Definition: Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh. And his brethren were content.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 37:27. It's a really important and complex passage about a difficult situation involving Jacob’s favorite son, Reuben. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jacob is struggling with his sons. He’s having a hard time dealing with all his sons, especially Reuben, who is often rebellious and challenging. Reuben is offered to the Ishmeelites. The Ishmeelites are a group of people who were involved in a violent conflict with Jacob’s family. They were essentially enemies. The verse says: “Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh.” This is where it gets tricky. It means that Jacob voluntarily chose to give Reuben over to the Ishmeelites. Let’s unpack the parts: “Come, and let us sell him…” – Jacob decides he wants to hand Reuben over to the Ishmeelites. “…and let not our hand be upon him; for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh.” – This is the key part. He’s saying that Jacob consciously chose to allow Reuben to be sold to the Ishmeelites, and he’s choosing to do so because he considers Reuben his brother and a member of his family. It's a deeply emotional choice based on love and familial connection. The Significance & What it Means: This verse is often interpreted as a moment of profound grief and regret for Jacob. It highlights: His love for his son: Jacob’s decision to give Reuben to the Ishmeelites demonstrates the depth of his affection and loyalty. A painful choice: It shows that Jacob was deeply conflicted – he loved his son, but he also felt a sense of loss because he was giving him away. The nature of family bonds: This verse reinforces the idea that family relationships are incredibly important and can be profoundly complex, even when there's conflict or disagreement. Important Note: It’s crucial to understand this verse within the context of the entire story in Genesis 37. It sets up a pivotal moment of tragedy and highlights Jacob’s struggle with his sons. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like the conflict between Jacob and his brothers)?