Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 21:16 (New Living Translation)

Kidnappers must be put to death, whether they are caught in possession of their victims or have already sold them as slaves.

This is what Joseph’s brothers did to him. Now the law, as stated here, came after the (hi)story of Joseph and his brothers. Still, I doubt that any observer would justify what the brothers did to Joseph.

One thing is easily lost in this kidnapping and punishment law: you have to consider the person you kidnap to be a person. Throughout the ages, persons have some to consider others as less than persons, not really or fully human.

We seem to find a way to justify what is unjustifiable.