December 8, 2025 • 23 mins
# 46 - Joseph: The Betrayed - In this episode of The Chosen People we explore the story of Joseph, the dreamer betrayed by his brothers, in this powerful episode of The Chosen People. Journey from the pit of despair to the promise of redemption, uncovering timeless lessons of faith, resilience, and divine purpose.
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Episode 46 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 139:8, “If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the Chosen People. The minute Jacob heard those
cries from the other side of the tent, he ran in.
His son cried in Rachel's arms. He was the most
beautiful thing Jacob had ever seen. Finally he had a
child born.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
From love, My son, My son, I shall name you Joseph.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Winter is approaching, and you've already grown out of your
old coat.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Your mother has been hard at work getting the material
for this.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Jacob took his hands off Joseph's eyes. In front of him,
his mother held a long, flowing coat adorned with many colors.
Since his father had given him so much favoritism, Joseph
truly believed he was superior to them.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
He had the spectacular dream. We were binding sheaves in
the field, and my sheaf arose and stood upright, and
and then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down
to my sheaths.
Speaker 5 (01:08):
Are you to rule over us? Joseph?
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Joseph's dreams, once a source of personal pride, had become
a point of contention among his family. His brother's hearts
grew colder, their patients thinner, and as Joseph toiled in
the fields, he could feel the weight of their resentment
pressing down on him, a silent, unseen force waiting to strike.
(01:40):
Joseph stared down at the slow moving stream. He dipped
his hands into the flow, rubbing his neck with the
river's chill. The sun was high and sweltering. Its harsh
rays were tortuous, and Joseph was glad he did not
have to shepherd the flocks today. His head on a
(02:01):
smooth rock beside the stream, he let his foot dangle
lazily in the water. Joseph closed his eyes, thought drifting
to the dreams that had visited him the night before.
Dreams of grandeur, of respect from his brothers, a respect
he felt was deserved, though perhaps it was merely wishful thinking.
(02:24):
Maybe all Joseph truly yearned for was their favor, a
ruffle of the hair, or a shared laugh by the fire.
That's all he truly wanted. Blocking out the sun with
his hand, he let himself drift into a blissful doze,
flashes of his dreams playing in his mind, sheaves of
(02:45):
grain bowing before him, the sun, moon and stars encircling him.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Ah, just a dream, But.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
It wasn't just a dream. Joseph's visions of Grandeur may
have been misplaced, but his dreams were not. They were
a sign and a warning of things to come. Joseph
awoke to his father's footsteps. Jacob made his way towards
the stream and playfully splashed Joseph with his walking stick.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Lounging about while the others work. I see, if you
want to rule the moon and the stars one day,
you will need a stronger work ethic.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Maybe I'll just disguise myself as Reuben and inherit all
my riches.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Jacob splashed Joseph in her face again. The two laughed,
enjoying another moment of connection. Jacob's gaze turned serious as
he looked towards the distant canyons.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Your brothers should be pestering the flocks and near Shchem
right now. We do not have good dealings with the
people in Shechem.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Jacob sighed and brought Joseph in close. The two walked
from the stream back to the tents.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Your brothers are not like you, Joseph. They are unruly
and disobey me frequently. I don't fear God, I do
not trust them. I need you to go to Shechem
and check up on them. Go there, and bring me
back a report. I met your will father. I'll go
and return when I learn more.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Joseph donned his new coat and set off towards Shechem,
pulling the coat over his head to shield himself from
the sun. The valley was blistering, but Shechem was known
for its springs, where the sheep might drink. Perhaps his
brothers had sought relief in the pools. He passed by
the springs, but saw no sign of them. He went
(04:40):
to the fields where the sheep was supposed to be,
yet again found no trace of them or his brothers.
Joseph walked for miles, the sun descending from its zenith,
the heat of the day beginning to wane. He took
refuge under a tree, wiping sweat from his brow.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Ah, perhaps they've gone it again to Timna.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
His brothers, though mischievous and unruly, were never irresponsible. Joseph
admired them, longing to be part of their camaraderie. Yet
his father's favoritism alienated him from them. Their jealousy a
constant barrier under the shade. Joseph's sighed, considering abandoning his search.
(05:24):
Then a man approached with a small herd of goats.
Speaker 6 (05:27):
You aren't from around here, are you?
