December 22, 2025 • 21 mins
# 56 - Joseph: The Conflicted - In this episode of The Chosen People, Joseph wrestles with forgiveness and justice as his brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin. Explore the powerful themes of family, redemption, and God’s divine orchestration in this dramatic chapter of Genesis.
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Episode 56 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 133:1, “See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!”
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Since God has made all this known to you, there
is no one else I would desire for the position.
You shall be in charge of my palace, my resources,
and all my people.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
As a young boy, this position would have inflated his ego.
Yet there was a different heart. God had put in Joseph.
Years of slavery and imprisonment had dug a deep well
of humility within him.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
What's in Egypt grain enough grain to feed the world,
and they're selling it at a fair price. All relly,
all the brothers, well believe it. Don Simeon, go retrieve
Reuben and Zebulon LEVI send word to Gadon asher Dan,
(00:53):
Benjamin and I will saddle the donkeys before the sun sets.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Now, absolutely not, Benjamin will not be joining you.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Recognition sparked a fire in Joseph's fins. These were his brothers,
the sons of Israel, who had betrayed him so long ago.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Lord Zapanathtinia, we come seeking kindness.
Speaker 5 (01:22):
My judgment delivered this land from famine, and my judgment
tells me you are spies. Prove to me I'm wrong.
You will be bound and imprisoned in this place while
one of you leaves to retrieve the youngest brother. If
he is real, then I shall know you do not lie.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Where is Simeon?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
What has happened? He requires Benjamin. If we can show him, Benjamin,
he'll know we aren't lying.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Ha.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
No, you will not take my son to me in
prison by this badman.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
How do you know he won't just.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Kill you all without another word or glance? Jacob retreated
back to his tent. The family of Jacob would live
to see another few months. However, the culture of jealousy, backbiting,
and betrayal in their family was beginning to catch up
to them. They were in need of redemption. The famine's
(02:25):
relentless grip tightened around Canaan, its cruel bite stripping away
the land's vitality. Farmlands turned to dust under the unyielding sun,
and the river running alongside them had dried up entirely.
The once thriving flocks had dwindled to a mere handful
of gaunt, struggling animals. The family of Jacob had exhausted
(02:49):
all the provisions brought from Egypt, and the barren land
offered no hope of replenishment. Jacob's heart ached for Simeon,
who languished in captivity, but the thought of sending Benjamin
into the hands of an unknown ruler paralyzed.
Speaker 6 (03:05):
Him with fear.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Jacob sat beside the well he had dug in his youth,
a relic of better days, when his strength had known
no bounds and his sons had been united under one roof.
Now the well was as dry as his spirit had stepths,
Offering no solace. He leaned against the rough stone, the
wind whipping through the empty fields like a taunting whisper.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
What has become of my family? All the struggle, drama, toil,
What was it all for? Is this not the lamb
you promised to my grandfather Abraham.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
The wind howled in response, carrying with it the sting
of dust. Jacob squinted against the harsh gusts, his gaze
fixed on the horizon. Reuben and Judah approached, their faces
edged with the same weariness that gripped their father. They
settled beside him in silence, the weight of the drought
(04:08):
and their recent failures pressing down on them. Without looking
at them, Jacob pointed to the horizon.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
We need more food. You must return to Egypt and
beg for more.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
If we return without Benjamin, we're all as good as slaves.
I mean, none of us will return.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Why do you torment me with your thoughtless actions. You
didn't need to mention Benjamin to him. No, Simeon has gone,
and you risk the life of my youngest.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Son, Zeppenethhenia thinks were spies. He questioned us carefully about ourselves,
our kindred and even you. How are we supposed to know?
He would demand to see Benjamin.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Jacob didn't respond. He simply looked down at his once
fruitful land. Judah scooted closer to his father and met him.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Case. Send Benjamin with me, father, We can't afford to
wait any longer. With o grain.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fears and regret,
Judah knelt before Jacob, his hands clutching at the dry earth.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
If we had not waited this long, we could have
been back twice by now. We must not delay any silence.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
He used his staff to push himself to his feet,
His old wounds and the ever present ache in his
hip a constant reminder of his struggles and the promises
that now felt like curses.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
You expect me to trust you twenty seven years ago.
