Definition: And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 37:21. It’s a really important and somewhat sad part of the story of Jacob’s life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is wrestling with an angel. In this passage, Jacob is having a difficult time with an angel who wants to pull him away from his son Reuben. The angel reveals a terrible plan. The angel tells Jacob that he will kill Reuben. This is a really awful and significant moment for Jacob. What does the verse say? “And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.” “He heard it” : This means Jacob was aware of the impending danger. He knew what was happening. “He delivered him out of their hands” : This is a crucial part. The angel, in his anger or perhaps because he’s trying to protect something valuable (like Reuben), takes Jacob away from Reuben. It's like the angel is snatching him up. “Let us not kill him.” : This is the key phrase. Jacob orders his men not to kill Reuben. What does this verse tell us? This verse speaks to a difficult choice Jacob had to make – he had to protect Reuben, but he also had to preserve his own life. It’s a moment of great tension and moral conflict. Why is it important? Jacob's Character: This event demonstrates Jacob's growing maturity and his understanding that sometimes difficult decisions require prioritizing one thing over another. The Beginning of His Downfall: This act of protecting Reuben sets the stage for a major problem in Jacob’s life, ultimately leading to his exile and the beginning of his struggles with God. In short, this verse is about a moment where Jacob had to make a difficult choice that would have devastating consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 37:21? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like the angel and the struggle between good and evil)?