And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
Reuben replied to them, saying, 'Didn't I tell you not to harm the boy? But you wouldn't listen to me! Now we're being held accountable for what happened to him.'
Reuben is reminding his brothers that he warned them not to hurt Joseph, and now they're facing consequences for not listening to his advice.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs when Joseph's brothers are imprisoned in Egypt, not knowing that the Egyptian ruler questioning them is actually Joseph himself. Years earlier, Reuben had tried to save Joseph from his brothers' plot to kill him, suggesting they throw him in a pit instead, intending to rescue him later. Now, facing difficulties in Egypt, Reuben sees their current troubles as divine justice for their past treatment of Joseph.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.