Genesis 37:23-36 Joseph as a type of the Lord’s Crucifixion

 

Thus far we have seen 17 comparisons between Joseph and Jesus.  In this lesson, we will examine 11 more things (numbers 18-28) that are similar between Joseph being sold into slavery and Jesus being betrayed and crucified.

 

# Similitude Joseph’sReference Jesus’Reference
18 They were stripped 37: 23 Matt. 27:28
19 They were in a pit 37: 24 Ps. 28:1; 30:3, 9; Eph. 4:9
20 The pit was empty (they were alone) 37: 24 Jn. 11:50
21 They had no water 37: 24 Jn. 19:28; Ex. 12:9
22 Their brethren sat and looked 37: 25 Matt. 27:36
23 Spices were involved 37: 25 Jn. 19:40; Lk. 24:1
24 Judah sold Joseph (Judas sold Jesus) 37: 26-27 Matt. 26:25
25 They were sold for silver 37: 28 Jn. 12:4
26 Taken to Egypt (type of the world) 37: 28, 36 1 Tim. 1:15
27 Like evil beasts had devoured them 37: 33 Ps. 22:12, 13, 16
28 Like their flesh had been rent 37: 33 Heb. 10:20

 

There are a couple of other interesting things to note in this last part of the 37th chapter.  Reuben was gone when the boys sold Joseph to the Midianites (v.29) and since he was the oldest brother, he had the responsibility of looking out for his younger brother (compare Gen. 42:37). So, he rent his clothes when he saw that Joseph was gone.

 

It is remarkable that the boys used goat’s blood to deceive their father (v.31), since goats were used by Jacob to deceive his own father (Gen. 27:16).  The principle here is found in Gal. 6:7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”