PART 2 – JOSEPH THROWN INTO THE PIT: WHEN YOUR DREAM LANDS IN THE DARK
Series: JOSEPH – FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE (15‑Part Bible Study)
Main Scripture: Genesis 37:12‑36
Supporting Scriptures: Romans 8:28; Psalm 40:1‑2; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Proverbs 24:16
📌 Opening Background
Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers and the flock in Shechem. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, their jealousy boiled over into a plan to kill him. Reuben, the eldest brother, persuaded them not to murder Joseph but to cast him into a dry pit, hoping to rescue him later. Before Reuben could act, the other brothers sold Joseph to passing Ishmaelite traders heading for Egypt. They tore Joseph’s coat of many colours, stained it with goat’s blood, and lied to their father Jacob that a wild beast had killed his beloved son. Joseph went from the favour of his father’s house, down into the dark, lonely pit, then away to slavery in Egypt. This study teaches us about the painful “pit seasons” every believer faces — seasons of betrayal, false accusation, loss, and darkness, where it feels like God has forgotten you.
📝 Verse‑by‑Verse Breakdown
Genesis 37:12‑17 – Joseph’s faithful errand
“And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them… And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.”
Joseph was simply being obedient to his father’s instruction. He was doing nothing wrong. Many times, you will find yourself in the pit not because of your sin but because you were faithfully carrying out what God or your family asked you to do. Trouble does not always equal punishment. Joseph’s obedience led him straight into his season of suffering.
Genesis 37:18‑24 – The brothers’ plot and the pit
“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him… And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. And they took him and cast him into the pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.”
The pit was dry, dark, lonely, and hopeless. Joseph was stripped of his special coat, his dignity, his freedom, and his family’s protection. Reuben’s good intention to rescue Joseph failed. Sometimes, even the people who promise to help you can not deliver you from your pit. Only God can lift you out. Notice: the pit was a holding place before his promotion, not his final destination.
Genesis 37:25‑28 – Sold to the Ishmaelites
“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
Twenty pieces of silver — a cheap price for a man with a divine destiny. The brothers valued Joseph’s life at a low price, but God’s valuation over your life is infinitely higher. They thought they were getting rid of Joseph; they were actually sending him to the very nation where God would place him on the throne. Man’s evil plan becomes God’s pathway to your palace.
Genesis 37:29‑36 – The lie to Jacob and Jacob’s grief
“And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rents his clothes, puts sackcloth upon his loins, and mourns for his son many days.”
Jacob grieved deeply, convinced his son was dead. At that moment, nobody knew Joseph was alive and on his way to Egypt. There are seasons when your loved ones will mourn over your “dead” dreams, while behind the scenes, God is still working out your deliverance. Your situation may look permanently lost to everyone else, but God has not forgotten you.
💡 Key Biblical Lessons
Lesson #1: You can be doing the right thing and still end up in the pit
Joseph was obedient yet suffered betrayal. Do not blame yourself every time hard times come. Some pits are preparation for your purpose, not punishment for your sin.
Lesson #2: The pit is a place of darkness, loneliness, and waiting
The pit strips away your comforts, your status, your confidence. God uses the quiet dark pit season to test what is inside you when there is no one there to encourage you.
Lesson #3: People will put a cheap price tag on your destiny
Your family, friends, and colleagues may undervalue you, dismiss your dreams, and treat you as worthless. God’s opinion of you is the only one that matters.
Lesson #4: The evil intentions of men are used by God for your good
The brothers meant it for harm, God meant it for Joseph’s elevation. No weapon formed against you can succeed unless God allows it for your refinement and promotion.
Lesson #5: While everyone else grieves over your dead dream, God is preparing your breakthrough
Jacob thought Joseph was gone forever. Keep trusting God even when everyone around you has given up hope for your life and your destiny.
🙋 Reflection & Group Discussion Questions
1. What is my current “pit” season? Betrayal, loneliness, loss, or unfulfilled promise?
2. Am I blaming myself for my pit season even though I have done nothing wrong?
3. Who has undervalued me and put a cheap price on my God‑given destiny?
4. Can I honestly say I believe God is working well out of the evil things people have done to me?
5. How do I keep my faith alive when everyone around me thinks my dream is dead?
🤲 Closing Prayer for Part 2
Father in heaven, if I am in my pit season right now, strengthen my faith. Remind me that the pit is temporary. Every evil plan of the enemy and every betrayal against my life, turn it around for my good and for Your glory. Help me to keep trusting You even when my situation looks hopeless. Lift me out of my pit in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