Speaker 4 (05:30):
No, I'm from the house of Jacob. Have you seen
a large flock of sheep with ten herders. They're my brothers,
and they're supposed to be here in the hills of
shechem Ah.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
Yes, Yes, there was a loud group of men that
came through these hills. I had to take my goods elsewhere,
since the flock was so large and unruly excellent.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
Where might I find them? Did you see which direction
they went?
Speaker 6 (05:56):
I overheard them saying about Dawson. One of them was
rather loud and seemed to lead the rest.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Oh Tjudah, Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Joseph bowed to the herder and ran towards Dothan, his long,
lean legs swiftly carrying him towards the canyons. Dothan was
close nestled in a valley surrounded by canyons and hills.
Joseph quickly worked the trails, climbing over rocks with grace
and ease. Even at seventeen, he stood taller than most
(06:29):
of his brothers, save for Reuben and Judah. He hopped
from one stone to another with the swiftness of a
mountain goat. He hoisted himself on to a rock at
the canyon's edge, overlooking the valley. The late afternoon sun
cast long shadows. Joseph scanned the valley, spotting the large
(06:49):
flock of sheep, but not his brothers. He descended the
mountain wall, following a narrow shaded trail. The brothers lurked
in the shadows.
Speaker 5 (06:59):
Oh, just as expected. Of course, Father sent him to
spy on us. His little dog will do anything for
a pet on the head.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Perhaps he'll fall off the edge. That would solve all
our problems.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
The rest of the brothers laughed, all except Reuben. He
could send something corrupt brewing from within the group. Simeon
stood to his feet and pointed back at Joseph.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
What's keeping us from just putting an end to him?
Are we really going to wait for father to die
and give his entire inheritance to the youngest.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Ash's head perked up.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Would father really do that?
Speaker 5 (07:40):
Of course he would. Father was the youngest, Remember, he
sympathized us with the boy. Look at the coat he's wearing.
When has Father ever given you something that much worth?
Speaker 4 (07:55):
It would be so easy just to blame it on
a wild animal. These the canyons are filled with wolves
and could kill him, and no one would ever find him.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
The brothers began to stir. What began as small jokes
had turned into a serious conversation. As Joseph continued to
approach the bottom of the hill, the groups resolved to
harm him increased. Reuben was growing uneasy. He was the
eldest and had the most to lose from Joseph's prominence.
(08:28):
But he wasn't petty and spiteful like his childish younger brothers. Brothers,
you don't want his blood on your hands. Throw him
in one of these pits.
Speaker 7 (08:37):
We'll teach you my lesson If he dies in there,
he dies, or at least you were.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Not one to kill him. Ruben's suggestion was a calculated
attempt to save Joseph's life. Although Reuben was the eldest,
Judah held the sway and influence. If he could persuade
them to leave Joseph in a pit, he could rescue
him later.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Here he comes. We'll see what comes of a dreams now.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Joseph finally hopped off the last stone leading to the trail.
The canyons blocked out the sun and provided some welcomed shade.
He jogged down the trail, expecting to find his brothers
on the other end of the tunnel like structure. However,
Joseph could hear a stirring in the shadows. He stopped
and turned. Whispers echoed through the canyons.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
Who's there, the dreamer is here.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
The voice mocked from the darkness. Joseph looked over to
see Judah emerging from a crack in the mountain. The
other brothers appeared from the shadows behind him. Their eyes
portrayed an ancient evil that had plagued humanity since the
very beginning. They revealed a deep wickedness that had been
brewing since the first family. The heart of Cain, who
(09:56):
murdered his brother Abel, was beating in the sons of Jacob.
They hated Joseph for his favor and were trapped in
a prison of jealousy. Sensing the danger, Joseph stepped back,
but the brothers had surrounded him.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Where are you running off to, baby brother? Are you afraid?
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Joseph gulped. There was no escaping what was about to come.
His eyes darted toward the trail. He sprinted forward, only
to be stopped by his brothers and shoved back into
the middle of the circle. They closed in on him.
Simeon plunged forward for the first blow, right to the jaw.
Joseph recoiled and stumbled back, only to be shoved to
(10:38):
the ground by Levi. His brothers pounced on them, tearing
their coat right off his body. Their kicks seemed endless.
