on Joseph showed his desire to minimize physical violence and preserve the possibility of Joseph’s survival until rescue could be arranged.
“Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father”
This explanatory phrase reveals Reuben’s true motivations and his strategic thinking. He was not participating in evil but working to undermine it from within while maintaining his brothers’ cooperation.
The mention of returning Joseph “to his father” shows Reuben’s understanding of Jacob’s heart and his desire to preserve family relationships despite the current crisis.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 37:22
1. Moral Courage Sometimes Requires Strategic Wisdom Rather Than Direct Confrontation
Reuben’s approach teaches us that preventing evil sometimes requires indirect methods and patient planning rather than immediate opposition that might provoke greater violence.
2. Leadership Means Taking Responsibility for Protecting the Innocent
As the eldest brother, Reuben demonstrated true leadership by prioritizing the protection of innocent life over maintaining popularity with his siblings or avoiding difficult situations.
3. Preventing the Greatest Evil May Require Accepting Lesser Evils Temporarily
Reuben could not prevent all harm to Joseph, but he could prevent murder, showing the wisdom of choosing battles and working toward the best possible outcome in difficult circumstances.
4. One Person’s Moral Conviction Can Influence Group Dynamics
Reuben’s intervention changed the entire trajectory of his brothers’ conspiracy, demonstrating how individual courage can redirect collective behavior toward mercy rather than violence.
5. Sometimes Righteousness Requires Working Within Imperfect Situations
Rather than abandoning the situation or directly confronting overwhelming opposition, Reuben found a way to work within the constraints to achieve the most righteous outcome possible.
Related Bible Verses
“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
— Psalm 82:4, New International Version (NIV)
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
— Proverbs 31:8, New International Version (NIV)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9, New International Version (NIV)
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
— James 4:17, New International Version (NIV)
“We must obey God rather than human beings!”
— Acts 5:29, New International Version (NIV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Genesis 37:22 points to Christ through Reuben’s role as intercessor and protector of innocent life. Just as Reuben intervened to save Joseph from death, Christ intercedes for humanity to save us from the consequences of sin and spiritual death.
Reuben’s willingness to work strategically within difficult circumstances foreshadows how Christ worked within the constraints of human nature and earthly limitations to accomplish divine purposes of salvation and redemption.
The secret nature of Reuben’s rescue plan parallels how God’s redemptive work often operates behind the scenes of human events, working through seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish extraordinary deliverance.
Reuben’s desire to restore Joseph to his father points to Christ’s mission of reconciling humanity to the heavenly Father, bridging the gap created by sin and restoring broken relationships.
Where Reuben could only delay Joseph’s suffering temporarily, Christ provides permanent deliverance from sin and death, offering complete rescue rather than merely postponing judgment.
The courage Reuben showed in standing against group pressure toward evil reflects Christ’s perfect obedience to righteousness even when facing opposition from religious and political authorities who demanded compromise.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 37:22 presents us with a powerful example of moral courage operating through strategic wisdom rather than dramatic confrontation. Reuben’s intervention reminds us that preventing evil sometimes requires patient planning and indirect approaches rather than immediate opposition.
This verse challenges us to consider our own responsibility when we witness injustice or potential harm to others. Like Reuben, we may find ourselves in situations where we cannot prevent all evil but can prevent the greatest evil through wise action.
Reuben’s leadership in this crisis demonstrates that true authority is measured not by our ability to command others but by our willingness to protect the innocent and preserve what is right, even at personal risk or discomfort.
The strategic nature of Reuben’s approach teaches us that righteousness sometimes requires working within imperfect situations rather than withdrawing from difficult circumstances or demanding immediate perfect solutions.
Reuben’s secret plan to rescue Joseph shows us that God often works through human agents who may not be able to announce their intentions openly but who labor faithfully behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
The incomplete nature of Reuben’s solution reminds us that human efforts, however well-intentioned, are often limited and require divine intervention to achieve complete success. Reuben could delay Joseph’s death but could not prevent his sale into slavery.
This passage encourages us to act courageously within our spheres of influence while trusting God to work through our imperfect efforts to accomplish His perfect purposes in ways we may never fully understand.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Reuben’s example of moral courage and strategic wisdom in protecting innocent life. Help us to have similar courage when we witness injustice or potential harm to others around us.
Give us wisdom to know when to speak directly and when to work strategically behind the scenes to prevent evil and protect the innocent. Help us to be leaders who prioritize righteousness over popularity or comfort.
When we cannot prevent all evil, give us grace to prevent the greatest evil possible while trusting You to work through our imperfect efforts to accomplish Your perfect purposes.
Strengthen us to stand against group pressure toward wickedness, even when we stand alone. Help us to influence others toward mercy and justice rather than being influenced toward compromise with evil.
Make us people who take responsibility for protecting the vulnerable and defending those who cannot defend themselves. Give us courage to act even when we cannot see the full path to complete justice.
Help us to work faithfully within difficult circumstances, trusting that You can use our strategic efforts to accomplish deliverance and restoration beyond what we can imagine or achieve alone.
When our efforts seem insufficient or incomplete, remind us that You are working through human agents to accomplish divine purposes that exceed our understanding or ability.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.