What does Psalms 105:17 mean?

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Psalms 105:17

Explanation

Psalm 105:17 speaks of a person, Joseph, who was sent ahead of his family by God’s providence, although his brothers sold him into slavery. The verse emphasizes the idea that even in the hardship and betrayal that Joseph experienced, there was a divine purpose at play. The phrase “sold for a servant” underscores the harsh reality of his situation, yet it is preceded by “He sent a man before them,” which suggests divine orchestration. This implies that Joseph’s eventual position in Egypt was part of a larger plan to preserve his people, showing that God can use even the negative actions of humans to achieve His purposes.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of the larger narrative of Joseph, which is found in the book of Genesis, chapters 37–50. Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, also known as Israel, and was favored by his father. This favoritism caused jealousy among his brothers, leading them to sell Joseph into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites. Joseph was then taken to Egypt, where he faced many trials and eventually rose to prominence as the second-in-command to Pharaoh. During a time of famine, he was responsible for saving not only Egypt but also his own family who came to Egypt seeking food. The Psalm reflects on these events, seeing them as an act of God’s faithfulness to the covenant with the patriarchs.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse opens up several key insights:

• Providence: A recognition that God is sovereign and can use even the sinful actions of people to bring about His will.
• Preservation: The sense that Joseph’s advance to Egypt was integral to the survival of the chosen people, linking to the promise made to Abraham about his descendants.
• Typology: For Christian theologians, Joseph is often seen as a type of Christ—a precursor who foreshadows Jesus. Like Joseph, Jesus was sent ahead, suffered, and through His suffering, provided salvation for many.

Jewish interpretations may focus on the themes of trust in God’s plan and the importance of Joseph’s story in the narrative of the Jewish people’s survival and dependence on God.

Practical Applications

Applying Psalm 105:17 to daily life could involve:

• Embracing adversity with faith that God may have a purpose beyond immediate understanding.
• Trusting in God’s overarching plan when facing betrayal or hardship.
• Recognizing the role of divine providence in life’s events.
• Being open to the unexpected ways God’s purpose can unfold in one’s life.

Cross-References

• Genesis 37:28: “Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
• Genesis 45:5-7: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”
• Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
• Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew text include:

• “Sent” – שָׁלַח (shalach), which can mean to send out, dispatch, or send away.
• “Man” – אִישׁ (ish), often used to refer to an individual or a person of importance.
• “Before them” – לְפָנֵיהֶם (l’faneihem), suggests someone going in advance or leading the way.
• “Sold” – וַיִּמְכְּרוּ (vayimkeru), the narrative past tense of selling, emphasizing the action taken by Joseph’s brothers.
• “Servant” – לְעֶבֶד (le’eved), refers to a slave or bondman, highlighting Joseph’s subjugation and loss of personal freedom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures surrounding Israel, there are myths of figures who undergo suffering or betrayal before being exalted, such as the Sumerian story of Joseph-like figure Inanna, who descends into the underworld and is later restored. However, the differences lie in the attribution of events to a singular, sovereign God in the biblical narrative, as opposed to multiple deities or fate.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly relate to this verse but could discuss the psychological resilience evident in Joseph’s character. Studies on coping mechanisms and the effects of traumatic experiences on personal development could shed light on Joseph’s capacity to thrive despite adversity.

Commentaries

Traditional biblical commentaries interpret this verse as a testament to God’s providence. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for example, sees the selling of Joseph as part of God’s plan to test and then elevate Joseph. In the same vein, the Geneva Study Bible notes that God’s providence often seems strange to humans but always serves His purpose. Modern commentaries continue to explore the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty as illustrated in Joseph’s story.