Joseph could feel his ribs cracking under the pressure of
their blows.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
No stop, someone, help, help help.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Me, Joseph cried, but his brothers were too enraged to
give mercy. Judah kicked Joseph up by his hair and
held his face tightly.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Ah, tell me, Joseph, in all your dreaming, did you
ever imagine this?
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Tears streamed down Joseph's face. He couldn't speak, he could
barely breathe. Judah threw him against the rocks. Joseph lay
there helplessly. His brothers were filled with spite. They took
his limp and mangled body and threw him into an
empty pit. Joseph tumbled down fifteen feet, hitting the cold
(11:32):
dirt below. A cloud of dust rose in the air.
As Joseph's body hid the ground. He gasped for breath,
coughing up blood and dirt. Joseph rolled onto his back,
seeing the silhouetted faces of his brothers above. His eyes
were growing dim and the light from above was slipping
from his sight. Feeling broken and abandoned, Joseph closed his eyes.
(11:57):
All was dark. The sons of Israel still fumed with adrenaline.
They looked down at Joseph lying motionless in the pit.
They spat down the pit and turned back to their flock.
They sat in the fields, enjoying a meal. As they
broke apart their bread and drank from their wine skins.
(12:19):
They considered what to do with Joseph.
Speaker 5 (12:22):
Oh, thanks, what do we do now? Rubin? It was
your idea to leave him in the pit. If we
leave him there, I mean you'll either die or escape.
Mean do we risk either?
Speaker 7 (12:34):
Leave him?
Speaker 5 (12:35):
For now?
Speaker 7 (12:37):
We will go back home and consider what to do
with him. Perhaps we will be consumed by beasts tonight.
We won't have to lie to father.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Reuben was planning on saving Joseph later that night. He
just needed his brothers gone. Reuben stood to his feet
and stretched.
Speaker 7 (12:54):
Ah, ah, brothers, I'm going to sell a few of
our sheep to the nearby shearers. I'll be back shortly.
Then we can go home and decide what to do
with Joseph.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
The brothers nodded, and Reuben left down the trail to
go barter with the nearby merchants. Judah sat alone on
a stone, looking intently at the canyons where they left Joseph.
His stair was intense and unyielding. His chest swelled with
jealous rage. He was completely gripped with hatred. At the
(13:29):
corner of his eye, Judah could see some Ishmaelits coming
from Gilead. They had camels bearing gum, balm and spices.
Judah recognized these merchants. He had seen them in the
darker parts of the city. He knew these men were
more than spice merchants. They were slave traders. Judah stood
(13:49):
up and skipped a few stones on the nearby creek.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
Reuben is naive.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
The brothers poked their ears to him and listened.
Speaker 5 (14:00):
He thinks he can save Joseph to gain favor with father.
He's shortsighted that boy will steal his birthright, or worse,
Father will give it to him on a platter.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
Judah, we will be banished.
Speaker 5 (14:14):
If father finds out what we did, we could kill
him blame it on some animals or raiders, but that
would profit us nothing. My brothers, how would you all
like a shining new coat like Joseph's? Why don't we
(14:34):
sell him? There are spice merchants a few yards from
the town entrance. I happen to know that they are
slave traders. Joseph is a strong young man. They would
pay us a handsome sum of money for him.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
The brothers were silent for a long moment. They were
beginning to realize what they had done. There was no
turning back. They either need to to kill him or
sell him away. If they didn't, they would risk their
father finding out. The brothers looked up at Judah as
their appointed leader and nodded. Judah smiled and walked over
(15:13):
to the Ishmaelites. Judah approached them with his arms wide open,
His charming smile shone in the setting sun. Judah was
a charismatic man. He was clever like his father, but
lacked the humility gain through years of struggle and wrestling.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
My friends, I have an offer for you.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
The Ishmaelites turned their attention to Judah. He sauntered to
their camels and began to stroke their noses.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
I know you are spice traders, but I hear you
deal in much rarer items as well. Is that true?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Before Judah could continue, he found himself pinned to the ground,
blades at his throat. Their leader stood over him, a tall,
dark man with a slender frame and a crooked face.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Do not toy with us, son of Jacob.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
We know your father.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Is tell us your offer nothing more. We want little
to do with you and your family.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Judah coughed and windst on the ground. The brothers ran
towards him, but promptly stopped when they saw their blades
drawn still on the floor, Judah raised his hands and
pointed north.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Ah, okay, okay. Light. Lying in a pit just north
of here, there was a young young man. He's seventeen.
