GENESIS 37:28: WHO BROUGHT JOSEPH TO EGYPT?

 

As one example of the supposed hopeless confusion one encounters in the Bible, critics have cited the case of Joseph being brought to Egypt. They say that the account alternatively explains that it was done by the Midianites, the Ishmaelites, or his brothers.

Concerning Genesis 37:28, this is a complete misunderstanding of this verse, which is only quoted in part by critics. Here is how the whole thing reads, “When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.” Depending on who “they” refers to in the two places in the text, it can be interpreted as either (a) the Midianite traders took Joseph out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites or (b) the brothers sold Joseph to the Midianites (indicating their region of origin)/Ishmaelites (indicating their profession as wandering traders).

And, of course, Genesis 45:4 poses no problem whatsoever. It doesn't say that the brothers brought Joseph to Egypt at all, just that they sold him to those who did bring him there.

Actually, in Genesis 45:5, Joseph explains that it was ultimately God who sent him to Egypt in order to carry out His plans for the Israelites.