Psalms 105:17-22
he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights that Joseph wasn't just sold; he was sent by God's providence, a deliberate action with a purpose, underscoring that even the darkest human betrayals can be orchestrated by God for a greater good. This reframes Joseph's suffering not as mere misfortune, but as a divinely appointed prelude to saving his family.
This passage shifts the focus to Joseph, recounting his tragic sale into slavery by his brothers. The surrounding verses highlight a severe famine gripping the land, which God used as a means to bring Jacob's family down to Egypt. This act, though filled with human treachery, is presented as a divinely orchestrated move, sending Joseph ahead to preserve life.
How can God send someone when that person was sold into slavery by their own family?
This verse hits us with a profound truth: God's plan doesn't depend on human goodness, but on His own sovereign purpose. When the Psalmist says 'he had sent a man before them,' it's a powerful statement of divine initiative. Joseph's brothers acted out of jealousy and malice, selling him into slavery. Yet, their wicked act, in God's mighty hand, became the very means by which Joseph was 'sent' ahead to Egypt. This isn't to say God caused their sin, but that He masterfully overrules human sin to accomplish His good purposes. Joseph himself later testifies to this, saying, 'God did send me before you to preserve life' (Genesis 45:5). God works through, and even in spite of, human choices, whether good or evil, to bring about His predetermined outcomes.
Joseph's story is one of betrayal and suffering. How does the Psalmist frame this as God's work?
The key here is the word 'sent.' It implies a divine commission, an intentional placement. Even though Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and endured immense hardship—imprisonment, false accusations, and separation from his family—the Psalmist sees the bigger picture. This wasn't random misfortune; it was God orchestrating events. Joseph's suffering was not an endpoint but a pathway. His being 'sold as a slave' was the providential means by which he arrived in Egypt, where he would eventually rise to power and save his family (and many others) from famine. The narrative of Psalms 105 highlights God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that even the darkest moments can be steps in His unfolding plan. Joseph's life becomes a testament to how God can use suffering to prepare individuals for a crucial role in His redemptive purposes.
Understand the original words
'ish · Hebrew Noun
In the biblical context, an individual is often chosen by God to fulfill a specific role in His redemptive history, functioning as a bridge between God's promise and its fulfillment.
'ebed · Hebrew Noun
A condition of being owned by another, used in Scripture to describe social bondage, but also metaphorically to describe the state of being owned by God (servitude) or by sin.
kebhel · Hebrew Noun
Instruments of binding, representing physical confinement, restriction, and the state of being restrained from one's own will or calling.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the self-existent God of the covenant, the One who is faithful to His promises and enters into a relationship with His people.
This verse highlights a profound truth: even the most wicked human actions, like the selling of Joseph, can be sovereignly directed by God for His redemptive purposes. The psalm reminds us that God is always working ahead, preparing the way for His people, even through suffering and betrayal.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Joseph Sold by Brothers
Joseph's jealous brothers sell him into slavery to Ishmaelite traders, who then sell him in Egypt. This act, driven by malice, is seen as the providential means by which God sent Joseph ahead to Egypt.
c. 1750-1730 BC
Joseph's Time in Egypt
Joseph endures slavery and unjust imprisonment in Egypt, eventually rising to a position of authority due to his God-given wisdom and integrity. His experiences prepare him for his future role.
c. 1730 BC
Famine Strikes the Region
A severe famine grips Canaan and Egypt. This natural disaster, understood as orchestrated by God, drives Jacob's family to seek sustenance in Egypt.
c. 1730 BC
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Led by Jacob (Israel), Joseph's father, the entire family migrates to Egypt to escape the famine, settling in the land of Goshen.
This verse directly quotes Joseph's own words, confirming that his suffering and sale were orchestrated by God to preserve his family.
Genesis 50:20This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 105:17, with Joseph explaining to his brothers that what they intended for evil, God used for good to save many lives.
Proverbs 16:9This proverb highlights the principle that while humans plan their steps, God directs their course, mirroring how Joseph's sale, a wicked human act, was guided by divine providence.
Romans 8:28This New Testament passage affirms that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, a profound truth exemplified by Joseph's journey from slave to savior.
pulpitPsalms 105:17: "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:"
Verse 17. - He sent a man before them, even Joseph. This is the real sense, though it is not fully expressed in the Hebrew. On the providential sending of Joseph into Egypt, see his own words, "God did send me before you, to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5). Who was sold for a servant (comp. Genesis 33:28, 36; Genesis 39:1).
ellicottPsalms 105:17: "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:"
(17) Repeats Joseph’s own explanation, twice given, of the ways of Providence in his life ( Genesis 45:5 ; Genesis 1:20 ).
The text highlights that Joseph wasn't just sold; he was sent by God's providence, a deliberate action with a purpose, underscoring that even the darkest human betrayals can be orchestrated by God for a greater good. This reframes Joseph's suffering not as mere misfortune, but as a divinely appointed prelude to saving his family.
This passage shifts the focus to Joseph, recounting his tragic sale into slavery by his brothers. The surrounding verses highlight a severe famine gripping the land, which God used as a means to bring Jacob's family down to Egypt. This act, though filled with human treachery, is presented as a divinely orchestrated move, sending Joseph ahead to preserve life.
This passage shifts the focus to Joseph, recounting his tragic sale into slavery by his brothers. The surrounding verses highlight a severe famine gripping the land, which God used as a means to bring Jacob's family down to Egypt. This act, though filled with human treachery, is presented as a divinely orchestrated move, sending Joseph ahead to preserve life.
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'imrah · Hebrew Noun
The spoken or revealed will of God; it is active, powerful, and always accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent.
tsaraph · Hebrew Verb
The process of refining, proving, or demonstrating the quality or validity of a person's faith, character, or obedience, often through hardship or delay.
melek · Hebrew Noun
One who holds sovereign authority over a nation; in the biblical narrative, earthly rulers are ultimately subject to the sovereign, providential rule of God.
pathach · Hebrew Verb
To liberate from bondage or restraint; in a theological sense, it prefigures the ultimate deliverance from sin and death achieved by God for His people.
shalach · Hebrew Verb
To grant liberty or remove from captivity; biblically, it signifies the restoration of dignity, purpose, and the ability to serve God freely.
adon · Hebrew Noun
A title of authority, often implying ownership, sovereignty, and the right to command or govern others. In a biblical context, it is frequently used for God (Adonai) and earthly rulers delegated with power.
mashal · Hebrew Verb
One who exercises authority, governs, or manages. It implies the possession of power to direct affairs or people according to a superior's will.
sar · Hebrew Noun
Individuals of high rank or power within a society or government. Biblically, they are often seen as those responsible for the administration and justice of a people.
zaqen · Hebrew Noun
Older, experienced men who hold positions of authority, leadership, and judicial responsibility within a community or nation. They are expected to possess insight and discernment.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Biblical wisdom is the practical application of knowledge, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord to everyday life. It involves moral discernment and the ability to live in accordance with God's will.
c. 1730 BC
Joseph Reunited with Family
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and father, bringing his entire family to Egypt, thus fulfilling God's plan to preserve them through the famine.
"he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. The king…" — The text highlights that Joseph wasn't just sold; he was sent by God's providence, a deliberate action with a purpose, underscoring that even the darkest human betrayals can be orchestrated by God…