He's strong, lean and able to work. What what will
you give us for?
Speaker 1 (16:44):
The Ishmael lights sheathed their swords, discussing amongst themselves. Their
leader peered back at Judah, his expression calculating. The sun
was setting, and Judah's brothers grew anxious, knowing Reuben would
soon return. The leader approached, gesturing toward the canyons.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Ah, if the boy is healthy and able bodied, we'll
give you twenty shekels of silk.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Judah looked back at his brothers. They hadn't imagined having
such wealth. He shook hands with the ishmael light, leading
them to the pit where Joseph lay trapped. Hours had
passed since Joseph hid the jagged rocks below. Every breath
was a struggle, each inhalation a stab of pain. He
(17:37):
leaned against the cold stone wall, his lips parched, his
tongue swollen. He looked up, seeing the sky painted in
deep red hues as the sun set. Tears streamed down
his dusty face.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Oh God, what have I done to deserve this? Did
you just give me these dreams to mock me?
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Toying with me?
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Why?
Speaker 1 (18:04):
Joseph was met with silence. The crimson clouds above rolled
faster to the evening wind. Joseph gazed blankly at the
small opening where he had been thrown in. He desperately
wanted to believe that one of his brothers would come
to save him. As he looked above, he saw a
rope fall down through the entrance and fall down at
(18:26):
his feet. Hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps Reuben had
returned with mercy. He tied the rope around his waist,
using what little strength he had to climb. Joseph stood
at the pit's edge and saw his brothers a few
feet away. Relief washed over him. He had thought they
had abandoned him. He limped towards them, smiling, but a
(18:49):
rope was thrown around his neck, yanking him back. He fell,
gasping for air, his legs kicking in desperation. Tied to
the end of a camel, Joseph looked up to see
the tall, slender man looming over him. The ishmael like
leader grabbed Joseph's jaw, examining him with invasive force.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Ah twenty pieces of silver as we agreed.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Joseph watched his brothers walk away one by one. The
last was Judah, who lingered in silence, watching Joseph cart
it off like livestock. Joseph's cries for help were choked
by the tight rope. Tears filled his eyes, his heart
heavy with betrayal. The sun said, the stars taking its place.
(19:39):
As Joseph was taken towards Egypt, a slave's fate awaiting him.
He kept his gaze fixed south toward Canaan, the land
he was leaving behind, the home that had betrayed him.
Reuben returned to find his brothers near the canyon. He
looked into the pit and saw them that it was empty.
(20:01):
His heart filled with bitter regret.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Where is he?
Speaker 1 (20:05):
None of the brothers answered, They allowed him to mourn.
At the entrance of the pit. Simeon stood next to
him and put his hand on his shoulder. He pulled
out two silver shekels and handed them to him.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
What's done is done, Reuben. It was out of your hands. Here,
take your share.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
Simeon tossed him his share of the spoils. Reuben gripped
the coins, their weight heavy in his hand. He realized
his grave mistake. His attempt to outsmart his brothers had failed.
Joseph was gone. Reuben sighed, tossing the coins into the pit,
there clanging, echoing. He took his staff and some sheep,
(20:48):
leaving his brothers and their conspiracy behind and walking back
to their father. The others slaughtered a sheep, splattering its
blood on Joseph's coat, tearing it to pieces and soiling
it with the dirt. With melancholy faces they returned to Jacob. Judah,
Simeon and Levi entered Jacob's tent first, carrying the mangled
(21:10):
robe as if it were a dying child. They bowed
before Jacob, their eyes filled with feigned sorrow.
Speaker 5 (21:19):
Father, we found this by the canyons near shechem Is, Sir,
is this Joseph's.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Jacob stood, taking the coat in his hands, shock and
anguish filling his face. He walked outside, falling to his knees,
pressing the bloody coat to his face. My son, my son,
Jacob was inconsolable. His remaining sons tried to comfort him,
(21:54):
but he refused. He tore his clothes and screamed to
the heavens. He looked up with bloodshot eyes and bodies
shaking with grief.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
By morning, will not cease until I joined my beloved
son the grave.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Jacob buried his head in the dirt. His cries were deep,
bellowing and heavy. They shook the earth beneath him. This
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(22:39):
and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen
People narrated by Paul CALTAFIANU. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton,
Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc,
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(23:04):
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The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,
Previously on the Chosen People. The minute Jacob heard those
cries from the other side of the tent, he ran in.