I sent my son to you. Go to your brothers,
I said to him. I sent him into your hands,
and you bring me back a tattered coat covered in blood.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Jacob's voice shook with the weight of his grief. Dah
and Reuben bowed their heads. The truth of Joseph's fate
a burden they had carried in secret. The two men
bowed before their father. Judah's hands sunk deep into the dirt.
Tears streamed down his face, and his entire body tensed
up with sorrow.
Speaker 6 (06:18):
Father, I know we have failed you before. Please put
your trust at us this once, so we might return
Simeon and safe our families from starvation. If anyone will die,
be me.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Jacob looked down at his son. He could see tears
of conviction falling down his face. He stretched out his
hand to put on his head, but then retracted. He snarled,
wrestling with himself.
Speaker 4 (06:50):
If you must go, then be diligent to gain this
ruler's favor. It takes some of our fruits along with
some of our good We still have honey, gum, muh,
almonds and pistatious, perhaps a taste of the delicacies of
Canaan will gain his favor. Take double the money you
(07:13):
took last time. Return it to him lest he try
and accuse you of stealing it in the first place.
Speaker 6 (07:19):
Thank you for them. I won't let you doubt this time.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Don't promise me that, Judah, you can't. But I will
tell you this. If Benjamin doesn't return with you, I
will surely die of grief. That dear son will be
on your hands.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Israel hobbled away, rubbing his hip and cursing under his breath.
Judah watched with aching eyes. Reuben placed a hand on
his brother's head, a tender act in place of his father's.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Let's keep moving, little brother, hie, uncle keep.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Ben The brothers did as they were told. They packed
their donkeys with goods and supplies. Reuben, Levi, Judah, Isakar, Zebulun, Goad,
Asher Dan, Naphtali, and Benjamin all departed back to Egypt.
They left as determined men, determined to rescue their brother
(08:21):
from the clutches of Egypt. Little did they know they
were in need of rescue and Egypt was their refuge.
Joseph stood at the water's edge, watching his son's play.
They splashed and threw sand at one another. Enjoying the
(08:42):
mild Egyptian day, Joseph lost himself in thought. He daydreamed
about his brothers. He remembered a time when he was
able to play in the water with them. He recalled
the sound of their laughter like old hymns. In the
deepest parts of his heart, he still longed for those
innocent times, a time before he was a threat to them,
(09:05):
a time before his coat of many colors. His sons
played around his feet, burying them in the sand. Joseph laughed,
picked them up and ran towards the water, his son
screaming with excitement. As all of them fell into the water.
Their laughter was like sweet melodies to Joseph. He cherished
(09:25):
every moment with his sons and prayed every day that
they would grow to love one another. As the three
of them played, ned.
Speaker 7 (09:33):
Approached Zavith not Nea, the Hebrews have.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Returned, Joseph ceased his playing and put his children down.
He waded back to the sand. Servants stood close by
with a towel and fresh garments. They dressed him, put
on his chain and signat ring, and then took his
children back to their mother. Joseph walked beside, ned.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Have you brought the other brother? Yes, my lord good.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Joseph and Nett approached the storehouses. His brothers were waiting
for him there. Joseph leaned over to Net.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Go and retrieve their brother from the prison, and bring
these men to my home. Prepare a feast for them, jeeves,
dates and bread. They would dine with me at noon.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Joseph did not meet his brothers near the storehouse. Instead,
he stood off from afar and observed their every move.
The brothers were led to Joseph's home as an Arth
was waiting for them along with the servants. The entrance
to the home was held up by pure ivory pillars
or came upon every brother. They had never seen such elegance.
(10:42):
Joseph watched from afar. He saw his brothers take in
his beautiful gardens, architecture, and artwork. Joseph smirked thinking about
his first reaction to Potivar's home so many years ago.
