The claim that Israelites never sold their own people into slavery is a belief that some hold firmly. However, historical evidence and biblical accounts tell a different story. From the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers in the Bible to the involvement of African tribes like the Akan and Igbo in the transatlantic slave trade, we see a pattern of internal betrayal that cannot be ignored. Examining the actions of King Mvemba (Afonso I) of Kongo, along with the behavior of these tribes, reveals the painful reality that Israelites, too, sold their own people into bondage.
The Case of King Mvemba: A Protest Against Betrayal
During the 16th century, King Mvemba of Kongo, also known as Afonso I, found himself in the midst of a troubling crisis. His letters to the Portuguese king expressed frustration and sorrow as he witnessed his own people, including freeborn individuals and nobles, being sold into slavery by their fellow Israelites. This internal betrayal, driven by greed and external pressures, contradicted any notion of unity among Israelites.
Mvemba's complaints highlight the reality that Israelites were not immune to selling their own, particularly in response to economic gain or political advantage. The involvement of Israelite groups in this practice demonstrates that betrayal was not just an isolated act but a recurring part of their history.
The Role of the Akan and Igbo in the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Historical research, such as that of Joseph Williamson, supports the argument that Israelites were involved in selling their own people during the transatlantic slave trade. Williamson asserts that the main tribes sent to Jamaica were of Akan and Igbo descent, both of which played significant roles in this trade. The Akan, including the Ashanti and Fante, often captured and sold members of their own ethnic group. Though these actions were often driven by conflicts, the fact remains that they sold people from their own communities.
This mirrors the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers out of jealousy (Genesis 37). Similarly, the Akan tribes, particularly the Ashanti, captured and sold other Akan, such as the Fante, for profit. This internal strife led to the betrayal of their own people, much like Joseph’s story in the Bible.
The Igbo also faced betrayal from neighboring groups like the Aro Confederacy, Ibibio, and Efik. These groups captured and sold their fellow Israelites into the transatlantic slave trade, acting as intermediaries between European traders and African captives. Once again, we see a pattern of betrayal from within, driven by greed, conflict, and external pressures.
Biblical Betrayal: The Story of Joseph
The story of Joseph in Genesis 37 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of internal betrayal. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph’s experience shows how jealousy and conflict can lead to devastating outcomes. His story mirrors the betrayal seen in the transatlantic slave trade, where Israelites sold their own people.
Joseph’s brothers acted out of personal grievances, while the African tribes involved in the slave trade acted out of both internal conflicts and the lure of economic gain. Despite the different motivations, both situations reflect a tragic truth: internal betrayal has been a recurring theme throughout Israelite history.
Conclusion: A Recurring Theme of Betrayal
The notion that Israelites never sold their own people is not supported by historical evidence. Whether through the story of Joseph or the involvement of the Akan and Igbo in the transatlantic slave trade, the reality of internal betrayal is undeniable. The tragic accounts of King Mvemba, the Akan, and the Igbo remind us that internal strife and jealousy can lead to the betrayal of one’s own kin. This pattern, repeated in both biblical narratives and historical events, shows the consequences of internal division.
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