The answer is: 20

Gen 37:28

In Genesis 37:28, Joseph’s infamous sale to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver sets the stage for a fascinating assortment of events in his life, indeed in the life of his entire family. But what’s intriguing about those 20 shekels is their symbolic weight. The shekel itself was a commonly used measure of value in the ancient Near East.

Now let’s think about this, what determined Joseph’s worth? In a household of such dysfunction, his brothers viewed him as a hindrance—not to their physical lives, but to their favor in their father Jacob's eyes. You might reminisce about how this direct event echoing through Joseph's life resonates with larger themes of betrayal, envy, and providence.

Interestingly, in the larger fabric of scriptural narrative, both Jesus and Judas Iscariot come to mind—sold for 30 pieces of silver. This numeric symmetry offers a rich context for pondering the spiritual implications of betrayal across generations. The amount might symbolize something more than mere financial transaction; it evokes a question of value as it relates to life choices and consequences throughout Biblical history.

Moreover, silver often represents redemption. In the New Testament, parables involve silver coins representing lost value. Perhaps, 20 shekels isn’t just a measure of worth but a potent symbol of the tumultuous journey looming ahead for Joseph, a foreshadowing of hope through hardship culminating decades later as he becomes a pivotal player in the survival of his family. Such multilayered aspects certainly enhance our understanding of the narrative!