Genesis 37:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once one succumbs to unlawful actions and immerses themselves in wicked thoughts, they cease to recognize the vigilant Eye before them, nor do they feel shame for the nature they defy, or for anything else that might evoke compassion, as was the case here. They failed to see that he was their brother, young and precious to their father; they disregarded the reality that he had never experienced life among strangers. Driven solely by a desire to satisfy their envy, they turned their intentions fratricidal, while the one who suffered bore it all with grace. The right hand of the Almighty protected him, making every hardship bearable. Thus, when we are blessed from above, even in the company of strangers and in a foreign land, we can lead a more fulfilling life than those who dwell in comfort yet lack divine assistance; conversely, even in our own homes, if deprived of heavenly support, we may be the most wretched of all. The strength of virtue is profound, while vice proves utterly powerless, something this narrative exemplifies vividly. Tell me, who do you deem truly wretched and deserving of many tears - those who inflicted harm on your brother, or he who was sold into slavery to foreigners? Surely, it is those who brought harm. Consider, then, how this remarkable young man, raised among many servants and forever in his father's embrace, abruptly found himself enduring harsh slavery among savages no better than beasts. Yet the Lord of all subdued these people and endowed him with remarkable patience. After selling their brother, Joseph's siblings felt as though they had triumphed, believing they had successfully rid themselves of their despised brother.

In righteousness, these individuals can be likened to merchants of incense, for they embody the fragrance of the mystery of Christ and vividly reflect every virtue within their souls. They acquired Christ by abandoning all the splendid aspects of the law, possessing that one priceless pearl, as depicted in the Savior's parable (Matt. 13:46). They carried Christ to the Gentiles, sanctifying the gospel, and proclaiming Him throughout the regions flourished with sunflowers, recognizing Him as God and Lord, the chosen stone rejected by those adhering to the law and the worldly wisdom of builders, yet exalted and honored by God, serving as the cornerstone (Ps. 117:22; cf. Matt. 21:42; Mk. 12:10-11; Lk. 20:17; cf. Is. 28:16; 1 Pet. 2:6).

Consequently, the Jews offered a lesser amount for the Lord, as they deemed Christ's sufferings to be of lesser significance. But how could the sufferings of Christ, for which the entire world was redeemed, be considered less? For through Christ's sufferings, the entire human race has been liberated from death. Consider what the apostle states: For ye are bought with a dear price (1 Cor. 6:20). Similarly, the apostle Peter affirms this truth: You have not been redeemed from your empty way of life with corruptible silver or gold, but with the precious blood of the pure Lamb of God (1 Pet. 1:18-19). If our redemption were secured with gold or silver, it would indeed be trivial, for humanity holds greater worth than all precious metals. However, we have been redeemed at a cost beyond measure, for priceless is He who has saved us through His suffering.

Let the sorrow and distress of my heart be heard by you, that you might welcome me into your tomb. I have no tears left to shed; my soul is exhausted with grief. O Rachel, Rachel! Will you not heed your son Joseph's cries? They are taking me from you against your will, and you cannot hold me back. I called out to Jacob, yet he did not hear me. Now I cry out to you, and you remain unresponsive. Should I perish here by your grave, I refuse to die like a rogue in a land that is not my own. When the Ishmaelites who bought Joseph spotted him weeping at the tomb, they exchanged glances and said, "This young man seeks to escape us through sorcery. We must bind him tightly to prevent any trouble!" Approaching him angrily, they warned, "Get up, cease your enchantments, or we will kill you here at this grave. We will not forfeit the money we spent on you!" When Joseph rose, the Ishmaelites noticed his swollen eyes from crying. One by one, they began to inquire with compassion, "Why did you weep so hard at this grave? Fear not, share your story with us—who are you, and why were you sold? The shepherds who sold you have told us, 'Take care of him lest he flee; but if he escapes, it is not our fault, as we warned you.' Tell us the truth: whose servitude do you endure? Is it to those shepherds or another master? And explain the deep affection you hold for this tomb. We are your masters now because we purchased you. As a servant, you must tell us everything. If you conceal anything, who else can you confide your sorrow to? You belong to us, do you not? Those shepherds have warned us that you might try to flee, which troubles us. Compose yourself and speak openly about your identity. You appear to be noble, and we desire to regard you not just as a slave but as our cherished brother. Your fine bearing and intellect suggest that you deserve to stand before kings and be esteemed among the elite. Your many virtues indicate you will attain greatness. Be our ally wherever we go. Who could possibly resist loving such a wise, noble, and handsome young man?" With a sigh, Joseph responded, "Though you have bought me, I am neither a slave, thief, nor sorcerer, nor have I committed any wrongdoing. I am my father's favored son, and I was my mother’s favored son while she was alive. Those shepherds are my brothers; my father dispatched me to inquire about their well-being. They had not returned for a considerable time, which concerned my affectionate father, prompting him to send me after them. In their jealousy over my father's love for me, they captured me and sold me into your hands. The coffin before you is my mother’s. When my father Jacob moved from Haran back to his homeland, my mother died here and was laid to rest in this tomb." Upon hearing this, the Ishmaelites replied sympathetically, "Do not despair, young man! Great honor awaits you in Egypt. Your appearance speaks of your nobility. Rather than mourn, rejoice in the fact that you are now distanced from your envious brothers who held unjust hatred towards you.