The Intangible Story of The Pit
Text: Gen 37
Preface:
The highlight of this week’s torah portion, {Gen 37:1 – 40:23} is the story of Joseph being thrown into the pit. You may recall in writing on the life of Joseph that I wrote on this event, a year ago. Thus, in reading this week’s torah portion, I felt compelled to write on this event in a different way, than I did before. Though, in order to do so, I must first set the stage.
This week’s torah portion starts out by saying, Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. Gen 37:1
Hoping to dwell peacefully in the land, Jacob moved to the land of Canaan. Having said that, Satan is known as “the prince of the power of the air.” {Eph 2:2} In turn as long as we live in this world no matter where we may dwell, we will be at war against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12
The text next states, these are the generations of Jacob; Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father. Gen 37: 2
Reuben was Jacob’s first born so, why then in mentioning the generations of Jacob’s, Joseph is mention first? Well, Reuben forfeited the birthright, by defiling his father’s bed. {Gen 49:4} Though it should be mention, everything that happen to Jacob, happened to Joseph also, for example.
Jacob’s mother was infertile, so was Joseph’s mother infertile. Jacob’s mother had difficulty in childbirth, so did Joseph’s mother have difficulty also. Jacob’s mother bore two sons, so did Joseph’s mother bear two sons. Jacob was hated by his brother, so was Joseph hated by his brothers. Jacob’s brother sought to kill him, so did Joseph’s brothers seek to kill him.
Jacob was exiled from the Holy Land, Joseph was exiled from the Land too. Jacob took a wife outside the Land, and Joseph took a wife outside the Land too. Jacob begot children outside the Land, likewise Joseph begot children outside the Land.
Jacob went down to Egypt, in turn Joseph went down to Egypt. Laban’s house was blessed, as a result of Jacob, likewise Potiphar’s house as result of Joseph.
Jacob was lost to his father for 22 years, in turn Joseph was lost to his father for 22 years. Jacob died in Egypt. Likewise Joseph died in Egypt. Jacob was embalmed, in turn Joseph was embalmed; the bones of Jacob were brought up [from Egypt to the Holy Land], and the bones of Joseph were brought up {from Egypt to the Holy Land}
Next we are told that Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. Gen 37:3 – 4
While Jacob had many wives, his’ beloved was Rachael. I mention this fact, because Rachael was baron for 20 years, before giving birth to Joseph. So after Rachael died giving birth to Benjamin, naturally Joseph became Jacob’s beloved son.
In turn Jacob gave Joseph “a coat of many colors.” This coat suggested to Joseph’s brothers, Jacob intended to bestow “the birthright on Joseph.” Hence, just as Esau hated Jacob, Joseph’s brothers hated Joseph.
Words of wisdom: “Jacob’s love is as strong as the grave. Though the envy of Joseph’s brothers, were as harsh as the death.”
With that said, I think the sages have an interesting insight on Joseph rating on his brothers. They state, because Joseph spoke evilly of his brothers, he was incarcerated in prison for 12 years. This teaches us that one who speaks negatively of another is punish.
With his brothers already hating him, Joseph threw the proverbial gas on the fire, when he informed his’ brothers of the following dream. We were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” Gen 37:7
In short in Joseph’s dream, Joseph was exalted to the position of a king, and Joseph’s brothers fell before his’ feet in reverence.
Moving on the following Hebrew word for dominion “mashal, imply reign.” I alluded to this fact, because after Joseph had revealed his’ dream to his’ brothers. They asked him, “shall you indeed reign over us?” So, they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Gen 37:8
Now, the Lord could have imposed His’ will on us and force us to bow down and worship Him though, the Lord never will, for example. Yeshua never did force individuals to bow down and worship Him. Though, identical to Joseph’s brothers, there is coming a day, “when every knee will bow and confess, the Yeshua the Messiah is Lord.” Rom 14:11
Words should be weighed, not counted.” I mention this fact, because with Joseph’s brothers already detesting him you would think, Joseph would have kept his mouth shut! Though foolishly when Joseph dreamed yet another dream, he informed his’ father and brothers of his dream.
“I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” Gen 37: 9 – 10
The moon alluded to Joseph’s mother and the eleven stars alluded to Joseph’s brothers. With that said, upon hearing Joseph’s dream. Jacob attempted to diffuse Joseph’s brothers anger by attempting to discredit Joseph’s dream by asking, “shall your mother and I bow before you?” Implying, how can your mother and I bow before you, when your mother is dead?
That said, G-d’s word state, “every knee will bow and confess, Yeshua is Lord.” {Phip. 2:10} Though if this is the case when will those individuals, who have refused to bow to Yeshua as their Lord and Savor in their lives and are now died, do so?
The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Rev. 20:13
Well John states, the sea and sheol {hell} will give dead, in order for them to appear before Yeshua at the White throne judgement seat. I mention this fact, because I believe upon appearing before Yeshua as Judge. These individuals will recognize Yeshua’s authority by bowing before Him.