The brothers were seated at a table surrounded by grapevines
growing up lattice barriers. As they sat, the servants placed
(11:05):
an elaborately decorated meal before them. Milk of the calf
was served in four ways on a platter, including fig cakes, fruit,
and freshly baked bread. Although it was a famine, Joseph's
wisdom and attentiveness to the will of God had held
up Egypt to maintain its riches. Net Now, the steward
(11:26):
of Joseph's home, placed the food on the table. The
brothers looked at the spread with awe. However, they dared
not touch it.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
My lord, when we first came to buy grain, our
money was sent back with us. If this was a mistake,
we have brought double the money in return. Please tell
Zeppinethpenea to not be angry with us.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
Ah, my friends, do not be afraid. Your God and
the God of your father have given you that treasure.
As for us, we received your money. Put your mind
at the.
Speaker 5 (12:01):
Use and eat.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
The brothers mumbled amongst themselves. Did God truly put the
money in their sacks of grain? What did they do
to deserve such a miracle? Joseph listened to their murmuring
behind the curtains separating his room from the dining hall.
He paced back and forth, scheming about his next steps.
He did not know whether he was forgiving his brothers
(12:26):
or trapping them. A flurry of mixed emotions filled his mind.
He was a man wrestling with his flesh. On one hand,
he desperately desired to reconnect with the family he had
missed for so long. On the other, he wanted them
to pay for the suffering they had caused. He breathed
in deeply and leaned against the bedroom wall. A deep
(12:48):
well of hatred was bubbling to the surface of his
soul as Joseph wrestled with his own heart. Ned popped
his head in through the curtains.
Speaker 7 (12:57):
My Lord, the feast is ready, and I have freed
the brother we were holding in prison.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Joseph composed himself and entered through the curtains. Simeon had
been returned to the table, and the brothers were rejoicing.
Their cheers were silenced immediately when Joseph entered the room.
They stepped away from the table and bowed before him.
They remained silent and on their knees, waiting for Joseph
to speak. However, he said nothing. His face remained impassive
(13:28):
and devoid of emotion. He scanned the group for his
younger brother, Although Joseph's face was brooding and unemotional. His
heart was pounding out of his chest in anticipation. Keeping
his identity a secret from them hurt like a knife
in his belly. Still holding his head high with regality,
(13:48):
he asked the brothers questions.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
You spoke of an elderly father last time we met.
Tell me how is he.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
He is alive and well, my lord.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Although he is not fond of Benjamin being so far
from home, he loves him dearly.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Joseph's heart skipped a beat when he saw Benjamin kneeling
beside Judah. He walked over to him slowly. All was quiet,
nobody dared speak a word. Joseph took his scepter and
rested it below Benjamin's chin. He raised his chin to
get a better look at him. He had cherry brown
(14:25):
curls that rested over his forehead like ivy on a
stone wall. He must have been no older than eighteen,
around the same age as Joseph when his brothers had
abandoned him to die. Joseph observed Benjamin closely. He noticed
that his eyes were amber, just like his mother's. He
noticed how his upper lip curled inward when he smiled.
(14:49):
His father did the same thing when he was nervous.
He remembered seeing that same smile when Joseph played too
close to the rocks by the river. He looked at
his brother and saw glimpses of his mother and father.
He had longed to see their faces again, and now
he felt like he had. Joseph broke the silence with
(15:10):
a trembling voice.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
You must be Benjamin, God be gracious to you, my son.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Joseph's voice cracked. He could feel himself losing control. Before
anyone could respond, Joseph departed quickly back behind the curtains.
The brothers mumbled amongst themselves, wondering where he had gone.
Joseph burst through the curtains and fell on to the floor.
Tears broke forth from him like an open dam. He
(15:38):
pounded his fist on to the floor, weeping to God.
A soft and steady stream of tears watered the ground below.
His weeping was quiet, but poured forth from a deep
well of pain within him. He had harbored hatred for
so long, yet when he saw his younger brother, all
the pain seemed to elt away. He had looked into
(16:02):
Benjamin's eyes and seen his father and mother. He remembered
their warm embrace and gentle voices. He hated his brothers
for what they had done to him, Yet he could
not hate Benjamin. He did not want him to be
punished for the sins of his brothers. Joseph opened up
his hands and looked up to God.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Where am I to go from here? I cannot embrace
them after what they did to me.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Joseph curled into himself. He put his hands on his ribs.
