Genesis 37:25 - They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 37:25" mean?
This verse from Genesis 37:25 sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph. Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:
"They sat down to eat bread...": This shows that Joseph's brothers, after throwing him into the pit, are callously unconcerned about his fate. They are calmly eating a meal while their brother is likely terrified and vulnerable.
"...they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites...": This introduces a stroke of luck or providence (depending on one's interpretation) that will change Joseph's destiny. The brothers are presented with an opportunity to get rid of Joseph in a way that is less directly murderous than leaving him to die.
"...was coming from Gilead...": Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its aromatic products.
"...with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh...": This is significant because it indicates the caravan is engaged in valuable trade. These items were highly prized commodities in the ancient world, used for perfumes, incense, and medicinal purposes.
"...going to carry it down to Egypt.": Egypt was a major trading center and a sophisticated civilization at the time. The caravan's destination suggests the goods were destined for a wealthy market.
In summary, this verse does the following:
Highlights the brothers' cruelty: Their nonchalant attitude toward Joseph's plight is emphasized.
Introduces a turning point: The arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan provides an alternative to letting Joseph die in the pit.
Sets the stage for Joseph's journey to Egypt: It explains how Joseph ends up in Egypt, a crucial step in his rise to power and eventual reconciliation with his family.
Provides historical context: It gives us insight into the trade routes and valuable commodities of the ancient world.
The caravan's arrival is a key element in the narrative, transforming the brothers' plan from potential murder to a sale of Joseph into slavery. This unexpected event sets in motion the series of events that will ultimately lead to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the saving of his family from famine.
Genesis 37:25 - They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
What does "Genesis 37:25" mean?
This verse from Genesis 37:25 sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph. Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:
"They sat down to eat bread...": This shows that Joseph's brothers, after throwing him into the pit, are callously unconcerned about his fate. They are calmly eating a meal while their brother is likely terrified and vulnerable.
"...they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites...": This introduces a stroke of luck or providence (depending on one's interpretation) that will change Joseph's destiny. The brothers are presented with an opportunity to get rid of Joseph in a way that is less directly murderous than leaving him to die.
"...was coming from Gilead...": Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its aromatic products.
"...with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh...": This is significant because it indicates the caravan is engaged in valuable trade. These items were highly prized commodities in the ancient world, used for perfumes, incense, and medicinal purposes.
"...going to carry it down to Egypt.": Egypt was a major trading center and a sophisticated civilization at the time. The caravan's destination suggests the goods were destined for a wealthy market.
In summary, this verse does the following:
Highlights the brothers' cruelty: Their nonchalant attitude toward Joseph's plight is emphasized.
Introduces a turning point: The arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan provides an alternative to letting Joseph die in the pit.
Sets the stage for Joseph's journey to Egypt: It explains how Joseph ends up in Egypt, a crucial step in his rise to power and eventual reconciliation with his family.
Provides historical context: It gives us insight into the trade routes and valuable commodities of the ancient world.
The caravan's arrival is a key element in the narrative, transforming the brothers' plan from potential murder to a sale of Joseph into slavery. This unexpected event sets in motion the series of events that will ultimately lead to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the saving of his family from famine.