Definition: And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 42:37. It’s a really dramatic passage about Joseph! Here's the simple explanation: Basically, Joseph is pleading with his father, Jacob, to kill two of his sons – Benjamin and Levi – if he can’t bring them back to him. Let’s unpack it bit by bit: “And Reuben spake unto his father…” - This means Joseph was speaking to Jacob, who was in a difficult situation. “…saying, Slay my two sons…” – He's telling Jacob that he wants him to kill two of his sons. "...if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.” - This is the core of it. He’s asking Jacob to take action – to kill these two sons if he can't keep them safe. Crucially , he promises to bring them back to Jacob after he has taken action. What's the context? This passage comes after Joseph had been falsely accused of trying to steal food from Jacob’s pantry. Jacob, desperate to protect his son Benjamin (who was in danger), decided to send Joseph out into the wilderness to find a way to free his son. This verse is part of a larger story about Joseph’s incredible resilience and ultimately, his role in saving Israel. Why is this a significant story? This scene highlights several important themes: Faith & Trust: Joseph’s plea demonstrates his unwavering faith – he trusts that God will protect him and his family. Divine Intervention: It shows that God is involved in the lives of people, even when they don't deserve it. In a nutshell, this verse is about Joseph’s desperate attempt to save two sons and underscores the power of faith and divine intervention. --- Do you have any other questions about this passage or would you like me to explain another part of Genesis 42?