Psalms 105:17
He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
Original Language Analysis
שָׁלַ֣ח
He sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֣ח
He sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 6
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לִפְנֵיהֶ֣ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶ֣ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אִ֑ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 6
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Acts 7:9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,Genesis 37:36And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.Genesis 50:20But 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.Genesis 39:1And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Historical Context
Joseph's sale into slavery (Gen 37:12-36) appeared to be family treachery but was God's method of positioning him to save the family during famine. God's providence worked through, not despite, these events.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God work His purposes through painful betrayals or injustices in your life?
- What does Joseph's experience teach about God's ability to use evil for good?
Analysis & Commentary
God 'sent a man before them' - Joseph, who was 'sold for a servant.' This reveals divine providence working through human wickedness. Joseph's brothers' sin became God's means of preserving Israel. Joseph went ahead to prepare salvation. This prefigures Christ, rejected by His brothers (John 1:11) but sent ahead to prepare salvation. 'Sold' (makar) recalls Joseph's sale into slavery (Gen 37:28), yet God orchestrated it for good (Gen 50:20). The Reformed doctrine of providence recognizes God's sovereign purposes accomplished even through sin.