Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 37:21 mean?
A: Genesis 37:21 describes how Reuven (Reuben), the eldest son of Yaakov (Jacob), heard his brothers plotting to kill their brother Yosef (Joseph). Reuven intervened to save Yosef's life, saying, 'Let us not kill him.' According to Rashi, Reuven intended to later return and rescue Yosef completely, showing his sense of responsibility as the firstborn.
Q: Why is Reuven's action in Genesis 37:21 important?
A: Reuven's action is important because it demonstrates the moral responsibility of a leader. As the firstborn, Reuven tried to prevent a grave sin (murder) among his brothers. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) praises Reuven for this moment of righteousness, even though his later plan to fully rescue Yosef was not successful (as the brothers sold Yosef instead).
Q: What can we learn from Reuven in this verse?
A: We learn from Reuven the importance of speaking up against wrongdoing, even when it's difficult. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) teaches that saving a life is a great mitzvah (commandment), and Reuven's attempt to stop his brothers reflects this value. It also teaches that we should take initiative to protect others from harm.
Q: How does Genesis 37:21 apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to stand up for justice and protect those in danger. The Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 1:14) rules that anyone who can save a life but fails to do so violates a Torah prohibition. Like Reuven, we must act when we see others in peril, whether physically or spiritually.
Q: Why didn't Reuven's plan to save Yosef succeed?
A: While Reuven initially stopped his brothers from killing Yosef, his plan to fully rescue him later failed because the brothers sold Yosef to traders before Reuven could return (Genesis 37:29-30). The Midrash suggests this was part of Hashem's greater plan to bring Yosef to Egypt, where he would eventually save his family during famine.
Reuven's Intervention
The verse (Bereshit 37:21) describes Reuven's attempt to save Yosef from his brothers' murderous plot. Rashi explains that Reuven heard the brothers' plan to kill Yosef and sought to rescue him. The phrase "וַיַּצִּלֵהוּ מִיָּדָם" ("he delivered him out of their hands") indicates that Reuven acted swiftly to prevent immediate harm, though his later plan to return Yosef to Yaakov was thwarted when the brothers sold Yosef instead (Rashi on Bereshit 37:22).
Reuven's Argument Against Shedding Blood
Reuven's statement, "לֹא נַכֶּנּוּ נָפֶשׁ" ("Let us not kill him"), reflects his moral objection to murder. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:15) elaborates that Reuven warned his brothers of the severe consequences of bloodshed, invoking the principle of "השגחה פרטית" (Divine providence) and the accountability for taking a life. Ramban (Bereshit 37:21) suggests that Reuven, as the eldest, felt responsible to prevent such a grievous sin.
Reuven's Leadership and Later Regret
The Talmud (Shabbat 22b) notes that Reuven's initial leadership in saving Yosef was commendable, yet his failure to fully prevent Yosef's suffering led to later consequences for his tribe. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 2) highlights that Reuven's plea was rooted in his earlier repentance for his own misdeeds (regarding Bilhah), demonstrating his heightened sensitivity to sin.