However Jacob’s ploy didn’t work, because Joseph’s brothers hated him, even more. Though, Jacob pondered, on Joseph’s dream in his heart. Gen 37:11
Moving on, then Joseph’s “brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.” {Gen 37:12} Though having said that the following Greek word for stumbling block, “skandalon, imply an offense.” I alluded to this fact, because Paul stated, “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.”
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:23-24
Meaning, the peaching of Yeshua was and still is an offense to some individuals. Although having said that, I’m amazed at how, the orthodox Jews stumble all over Yeshua and yet not see Him as being the Messiah, for example. There is Rabbinical teaching which states, {Gen. 37:12} is “the beginning story of salvation.” Why, you ask?
Well, Yeshua said, “or assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away , one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” {Matt 5:18} I alluded to Yeshua’s statement, because in the original Hebrew version of {Gen. 37:12,} there are small “jots” above the words, signifying the fact that {Gen. 37:12} is “the beginning the story of salvation.” Thus, Rabbis rightfully so, refer to {Gen. 37:12} as “the beginning story of salvation.,”
Meanwhile Jacob asked, “are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” Joseph responded by saying, “here I am.” Gen 37:13
Remember Yeshua said, “I am the alph and the tov.” {Rev 1:8} I mention this fact, because according to the Hebrew version Jacob asked, Joseph to check up on his brothers, who were shepherding the “alph and the tov’s flock.”
That said, Joseph’s answer, is an expression of modesty and eagerness. I alluded to this fact, because Joseph’s statement foreshadows “the Good Shepherd,” Yeshua the Messiah.
I am the good shepherd ; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. John 10:14
While Jacob foreshadows the Father, who sent His’ only begotten Son. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Upon Joseph’s answered, Jacob stated, “please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.” Gen 37: 14
Bearing in mind that Joseph foreshadows Yeshua. Fearing danger, Jacob sent his beloved son Joseph, to check up on his brothers. I mention this fact, because Jacob foreshadows the Almighty in this event. Why do I say so? Well, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
A footnote: Shechem was a place of misfortune, for example. Dinah was defiled there. {Gen 34:27} The house of David was also divided there. 1 Kings 12:1
When Joseph arrived at Shechem, with his brothers no where in sight. Joseph is wandering in the field. When a man suddenly appears and asked, “who are you seeking?” Joseph replied, “I am seeking my brothers. Please tell me where they are feeding their flocks.” In turn the stranger answered, “they have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. Gen 37:15-17
Certain sages state, this un name individual, is the angel Gabriel. Though, upon meeting this person, Joseph was wondering around lost.
That said, before we accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savor. Like Joseph, we all were lost and gone astray.{Ps 119:176} Though, once we accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savor, “the Holy Spirit” came to dwell in us, in order to direct our steps. In turn this is what David meant when he said, “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Ps 37:23 Moving on, when Joseph’s brothers witnessed, Joseph coming from afar, they conspired to kill him. {Gen 37:18} Why is this significant?
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Matt 27:1-2
In turn the Lord used the events in Joseph’s life, “to declare the end from the beginning,” {Isa 46:10} for example. The chief priest and the elders, conspired to kill Yeshua too.
According to the sages, Simon said to Levi, “look, this dreamer is coming!” Gen 37:19 In sort Simon hurled an insult at Joseph by alluding to him, as a dreamer. I mention this fact, because when Yeshua was nailed to the Cross, the people likewise insulted him by saying, “aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”
Mark 15:29-30
They then continue by saying, “come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” {Gen 37:20} That said, Simeon means “hatred without a cause.” I mention this fact, because there is a Rabbinical teaching which states it was Simeon, who devised, the scheme to cast Joseph in the pit. Then he contrived of the following lie that “some wild beast had devoured him, then we will see what becomes of his dreams.”
Though when Reuben heard his younger brothers, conspiring against Joseph he said, “let us not kill him.” Then Reuben added, “shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him” — that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.” Gen 37:21-22
So, when Simeon suggested to his brothers, they should kill Joseph and throw him in the pit. It could be argue Reuben proposed, they not shed innocent blood, but throw Joseph in the pit. Where am I going?
Well, remember Judas betrayed Yeshua for thirty pieces of silver. I mention this fact, because after Judas betrayed Yeshua, he went before the chief priest and the elders saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” {Matt 27:4} So, Joseph foreshadowed Yeshua.
Thus, when Joseph arrived, they heeded Reuben’s advice, because they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. {Gen 37:23-24}
Now that we have arrived at Joseph brothers, casting him into the pit. I remember several years ago I was riding with a friend from Church and I made the following remark. When Yeshua was in the grave for those faithful 72 hours, following His’ apparent death on the Cross. He went into sheol, or hell.
