The verse describes how Joseph’s brothers, influenced by envy, made a fateful choice that led to Joseph’s journey to Egypt.
“Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.” (v.25) This verse gives us a picture of Joseph’s brothers pausing for a meal right after they cast Joseph into a pit. Filled with resentment, they carry on as though nothing has happened. It is striking to see the brothers calm enough to eat, while Joseph’s fate hangs in the balance. Their pause for food highlights the callousness of their hearts at this point in the narrative, setting up the moment when they spot an opportunity to carry out a plan that would change their family’s future.
We read that the caravan belongs to the Ishmaelites, the descendants of Ishmael, who was the son of Abraham (born around 2080 BC) through Hagar. Ishmael’s lineage became a nomadic people, renowned for their trade routes (Genesis 25:13-16). Gilead, the region from which they came, lies east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its healing balm (Jeremiah 8:22), aromatic gum, and spices—valuable commodities often exchanged along the bustling trade highways. The Ishmaelites’ destination of Egypt underscores the growing role Egypt would play in Joseph’s destiny, foreshadowing the grander story of God’s provision that surfaces later when Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and rises to a position of authority (Genesis 41:39-40).
In this context, the mention of aromatic gum, balm, and myrrh underscores the wealth and trade significance of the region. That Joseph would soon be sold to this traveling caravan signals the unfolding of God’s plan—one that would ultimately lead Joseph to preserve the line of Jacob, which would eventually pave the way for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-2). Even though the brothers’ actions were intended for evil (Genesis 50:20), God used this circumstance to set in motion a greater story of redemption.
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Genesis 37:25 meaning
“Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.” (v.25) This verse gives us a picture of Joseph’s brothers pausing for a meal right after they cast Joseph into a pit. Filled with resentment, they carry on as though nothing has happened. It is striking to see the brothers calm enough to eat, while Joseph’s fate hangs in the balance. Their pause for food highlights the callousness of their hearts at this point in the narrative, setting up the moment when they spot an opportunity to carry out a plan that would change their family’s future.
We read that the caravan belongs to the Ishmaelites, the descendants of Ishmael, who was the son of Abraham (born around 2080 BC) through Hagar. Ishmael’s lineage became a nomadic people, renowned for their trade routes (Genesis 25:13-16). Gilead, the region from which they came, lies east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its healing balm (Jeremiah 8:22), aromatic gum, and spices—valuable commodities often exchanged along the bustling trade highways. The Ishmaelites’ destination of Egypt underscores the growing role Egypt would play in Joseph’s destiny, foreshadowing the grander story of God’s provision that surfaces later when Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and rises to a position of authority (Genesis 41:39-40).
In this context, the mention of aromatic gum, balm, and myrrh underscores the wealth and trade significance of the region. That Joseph would soon be sold to this traveling caravan signals the unfolding of God’s plan—one that would ultimately lead Joseph to preserve the line of Jacob, which would eventually pave the way for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-2). Even though the brothers’ actions were intended for evil (Genesis 50:20), God used this circumstance to set in motion a greater story of redemption.