His son cried in Rachel's arms. He was the most
beautiful thing Jacob had ever seen. Finally he had a
child born.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
From love, My son, My son, I shall name you Joseph.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Winter is approaching, and you've already grown out of your
old coat.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Your mother has been hard at work getting the material
for this.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Jacob took his hands off Joseph's eyes. In front of him,
his mother held a long, flowing coat adorned with many colors.
Since his father had given him so much favoritism, Joseph
truly believed he was superior to them.
Speaker 4 (00:51):
He had the spectacular dream. We were binding sheaves in
the field, and my sheaf arose and stood upright, and
and then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down
to my sheaths.
Speaker 5 (01:08):
Are you to rule over us? Joseph?
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Joseph's dreams, once a source of personal pride, had become
a point of contention among his family. His brother's hearts
grew colder, their patients thinner, and as Joseph toiled in
the fields, he could feel the weight of their resentment
pressing down on him, a silent, unseen force waiting to strike.
(01:40):
Joseph stared down at the slow moving stream. He dipped
his hands into the flow, rubbing his neck with the
river's chill. The sun was high and sweltering. Its harsh
rays were tortuous, and Joseph was glad he did not
have to shepherd the flocks today. His head on a
(02:01):
smooth rock beside the stream, he let his foot dangle
lazily in the water. Joseph closed his eyes, thought drifting
to the dreams that had visited him the night before.
Dreams of grandeur, of respect from his brothers, a respect
he felt was deserved, though perhaps it was merely wishful thinking.
(02:24):
Maybe all Joseph truly yearned for was their favor, a
ruffle of the hair, or a shared laugh by the fire.
That's all he truly wanted. Blocking out the sun with
his hand, he let himself drift into a blissful doze,
flashes of his dreams playing in his mind, sheaves of
(02:45):
grain bowing before him, the sun, moon and stars encircling him.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Ah, just a dream, But.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
It wasn't just a dream. Joseph's visions of Grandeur may
have been misplaced, but his dreams were not. They were
a sign and a warning of things to come. Joseph
awoke to his father's footsteps. Jacob made his way towards
the stream and playfully splashed Joseph with his walking stick.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Lounging about while the others work. I see, if you
want to rule the moon and the stars one day,
you will need a stronger work ethic.
Speaker 4 (03:25):
Maybe I'll just disguise myself as Reuben and inherit all
my riches.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Jacob splashed Joseph in her face again. The two laughed,
enjoying another moment of connection. Jacob's gaze turned serious as
he looked towards the distant canyons.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Your brothers should be pestering the flocks and near Shchem
right now. We do not have good dealings with the
people in Shechem.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
Jacob sighed and brought Joseph in close. The two walked
from the stream back to the tents.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Your brothers are not like you, Joseph. They are unruly
and disobey me frequently. I don't fear God, I do
not trust them. I need you to go to Shechem
and check up on them. Go there, and bring me
back a report. I met your will father. I'll go
and return when I learn more.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Joseph donned his new coat and set off towards Shechem,
pulling the coat over his head to shield himself from
the sun. The valley was blistering, but Shechem was known
for its springs, where the sheep might drink. Perhaps his
brothers had sought relief in the pools. He passed by
the springs, but saw no sign of them. He went
(04:40):
to the fields where the sheep was supposed to be,
yet again found no trace of them or his brothers.
Joseph walked for miles, the sun descending from its zenith,
the heat of the day beginning to wane. He took
refuge under a tree, wiping sweat from his brow.
Speaker 4 (04:58):
Ah, perhaps they've gone it again to Timna.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
His brothers, though mischievous and unruly, were never irresponsible. Joseph
admired them, longing to be part of their camaraderie. Yet
his father's favoritism alienated him from them. Their jealousy a
constant barrier under the shade. Joseph's sighed, considering abandoning his search.
(05:24):
Then a man approached with a small herd of goats.
Speaker 6 (05:27):
You aren't from around here, are you?
Speaker 4 (05:30):
No, I'm from the house of Jacob. Have you seen
a large flock of sheep with ten herders. They're my brothers,
and they're supposed to be here in the hills of
shechem Ah.
Speaker 6 (05:40):
Yes, Yes, there was a loud group of men that
came through these hills. I had to take my goods elsewhere,
since the flock was so large and unruly excellent.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
Where might I find them? Did you see which direction
they went?
