Genesis 37:21

“Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.””

Reuben's attempt to save Joseph echoes his earlier efforts.

“They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.”

Illustrates the brothers' initial intent to kill Joseph before Reuben intervened.

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power! Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto my bed, onto my couch and defiled it.”

Contextualizes Reuben's character within the broader narrative of Genesis.

“Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.”

Describes the brothers turning from death to selling Joseph.