I still remember my friend turning and looking at me like I had just committed “the unspeakable sin”and saying with emotion, “no Wiley, you are wrong!” Though, I knew, my statement was biblical correct at the time, I could not justify it from G-d’s word. So, I ate crow!
Having said that, I never have forgotten my friend objecting so, profoundly to my statement. Why?
Well, the subject matter that we were discussing, is of essential importance to “our salvation” and it deserved an answer. So, I wrote “The Overlooked Story Beyond The Cross,” years later in an attempt to establish to my friend that Yeshua did indeed descend into “sheol for those faithful seventy – two hours, in order to capture the keys of death and the grave,” for example.
Yeshua stated, “all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” {Matt 26:56} I alluded to Yeshua’s statement, because if the Yeshua did in fact descend into “Hell,” during those faithful 72 hours, following his’ apparent death on the Cross. {Eph 4:9} According to Yeshua’s statement, He did so, in order to fulfill the scriptures. So where then are these scriptures?
Well David prophesied of Yeshua descending into sheol, centuries before hand when he stated, “for You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”
{Ps 16:10}
Then Peter conformed David’s statement by saying, “for You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” {Acts 2:27} Peter elaborated further on Yeshua being cast into sheol by saying, Yeshua’s soul was not left in sheol, neither did His flesh see corruption. Acts 2:31
I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength. Ps. 88:4
That said, in the Old Testament the word “pit” often alludes to sheol, or hell. This is meaningful, because Moses alluded to Yeshua being cast into sheol in {Gen 37,} long before ether David and Peter did so.
Having established the fact that Yeshua was cast into Hell. The question that begs to be asked is, why?
Well, remember, “the wages of sin is death.” {Rom. 6:23} By this I mean, when Adam fell in the garden, we all fell from grace, in that we became inflicted with an old sin nature. Thus, we became destine to suffer, an eternity death in Hell. However, thankfully the Almighty had a plain!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16 – 17
The Lord asked of Yeshua, who knew no sin to bare our sins that we might be made righteousness. In turn Yeshua answered as Joseph did, “here am I,” send me. {Gen 37:13}
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5:21
What can we gleam from this? In light that Yeshua forfeited the riches of heaven, in order to give His life as a sacrifice for our sins. Whatever the Holy Spirit impress upon our hearts, we should eagerly do.
Having establish the fact Yeshua was cast into sheol, let me just briefly elaborate on the pit Yeshua was cast into. Remember when the rich man lifted up his eyes in sheol, he pleaded with father Abraham to send Lazarus, with water on the tip of his finger. {Luke 16:24} Implying the pit that Joseph was cast into, was identical to the pit, Yeshua was cast into, in that there isn’t any water to be found there.
That said, according to the law of physics, something always permeate a vacuum. Meaning in spite of the fact the pit, in which Joseph was cast into was dry. It had some dangerous elements dwelling in it, such as snakes and scorpions. So, if snakes and scorpions dwelled in the pit, in which Joseph was tossed into. Who or what dwells in sheol?
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:12
Well, the Greek word for rulers “kosmokrator,” means Satan along with his’ demons forces.
In turn Satan along with his’ dark forces, inhabit sheol. So, how did Yeshua interact with Satan and his evil forces, upon entering into sheol?
Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col. 2:15
The Greek word for spoiled is “apekduomia,” means to disarm. Whereas the Greek word for shew, “deigmatizo” means “to make an example of.”
Consequently, upon entering sheol, Yeshua used His’ mighty power to disarm Satan and his’ demonic forces, in order to make an example of His’ might, by openly trumping over Satan and his’ demonic forces.
Hence, it could be said, Yeshua invaded Satan’s domain and literally kicked the hell out of Satan! Though, Satan had successfully concealed this fact, from individuals. So, what then did the Yeshua gain in His’ victory, besides openly trumping over Satan?
Well, the prophet Isaiah stated, “he {Yeshua} will swallow up death in victory.” Isa. 25:8
Having said that though, several bible scholars are of the opinion that this event will take place in the future, when Yeshua returns. Although, for the following biblical reason I respectfully disagree, because when the apostle John witnessed, Yeshua in a vision on the isle of Patmos. Yeshua already had within His’ possession, “the keys of hell and death.”
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. {Rev. 1:12 – 18} So, what are we to gleam from this biblical insight, you ask?
Well, the Greek word for keys is “kleis,” denotes “power and authority over whatever the keys are to.” Now, the keys apostles John seen within the Yeshua’s possession were to death, sheol or hell and the grave. So, we know then that Yeshua has the authority over death Hell and the grave. Having said that though, when did the Yeshua gained ownership of these keys?
Well, the Yeshua gained dominion over these keys, when He openly trumped over Satan and his’ demonic forces. Making it possible then, for Him to openly trumped over death, Hell and the grave also. Hence as we all know, the Yeshua arose on the third day. Prompting Paul to boldly ask,
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Cor. 15: 55
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Num 6:22- 26
Wiley Martin