Speaker 6 (05:56):
I overheard them saying about Dawson. One of them was
rather loud and seemed to lead the rest.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Oh Tjudah, Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Joseph bowed to the herder and ran towards Dothan, his long,
lean legs swiftly carrying him towards the canyons. Dothan was
close nestled in a valley surrounded by canyons and hills.
Joseph quickly worked the trails, climbing over rocks with grace
and ease. Even at seventeen, he stood taller than most
(06:29):
of his brothers, save for Reuben and Judah. He hopped
from one stone to another with the swiftness of a
mountain goat. He hoisted himself on to a rock at
the canyon's edge, overlooking the valley. The late afternoon sun
cast long shadows. Joseph scanned the valley, spotting the large
(06:49):
flock of sheep, but not his brothers. He descended the
mountain wall, following a narrow shaded trail. The brothers lurked
in the shadows.
Speaker 5 (06:59):
Oh, just as expected. Of course, Father sent him to
spy on us. His little dog will do anything for
a pet on the head.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Perhaps he'll fall off the edge. That would solve all
our problems.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
The rest of the brothers laughed, all except Reuben. He
could send something corrupt brewing from within the group. Simeon
stood to his feet and pointed back at Joseph.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
What's keeping us from just putting an end to him?
Are we really going to wait for father to die
and give his entire inheritance to the youngest.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Ash's head perked up.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
Would father really do that?
Speaker 5 (07:40):
Of course he would. Father was the youngest, Remember, he
sympathized us with the boy. Look at the coat he's wearing.
When has Father ever given you something that much worth?
Speaker 4 (07:55):
It would be so easy just to blame it on
a wild animal. These the canyons are filled with wolves
and could kill him, and no one would ever find him.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
The brothers began to stir. What began as small jokes
had turned into a serious conversation. As Joseph continued to
approach the bottom of the hill, the groups resolved to
harm him increased. Reuben was growing uneasy. He was the
eldest and had the most to lose from Joseph's prominence.
(08:28):
But he wasn't petty and spiteful like his childish younger brothers. Brothers,
you don't want his blood on your hands. Throw him
in one of these pits.
Speaker 7 (08:37):
We'll teach you my lesson If he dies in there,
he dies, or at least you were.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Not one to kill him. Ruben's suggestion was a calculated
attempt to save Joseph's life. Although Reuben was the eldest,
Judah held the sway and influence. If he could persuade
them to leave Joseph in a pit, he could rescue
him later.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Here he comes. We'll see what comes of a dreams now.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Joseph finally hopped off the last stone leading to the trail.
The canyons blocked out the sun and provided some welcomed shade.
He jogged down the trail, expecting to find his brothers
on the other end of the tunnel like structure. However,
Joseph could hear a stirring in the shadows. He stopped
and turned. Whispers echoed through the canyons.
Speaker 5 (09:27):
Who's there, the dreamer is here.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
The voice mocked from the darkness. Joseph looked over to
see Judah emerging from a crack in the mountain. The
other brothers appeared from the shadows behind him. Their eyes
portrayed an ancient evil that had plagued humanity since the
very beginning. They revealed a deep wickedness that had been
brewing since the first family. The heart of Cain, who
(09:56):
murdered his brother Abel, was beating in the sons of Jacob.
They hated Joseph for his favor and were trapped in
a prison of jealousy. Sensing the danger, Joseph stepped back,
but the brothers had surrounded him.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Where are you running off to, baby brother? Are you afraid?
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Joseph gulped. There was no escaping what was about to come.
His eyes darted toward the trail. He sprinted forward, only
to be stopped by his brothers and shoved back into
the middle of the circle. They closed in on him.
Simeon plunged forward for the first blow, right to the jaw.
Joseph recoiled and stumbled back, only to be shoved to
(10:38):
the ground by Levi. His brothers pounced on them, tearing
their coat right off his body. Their kicks seemed endless.
Joseph could feel his ribs cracking under the pressure of
their blows.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
No stop, someone, help, help help.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Me, Joseph cried, but his brothers were too enraged to
give mercy. Judah kicked Joseph up by his hair and
held his face tightly.
Speaker 5 (11:03):
Ah, tell me, Joseph, in all your dreaming, did you
ever imagine this?
