In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson interviews Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm about a provocative interpretation of the Joseph narrative: Joseph’s brothers did not sell him into slavery. Rabbi Lamm explains that while the brothers planned to sell Joseph, they never completed the act. Instead, Midianite merchants discovered Joseph in the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites, creating ambiguity in the biblical text.

Rabbi Lamm delves into the narrative techniques of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its minimalist yet profound storytelling. He discusses how key Hebrew words and repeated motifs, such as “sell” (Machar), link the Joseph story to broader biblical themes of chosenness, rejection, and familial dynamics. Joseph’s perception of rejection by his father, Jacob, is also explored, tying his emotional journey to the larger narrative of Genesis. The discussion highlights the development of key characters, including Judah’s moral growth and Reuben’s failure to lead.

These arcs foreshadow the future roles of the tribes of Israel, underscoring Genesis’s role as a foundational text for understanding biblical theology and history. This episode invites listeners to engage deeply with scripture, appreciate its narrative sophistication, and consider alternative interpretations that illuminate its enduring relevance.

Find Ari Lamm at:

https://twitter.com/arilamm
https://twitter.com/gfaitheffort
https://www.instagram.com/holy_landings

For more articles:
https://thebiblicalmind.org/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:40 Understanding Joseph's Silence
05:19 The Role of Dreams in Joseph's Life
08:12 The Emotional Revelation of Family
10:39 The Complexity of Selling Joseph
13:30 The Brothers' Journey of Growth
16:07 The Consequences of Actions
18:52 The Legacy of the Tribes
21:42 The Moral Implications of the Sale
24:37 The Brothers' Guilt and Recognition
25:58 The Brothers' Guilt and Joseph's Plea
27:38 The Pit: A Place of Despair
30:10 The Brothers' Plan and Reuben's Dilemma
33:36 The Caravan and the Brothers' Decision
37:07 Reuben's Return and the Aftermath
41:42 The Complexity of Joseph's Journey
45:28 Understanding the Text: Insights and Interpretations
45:51 Learning Hebrew: Resources and Recommendations