The Midianite Traders
Who were the Midianite Traders in the Bible?
A group of merchants who purchased Joseph from his brothers and subsequently sold him into Egyptian slavery, facilitating his arrival in the house of Potiphar.
The Midianite traders appear in the Book of Genesis as a pivotal merchant group during the Patriarchal Period. They are introduced during the narrative of Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers near Dothan. As a nomadic group traveling along established trade routes, they functioned as intermediaries in the regional commerce of the ancient Near East, dealing in both luxury commodities and human labor.
Their appearance in the biblical text is brief but serves as the physical mechanism that moves Joseph from the land of Canaan to Egypt. Though the narrative transitions between the terms 'Midianite' and 'Ishmaelite,' the text identifies this specific group as the party that ultimately transported the patriarch Joseph to his destination in the Egyptian court.
Background and Context
During the era of the Patriarchs (approximately 2000–1600 BC), trade routes between the Levant and Egypt were well-established. The Midianites were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah, making them distant relatives of the sons of Jacob. As a nomadic people, they specialized in the transport of goods across the desert. In Genesis 37, a caravan is described as coming from Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River known for its high-quality resins and medicinal products.
The Transaction at Dothan
The encounter with the Midianite traders occurred while Joseph’s brothers were grazing their flocks near Dothan. Having initially cast Joseph into a dry cistern with the intent to let him die or decide his fate later, the brothers noticed a caravan approaching. The biblical record in Genesis 37:25 describes the caravan as carrying "spices, balm, and myrrh," which were highly valued in Egypt for embalming, perfumes, and medicine.
Judah proposed selling Joseph to these merchants rather than killing him, arguing, "What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?" (Genesis 37:26). According to Genesis 37:28, the Midianite traders passed by, and the brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit, selling him for twenty shekels of silver. This price was the standard value for a male slave or youth in that period.
Arrival in Egypt
The final mention of this group occurs in Genesis 37:36, which details the conclusion of their journey. Upon reaching Egypt, the Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar, who is identified as an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard. This sale effectively transitioned Joseph from a captive of a nomadic tribe to a domestic servant in a high-ranking Egyptian household. The biblical record does not follow the Midianites further, as their specific role in the providence of the Joseph narrative was complete once he reached the house of Potiphar.
Scholarly Observations on Identity
Biblical scholars often note the fluid usage of the terms 'Midianite' and 'Ishmaelite' within these verses (Genesis 37:25, 27, 28, 36). While some suggest these may be distinct groups traveling together, others argue that in the context of the Patriarchal narratives, the terms were used interchangeably to describe nomadic desert traders. Regardless of the ethnic distinction, the Midianite traders are the specific agents recorded as the final handlers of Joseph before his entry into Egyptian society.
Spiritual Significance
Theological interpretation of the Midianite traders often focuses on the concept of divine providence working through mundane or even sinful human actions. While the brothers acted out of envy and the traders acted out of commercial interest, their transaction was the necessary link for Joseph to reach Egypt, where he would eventually save his family and the region from famine. The Midianites represent the 'external' world that intersects with the covenant family to fulfill a larger purpose.
Furthermore, the commodities they carried—balm and myrrh—foreshadow the Egyptian context of the later narrative, specifically the embalming of both Jacob and Joseph. The traders serve as a literary bridge, closing the chapter on Joseph’s life in Canaan and opening the door to the Egyptian Sojourn, a central theme in Israelite history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Midianite traders buy Joseph for?
They purchased Joseph from his brothers for twenty shekels of silver.
What goods were the Midianites carrying?
Their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh from Gilead.
To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph in Egypt?
They sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard.
Where were the Midianite traders coming from?
The Bible states they were coming from Gilead on their way down to Egypt.
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Mentions by Book
- Genesis5
Scripture References
All 5 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Genesis · 5
- Genesis 37:25
And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.
- Genesis 37:26
Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
- Genesis 37:27
Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed.
- Genesis 37:28
So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
- Genesis 37:36
Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.