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Tears streamed down Joseph's face. He couldn't speak, he could
barely breathe. Judah threw him against the rocks. Joseph lay
there helplessly. His brothers were filled with spite. They took
his limp and mangled body and threw him into an
empty pit. Joseph tumbled down fifteen feet, hitting the cold
(11:32):
dirt below. A cloud of dust rose in the air.
As Joseph's body hid the ground. He gasped for breath,
coughing up blood and dirt. Joseph rolled onto his back,
seeing the silhouetted faces of his brothers above. His eyes
were growing dim and the light from above was slipping
from his sight. Feeling broken and abandoned, Joseph closed his eyes.
(11:57):
All was dark. The sons of Israel still fumed with adrenaline.
They looked down at Joseph lying motionless in the pit.
They spat down the pit and turned back to their flock.
They sat in the fields, enjoying a meal. As they
broke apart their bread and drank from their wine skins.
(12:19):
They considered what to do with Joseph.
Speaker 5 (12:22):
Oh, thanks, what do we do now? Rubin? It was
your idea to leave him in the pit. If we
leave him there, I mean you'll either die or escape.
Mean do we risk either?
Speaker 7 (12:34):
Leave him?
Speaker 5 (12:35):
For now?
Speaker 7 (12:37):
We will go back home and consider what to do
with him. Perhaps we will be consumed by beasts tonight.
We won't have to lie to father.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Reuben was planning on saving Joseph later that night. He
just needed his brothers gone. Reuben stood to his feet
and stretched.
Speaker 7 (12:54):
Ah, ah, brothers, I'm going to sell a few of
our sheep to the nearby shearers. I'll be back shortly.
Then we can go home and decide what to do
with Joseph.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
The brothers nodded, and Reuben left down the trail to
go barter with the nearby merchants. Judah sat alone on
a stone, looking intently at the canyons where they left Joseph.
His stair was intense and unyielding. His chest swelled with
jealous rage. He was completely gripped with hatred. At the
(13:29):
corner of his eye, Judah could see some Ishmaelits coming
from Gilead. They had camels bearing gum, balm and spices.
Judah recognized these merchants. He had seen them in the
darker parts of the city. He knew these men were
more than spice merchants. They were slave traders. Judah stood
(13:49):
up and skipped a few stones on the nearby creek.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
Reuben is naive.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
The brothers poked their ears to him and listened.
Speaker 5 (14:00):
He thinks he can save Joseph to gain favor with father.
He's shortsighted that boy will steal his birthright, or worse,
Father will give it to him on a platter.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
Judah, we will be banished.
Speaker 5 (14:14):
If father finds out what we did, we could kill
him blame it on some animals or raiders, but that
would profit us nothing. My brothers, how would you all
like a shining new coat like Joseph's? Why don't we
(14:34):
sell him? There are spice merchants a few yards from
the town entrance. I happen to know that they are
slave traders. Joseph is a strong young man. They would
pay us a handsome sum of money for him.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
The brothers were silent for a long moment. They were
beginning to realize what they had done. There was no
turning back. They either need to to kill him or
sell him away. If they didn't, they would risk their
father finding out. The brothers looked up at Judah as
their appointed leader and nodded. Judah smiled and walked over
(15:13):
to the Ishmaelites. Judah approached them with his arms wide open,
His charming smile shone in the setting sun. Judah was
a charismatic man. He was clever like his father, but
lacked the humility gain through years of struggle and wrestling.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
My friends, I have an offer for you.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
The Ishmaelites turned their attention to Judah. He sauntered to
their camels and began to stroke their noses.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
I know you are spice traders, but I hear you
deal in much rarer items as well. Is that true?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Before Judah could continue, he found himself pinned to the ground,
blades at his throat. Their leader stood over him, a tall,
dark man with a slender frame and a crooked face.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Do not toy with us, son of Jacob.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
We know your father.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Is tell us your offer nothing more. We want little
to do with you and your family.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Judah coughed and windst on the ground. The brothers ran
towards him, but promptly stopped when they saw their blades
drawn still on the floor, Judah raised his hands and
pointed north.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Ah, okay, okay. Light. Lying in a pit just north
of here, there was a young young man. He's seventeen.
He's strong, lean and able to work. What what will
you give us for?
