29 Later Reuben came back and went to the cistern - no Joseph! He ripped his clothes in despair.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 37:29

Commentary on Genesis 37:23-30

(Read Genesis 37:23-30)

They threw Joseph into a pit, to perish there with hunger and cold; so cruel were their tender mercies. They slighted him when he was in distress, and were not grieved for the affliction of Joseph, see Psalm 76:10. Joseph's brethren were wonderfully restrained from murdering him, and their selling him as wonderfully turned to God's praise.