Why did Joseph's brothers betray him?

The betrayal of Joseph by his brothers, as recorded in Genesis 37, stemmed primarily from a complex interplay of envy, jealousy, and favoritism within the patriarchal family. Jacob, their father, openly favored Joseph, who was the son of his old age and Rachel, his beloved wife. This favoritism was dramatically symbolized by the special "coat of many colors" that Jacob gave Joseph, setting him apart from his elder brothers. The brothers' resentment deepened when Joseph recounted two prophetic dreams in which they, along with their parents, bowed down to him. These dreams, perceived as arrogant claims of superiority, ignited their animosity, leading them to despise him and actively conspire against him. When the opportunity arose, as Joseph traveled to check on them in Dothan, their simmering hatred boiled over. Their initial intention was to kill him and conceal his death, claiming a wild animal had devoured him. However, Reuben, the eldest, intervened to prevent bloodshed, suggesting he be thrown into a pit instead, with a secret intention to rescue him later. Ultimately, upon Judah’s suggestion, they chose to sell Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, effectively condemning him to slavery in Egypt. While their actions were motivated by malice and self-interest, the narrative ultimately reveals God's sovereign hand at work, transforming this act of human sin into a means of preserving the entire family during a severe famine, as Joseph himself later affirmed in Genesis 50:20, saying, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive."

The patriarchal period, spanning roughly from 2000 to 1500 BCE, was characterized by a semi-nomadic lifestyle in Canaan. Families were the primary social and economic units, with the patriarch holding significant authority. Favoritism, while common, often led to intense sibling rivalry and conflict, as seen with Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, and ultimately Joseph and his brothers. The "coat of many colors" (כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים, *ketonet passim*) likely denoted a special status, perhaps a long-sleeved garment signifying leisure from manual labor or a robe of authority, similar to royal apparel. This would have publicly announced Joseph’s elevated position and presumed inheritance, fueling the brothers’ envy. Furthermore, slavery was an established institution in the ancient Near East, with individuals sold into servitude for various reasons, including debt, war, or, as in Joseph's case, by relatives. Dreams held significant cultural importance, often believed to be divine communications, and their interpretation could carry weighty implications for an individual's destiny and social standing.

The narrative of Joseph’s betrayal stands as a profound testament to the sovereignty of God, even amidst human sin and injustice. While the brothers' actions were undeniably wicked, motivated by envy and hatred, God meticulously wove their malevolent intentions into His overarching plan for salvation. This event showcases divine providence, demonstrating that God can use the sinful choices of humanity to achieve His righteous purposes without condoning the sin itself. Joseph's life, from his descent into slavery to his ascent as a ruler in Egypt, serves as a powerful type and shadow of Christ, who was also betrayed by his own people, unjustly condemned, and yet through his suffering brought about salvation for many. The story ultimately emphasizes themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of a broken family, all under the guiding hand of the Almighty.