Reuben Would Have Carried Joseph Home on His Shoulders

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayeshev 13:9

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And Reuben said to them: Do not shed blood" (Genesis 37:22). Why? Because the Holy Spirit says (in that same verse): "in order to save him from their hand," and so forth. Had Reuben known that the Holy One, blessed be He, was writing this verse about him, he would have taken him upon his shoulder and led him to his father.

Themes

RepentanceTribesJosephReubenAdam Eve

Biblical References

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Bereshit RabbahJacob — Reuben at the Dawn of CreationThe familiar story centers on Joseph and his coat of many colors, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But what about Reuben? What role did he play in thiBook of JasherAbraham and Creation of MosesThe Book of Jasher, an ancient Hebrew text referenced in the Bible itself (Joshua 10:13 and (2 Samuel 1:1)8), fills in some of those gaps. It's like a behind-thLegends of the JewsAdam — The Great FloodTake Noah, the righteous man who saved humanity from the flood. You’d think he’d be on a pretty straight path after that whole ordeal. But nope. The story takesLegends of the JewsJoseph Told Zuleika He Feared God More Than Her ThreatsHe faced a test that could have changed his life forever. The story goes that when Potiphar's wife, Zuleika, tried to seduce him, he refused. "I fear my master,Legends of the JewsEgypt — Manna from HeavenLegends of the Jews turns to Egypt, Manna from Heaven. Remember, the Israelites have just been freed from slavery in Egypt. They've witnessed incredible miracleLegends of the JewsAdam — Moses and the Fires of GehennaThe ancient stories certainly resonate with that feeling. a powerful moment in the relationship between God and the Israelites after the Exodus, a moment filled