We all know the basics: Joseph, the favored son, with his infamous coat, is tossed into a pit by his jealous brothers. But what happened exactly down there? And how did he go from pit to Potiphar's house?
According to Legends of the Jews, that incredible compilation of rabbinic lore by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, things get pretty interesting. While Joseph's brothers were still arguing about what to do with him, a group of Midianite merchants just happened to be passing by. Talk about timing!
These weren't just any merchants, mind you. They were drawn to the pit by circling birds, assuming there was water down there. Thirsty after their travels, they approached, hoping for a drink. Instead, they heard something else: Joseph's cries.
Peering into the pit, they saw him – a "youth of beautiful figure and comely appearance," as Ginzberg puts it. Can you imagine their surprise? They hauled him out and, naturally, asked, "Who are you? How did you get down there?"
Now, here’s where it gets even more intriguing. As the Midianites continued on their journey with Joseph, they encountered his brothers. And the brothers, trying to cover their tracks, claimed Joseph was a runaway slave. "Why have you done such a thing, to steal our slave and carry him away with you? We threw the lad into the pit, because he was disobedient. Now, then, return our slave to us."
But the Midianites weren’t buying it. They saw through the brothers' deception. "What, this lad, you say, is your slave, your servant? More likely is it that you all are slaves unto him, for in beauty of form, in pleasant looks, and fair appearance, he excelleth you all. Why, then, will you speak lies unto us? We will not give ear unto your words, nor believe you, for we found the lad in the wilderness, in a pit, and we took him out, and we will carry him away with us on our journey."
The sons of Jacob, desperate to keep their secret, even threatened the Midianites: "Restore our slave to us, lest you meet death at the edge of the sword."
Think about this for a moment. The brothers, already guilty of a terrible act, are now willing to resort to violence to maintain their lie! It really paints a picture of their state of mind.
This little detail, not found in the main biblical narrative, adds a layer of complexity to the story. It highlights the brothers' continued deception and the Midianites' role as unwitting saviors. It makes us wonder: were the Midianites simply lucky passersby, or was there a hand of Providence at play, guiding them to that pit at just the right moment?
It also illustrates how folklore and legend can enrich and expand our understanding of even the most familiar stories. It invites us to ask questions, to imagine the untold details, and to appreciate the richness and depth of our tradition. Because sometimes, the most fascinating stories are the ones that fill in the gaps between the lines.