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Genesis 35:22
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heardit. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 42:22
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.

not kill him.

Joshua 10:28
And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls thatwere therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

Genesis 9:5
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands
Reuben's attempt to save Joseph indicates a desire to prevent bloodshed and maintain family unity. This act of intervention can be seen as a foreshadowing of later biblical themes of redemption and deliverance. Reuben's actions may also reflect his awareness of the consequences of fratricide, both morally and in terms of familial repercussions.

“Let us not take his life,” he said
Reuben's plea to spare Joseph's life underscores the sanctity of life, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture. His suggestion to avoid murder aligns with the broader biblical narrative that values life and seeks to prevent unnecessary violence. This moment can be seen as a precursor to the Mosaic Law, which later codifies the prohibition against murder. Reuben's words also echo the theme of mercy, which is a recurring motif in the Bible and is ultimately embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

- The “this” refers to the brothers’ conspiracy inGenesis 37:18-20 to murder Joseph.

- As firstborn (Genesis 29:32), Reuben carried family responsibility. Hearing a murderous plot jolted that sense of duty.

- Scripture often shows God stirring someone’s heart at the critical moment—compareEsther 6:1-3 orActs 23:16.

- Reuben’s immediate awareness underscores God’s providence: Joseph’s life would be spared so the dreams ofGenesis 37:5-11 could unfold literally.

- “Tried” indicates deliberate effort, not mere sentiment. Reuben steps between rage and victim much like Moses later shields a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12).

- Deliverance is a repeated theme: Noah preserving life (Genesis 6:18-19), Boaz redeeming Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10), and ultimately Christ saving sinners (Romans 5:8).

- Though Reuben’s later moral failures are recorded (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4), God still uses imperfect people to accomplish perfect plans—seeJonah 1:1-17 or Peter’s restoration inJohn 21:15-17.

- This rescue attempt pictures God’s unseen hand guarding covenant promises (Genesis 12:2-3; 50:20).

- Reuben appeals for restraint, upholding the sanctity of life first laid down after the flood: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis 9:6).

- His words echo later commands: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) and prohibitions against innocent blood (Deuteronomy 19:10).

- Although he will suggest throwing Joseph into a pit (Genesis 37:22), his initial plea already turns the brothers from outright homicide.

- The scene foreshadows others who argue for mercy—Judah for Benjamin (Genesis 44:18-34), Abigail for Nabal (1 Samuel 25:23-31), and Paul before a murderous mob (Acts 23:12-24).

Reuben’s quick hearing, protective action, and plea for Joseph’s life display God’s providential safeguarding of His redemptive plan. The verse highlights the value of life, the responsibility of leadership, and the Lord’s ability to work through flawed people to fulfill literal promises that will carry Joseph—and ultimately Israel—toward their appointed destiny.