Speaker 1 (16:44):
The Ishmael lights sheathed their swords, discussing amongst themselves. Their
leader peered back at Judah, his expression calculating. The sun
was setting, and Judah's brothers grew anxious, knowing Reuben would
soon return. The leader approached, gesturing toward the canyons.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Ah, if the boy is healthy and able bodied, we'll
give you twenty shekels of silk.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Judah looked back at his brothers. They hadn't imagined having
such wealth. He shook hands with the ishmael light, leading
them to the pit where Joseph lay trapped. Hours had
passed since Joseph hid the jagged rocks below. Every breath
was a struggle, each inhalation a stab of pain. He
(17:37):
leaned against the cold stone wall, his lips parched, his
tongue swollen. He looked up, seeing the sky painted in
deep red hues as the sun set. Tears streamed down
his dusty face.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Oh God, what have I done to deserve this? Did
you just give me these dreams to mock me?
Speaker 1 (18:00):
Toying with me?
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Why?
Speaker 1 (18:04):
Joseph was met with silence. The crimson clouds above rolled
faster to the evening wind. Joseph gazed blankly at the
small opening where he had been thrown in. He desperately
wanted to believe that one of his brothers would come
to save him. As he looked above, he saw a
rope fall down through the entrance and fall down at
(18:26):
his feet. Hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps Reuben had
returned with mercy. He tied the rope around his waist,
using what little strength he had to climb. Joseph stood
at the pit's edge and saw his brothers a few
feet away. Relief washed over him. He had thought they
had abandoned him. He limped towards them, smiling, but a
(18:49):
rope was thrown around his neck, yanking him back. He fell,
gasping for air, his legs kicking in desperation. Tied to
the end of a camel, Joseph looked up to see
the tall, slender man looming over him. The ishmael like
leader grabbed Joseph's jaw, examining him with invasive force.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Ah twenty pieces of silver as we agreed.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Joseph watched his brothers walk away one by one. The
last was Judah, who lingered in silence, watching Joseph cart
it off like livestock. Joseph's cries for help were choked
by the tight rope. Tears filled his eyes, his heart
heavy with betrayal. The sun said, the stars taking its place.
(19:39):
As Joseph was taken towards Egypt, a slave's fate awaiting him.
He kept his gaze fixed south toward Canaan, the land
he was leaving behind, the home that had betrayed him.
Reuben returned to find his brothers near the canyon. He
looked into the pit and saw them that it was empty.
(20:01):
His heart filled with bitter regret.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Where is he?
Speaker 1 (20:05):
None of the brothers answered, They allowed him to mourn.
At the entrance of the pit. Simeon stood next to
him and put his hand on his shoulder. He pulled
out two silver shekels and handed them to him.
Speaker 4 (20:17):
What's done is done, Reuben. It was out of your hands. Here,
take your share.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
Simeon tossed him his share of the spoils. Reuben gripped
the coins, their weight heavy in his hand. He realized
his grave mistake. His attempt to outsmart his brothers had failed.
Joseph was gone. Reuben sighed, tossing the coins into the pit,
there clanging, echoing. He took his staff and some sheep,
(20:48):
leaving his brothers and their conspiracy behind and walking back
to their father. The others slaughtered a sheep, splattering its
blood on Joseph's coat, tearing it to pieces and soiling
it with the dirt. With melancholy faces they returned to Jacob. Judah,
Simeon and Levi entered Jacob's tent first, carrying the mangled
(21:10):
robe as if it were a dying child. They bowed
before Jacob, their eyes filled with feigned sorrow.
Speaker 5 (21:19):
Father, we found this by the canyons near shechem Is, Sir,
is this Joseph's.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Jacob stood, taking the coat in his hands, shock and
anguish filling his face. He walked outside, falling to his knees,
pressing the bloody coat to his face. My son, my son,
Jacob was inconsolable. His remaining sons tried to comfort him,
(21:54):
but he refused. He tore his clothes and screamed to
the heavens. He looked up with bloodshot eyes and bodies
shaking with grief.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
By morning, will not cease until I joined my beloved
son the grave.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Jacob buried his head in the dirt. His cries were deep,
bellowing and heavy. They shook the earth beneath him. This
Prey Dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated
team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger,
(22:39):
and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen
People narrated by Paul CALTAFIANU. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton,
Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc,
Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by
Annae Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie
(23:04):
and Chris bag You can hear more Prey dot com
productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the
Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed
The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,
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