Joseph Was Sold into Slavery – When Jealousy Turns to Anger
One of the most significant stories in the Old Testament is when Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. This passage from Genesis shows how jealousy and anger can push people to make terrible choices. But, through it all, God was still in control, guiding Joseph’s life for a greater purpose.
The Story: Brothers Sell Joseph
Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.
Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt.” – Genesis 37:26-28 NASB
This moment changed Joseph’s life forever. His brothers had let jealousy grow so deep that they first plotted to kill him. Instead, they decided to sell him. What they didn’t realize was that God would use Joseph’s suffering for a much bigger plan.
What Happened After Joseph was Sold into Slavery?
If you’ve ever had a fight with a brother or sister, you might laugh about how angry you were. But Joseph’s brothers took things much further. Their jealousy and rage grew so strong that they betrayed him. Still, God had a plan. Joseph’s journey into Egypt would eventually place him in a position to save countless lives—including his own family.
To see what led up to this moment, you can read about Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37:1-10. It helps explain why his brothers felt such bitterness toward him.
Dealing with Jealousy Before It Grows
We all face moments of envy. Maybe it’s over possessions, achievements, or attention. But the Bible reminds us that jealousy, if left unchecked, can turn into dangerous anger.
- Jealousy often starts small—just a thought or comparison.
- If ignored, it can grow into bitterness and even rage.
- Joseph’s brothers serve as a warning of what happens when jealousy controls our actions.
In modern terms, what Joseph’s brothers did would be considered a “crime of passion.” Their jealousy led them to act without thinking through the consequences. Thankfully, they didn’t kill Joseph—but selling him was still a tragic betrayal.
Guarding Our Hearts Against Sin
Sin often begins in the mind. Even if we don’t carry out harmful actions, jealousy, greed, and envy are still sins in God’s eyes. That’s why it’s so important to recognize and deal with those feelings before they take root.
Jesus plainly stated how He felt about sin (including envy or jealousy). In Matthew 5:29, He said;
“Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
So, when we catch ourselves comparing, resenting, or envying others, that’s the time to pray. Ask God to forgive those thoughts and to replace them with love and gratitude.
Applying the Lesson Today
The story of Joseph reminds us that even when others treat us unfairly, God can still use those situations for good. It also challenges us to look inward:
Are we harboring jealousy or anger toward others?
If you’d like to learn more about calming your struggles through faith, check out how faith removes anxieties. For more Bible lessons, you can also visit the homepage.
A Final Thought
When Joseph’s brothers sold him, it looked like the end of his story. But it was really just the beginning of God’s greater plan. In the same way, the challenges in our lives may feel overwhelming. Even so, God can use them to shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for something greater.
Let’s ask God to help us overcome jealousy and trust Him with our future, just as He changed Joseph’s slavery into blessing.
Love in Christ,
– Bob
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