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Genesis 37:20
Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Genesis 42:13,32,35
And they said, Thy servantsare twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngestis this day with our father, and oneis not…

Jeremiah 31:15
Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation,and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because theywere not.

and said, “The boy is gone!
Reuben's exclamation reveals his shock and distress upon finding the pit empty. The term "the boy" underscores Joseph's youth and vulnerability, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the beginning of Joseph's journey to Egypt, which is central to the unfolding narrative of God's providence and the eventual preservation of the Israelites. The phrase also foreshadows the brothers' deception of their father, Jacob, and the ensuing family turmoil.

What am I going to do?”
Reuben's question reflects his personal turmoil and fear of the consequences. As the eldest, he would bear the brunt of their father's grief and anger. This moment of desperation can be seen as a precursor to the later guilt and remorse the brothers experience, particularly when they face Joseph in Egypt. Reuben's question also highlights the theme of human responsibility and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This phrase connects to the broader narrative of redemption and forgiveness, as seen in Joseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers.

• Reuben had stepped away after persuading his brothers not to kill Joseph, planning to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22).

• When he “returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes” (Genesis 37:29). Tearing one’s garments signals intense grief and repentance (cf.Joshua 7:6;2 Samuel 13:19).

• His physical return highlights the immediacy of accountability—sin committed in secret always circles back to confront us (Numbers 32:23;Proverbs 5:22-23).

• Reuben’s words expose a conscience suddenly laid bare. While the brothers had acted in concert, only Reuben now speaks, illustrating that conviction often isolates the heart (Psalm 38:4;John 8:9).

• Speech reveals inner turmoil; Jesus taught that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

• The phrase underscores both Joseph’s youth and vulnerability (Genesis 37:2). Sin’s fallout is often most devastating for the innocent (Lamentations 4:4;Matthew 18:6).

• Reuben recognizes the finality of the loss—there is no quick fix once evil has been set in motion (James 1:14-15).

• The exclamation foreshadows later anguish when Jacob cries, “Joseph is no more” (Genesis 42:36), demonstrating how one sin can ripple through generations.

• Reuben’s question is self-focused: “I,” not “we,” indicating a dawning sense of personal responsibility (Galatians 6:5).

• He fears facing their father Jacob (Genesis 37:35) much like Adam feared meeting God after the Fall (Genesis 3:10). Human solutions to sin—here, the proposed cover-up with Joseph’s coat and goat’s blood (Genesis 37:31)—only deepen guilt (Jeremiah 17:9).

• The cry anticipates the need for a mediator greater than any fallen brother, fulfilled ultimately in Christ who “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25).

Genesis 37:30 captures Reuben’s shock as his secret plan collapses. His return, anguished speech, realization of Joseph’s disappearance, and self-directed panic reveal the heavy cost of compromise and the personal accountability each sinner bears. The verse urges readers to confront sin swiftly, knowing that only God’s redemptive provision can rescue when human schemes fail.

Parallel Commentaries ...