Definition: And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, [but] cast him into this pit that [is] in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 37:22. It's a really important and complex passage about Jacob’s son Reuben and a difficult situation. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob’s Problem: Jacob was having a huge problem with his son Reuben. He was constantly trying to control him, and Reuben wasn’t very cooperative with him. The Incident: A significant event happened – Reuben killed an animal (likely a goat) while chasing after it. This is the core of the verse. The Punishment: God, in his anger at this transgression, decided to punish Reuben. He commanded Jacob to… “Cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness…” – This means he told Jacob to imprison Reuben in a deep, isolated place – a pit or cave – somewhere in the wilderness. What it Means - A More Detailed Explanation: The verse isn’t just about punishment; it's about restoring Reuben back to his father, Jacob. Here’s what it suggests: “Shed no blood…” : This is a key part of the verse. It means Reuben shouldn’t be killed or injured in any way. “…but cast him into this pit…” : This implies that Reuben was deliberately causing harm to Jacob and his family. The act of killing the animal is seen as a deliberate act of disrespect and defiance. “…and lay no hand upon him…” : This reinforces the idea of not being involved in any physical violence or harm towards Reuben. "...to deliver him to his father again." : This is the ultimate goal – to bring Reuben back into Jacob’s care, as he was meant to be with him. Symbolic Meaning (Important!) The verse isn't just about a literal punishment. It’s a powerful metaphor for: Justice and God’s Sovereignty: God is the judge, and He will hold people accountable for their actions. Restoring Relationships: This verse shows that God wants to restore broken relationships – in this case, between Jacob and Reuben. In short, this verse describes a difficult situation where Jacob’s son was causing harm, and God sent a punishment to bring him back into his father’s care. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind it? Compare this passage to other stories or biblical themes?