Joseph sold into slavery

chiasm

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   introduction37:12–14aJoseph concerned in Hebron: worried about Joseph's brothers, sends him to determine their welfare and reassure him of their well-being
2. b
   Joseph leaves Jacob in Hebron37:14b–17go find (māṣāʾ) your brothers
3. c
   Reuben attempts to rescue Joseph from brothers' plot37:18–24Reuben convinces them to just throw him into pit (he plans to rescue him later)
4. d
   CENTER: Joseph is sold into slavery37:25–28
5. c′
   Reuben discovers that he has failed to save Joseph from his brothers37:29–30Reuben returns to pit to rescue Joseph, but is too late
6. b′
   brothers return to Jacob in Hebron37:31–33they happened to find (māṣāʾ) Joseph's garment and give it to Jacob
7. a′
   conclusion37:34–35Jacob distraught in Hebron: mourns Joseph's "death" and refuses to be comforted by Joseph's brothers