The correct option is
B. Reuben.
Detailed Explanation:
-
Context of the Story: The story of Joseph and his brothers is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 37-50. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was envied by his brothers because of their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams that suggested he would one day rule over them.
-
The Plot Against Joseph: Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him. They were angry and jealous, and they initially planned to throw him into a pit and leave him there to die. However, Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened.
-
Reuben's Intervention: Reuben suggested that instead of killing Joseph, they should throw him into a pit. His intention was to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father, Jacob. The brothers agreed to Reuben's plan, and they threw Joseph into a pit, but they did not kill him.
-
The Outcome: While Reuben was away, the other brothers sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt. When Reuben returned and found that Joseph was no longer in the pit, he was distressed and realized that the brothers had gone through with their plan to sell Joseph.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
-
A. Simeon: Simeon was one of the brothers involved in the plot against Joseph. He did not save Joseph; rather, he was part of the group that wanted to harm him. Therefore, he cannot be the correct answer.
-
C. Benjamin: Benjamin was the youngest brother and Joseph's only full brother. At the time of the incident, he was not involved in the plot against Joseph, as he was still at home with their father. He did not play a role in saving Joseph's life.
-
D. Ishmael: The Ishmaelites were the traders who bought Joseph after he was sold by his brothers. They did not save Joseph; instead, they took him to Egypt, where he was sold into slavery. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
Summary of Key Points:
- Reuben was the eldest brother who intervened to save Joseph from being killed by suggesting they throw him into a pit instead.
- The other brothers, including Simeon and Benjamin, were either directly involved in the plot or not present to help Joseph.
- The Ishmaelites were traders who bought Joseph, but they did not save him; they contributed to his journey into slavery.
Revision Summary:
- Reuben saved Joseph by suggesting he be thrown into a pit instead of killed.
- The other brothers, including Simeon and Benjamin, were either complicit or uninvolved in the rescue.
- The Ishmaelites were traders who took Joseph to Egypt, not saviors.
- Understanding the roles of each brother is crucial for grasping the dynamics of the story.