Joseph Is Placed in the Empty Pit

Genesis 37:1-36

The Big Idea

Jealousy can lead people to make deeply harmful choices. Reuben’s attempt to stop the worst plan shows the importance of speaking up when someone is in danger.

The Bible Story

Joseph and His Brothers

Genesis 37:18–24 describes Joseph’s brothers seeing him from a distance and plotting to kill him. Their jealousy and resentment were wrong. Reuben spoke against killing Joseph and suggested putting him in a pit, intending to rescue him later. The brothers stripped Joseph of his distinctive garment and placed him in an empty pit, or cistern. This scene shows Joseph losing his freedom and being left in danger because of his brothers’ harmful choices. The passage does not say that Reuben successfully rescued him, and it does not describe physical beating or injury. Later in the chapter, Joseph is sold and taken toward Egypt, but this scene focuses on the moment he is placed in the pit.

Themes

Betrayal and loss of freedom Deception and grief Favoritism and family resentment Jealousy and wrongdoing Reuben’s attempted intervention The account’s unresolved ending

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Joseph sits safely but sadly inside an empty pit while his brothers stand above it. Reuben gestures as if urging restraint, and Joseph’s distinctive garment lies outside the pit, showing that it has been removed without graphic detail.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why were the brothers’ choices wrong?
How did Reuben try to help Joseph?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to discuss jealousy, family conflict, courage, and speaking up for someone in danger. Keep the language gentle and factual, especially with younger children. Do not add later events or claim that this passage explains God’s purpose. Invite children to consider how they can seek help and choose kindness when conflict grows.

Source note