He remembered the broken bones he suffered from being tossed
into the pit. He remembered the sores on his feet
from marching to Egypt. His calloused hands and whipped back
revealed years of hard labor, torture, and suffering, all at
(16:48):
the hands of those who were supposed to love him.
His brother's sins weighed heavy on Joseph. He bore them
on his back for over twenty years. Now he had
the opportunity to redeem them, to save them, and to
draw them out of their suffering. But did they deserve it?
Had they changed? They hated Joseph when he had a
(17:10):
pretty coat and doting eyes from their father. How would
they treat him when he was the most adored man
in the world. Would their jealousy rekindle. Joseph wrestled with
these things in his heart. In that moment, Joseph needed
to decide if he was going to rise up and
be the hero of his people or succumbed to his
(17:30):
rage and be trapped in the prison of the past.
Joseph slashed some water on his face and leaned against
the basin. He stared at his reflection, thinking about the
young boy who nearly drowned in the well under Potiphar's hand.
He smiled, remembering how far God had brought him. He
remembered the profound good that came from suffering. Joseph had
(17:54):
a small moment of peace. He composed himself, cleaned his face,
and entered back into the dining hall. The brothers had
been waiting for him. Putting on a smile for his guests,
Joseph clapped his.
Speaker 5 (18:07):
Hands let the feast begin.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
The servants entered the room and filled the brother's cups
with wine. It was the best meal they had ever had.
Joseph sat at another table, since Egyptians were not allowed
to eat with foreigners. The twelve of them laughed into
the evening. As wine flowed, so did the stories. Joseph
listened eagerly as his brothers told stories about Canaan, his father,
(18:34):
and their families. Joseph's heart was filled to the brim
with joy. However, he did not lose sight of his purpose.
The brothers were arranged by birth order, with Reuben at
the head of the table and Benjamin at the opposite end.
Joseph sat closest to Benjamin, filling his cup continually and
calling for the servants to fill his plate. All throughout
(18:57):
the night, Joseph made sure to get Benjamin five times
the amount of food and drink that he did the
other brothers. He watched Judah and Simeon closely. He wanted
to see if they would react to their youngest brother
receiving so much praise and favor from a king. Joseph
allowed Benjamin to sit on his throne and laughed. He
(19:19):
clapped and had some of his servant girls sit next
to him.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
Ha Ah, royalty looks good on you, Benjamin. Perhaps your
brothers should bow to you.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Joseph listened closely for sneers and murmurings from the other brothers. However,
to his surprise, they only laughed.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I keep eating those double portions, and don't fill out
that throne soon enough, Benji, if I have.
Speaker 7 (19:43):
A few more portions of sweetbread.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
Maybe father is good.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
It's bad, but he hears. Benji sat on a throne.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
They smiled at Benjamin and laughed with one another. Although
Benjamin held the favor and love of his father Jacob,
the ten other brothers did not seem to care. They
loved their baby brother and reveled in his success. Their
camaraderie made Joseph sick to his stomach.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
They haven't changed. It's all a show.
Speaker 6 (20:12):
They couldn't care less for Benjamin.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
They didn't for me.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Joseph's servants played tambourines and wind instruments beside the table.
Their sounds sent Joseph's mind spiraling out of control. In
a dream like days, he watched his brother's lingam and
arm and dance to the music playing throughout the courtyard.
He leaned back, watching their smiles closely. They seemed to
(20:37):
truly love each other. They're chuckling and dancing and vexed Joseph.
He couldn't accept that they could abandon him to die
in a foreign country and then live on in happiness
as if nothing had ever happened, Joseph clenched his fists.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
And snarled, Tomorrow I will know the truth.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
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(21:50):
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Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Since God has made all this known to you, there
is no one else I would desire for the position.
You shall be in charge of my palace, my resources,
and all my people.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
As a young boy, this position would have inflated his ego.
Yet there was a different heart. God had put in Joseph.
Years of slavery and imprisonment had dug a deep well
of humility within him.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
What's in Egypt grain enough grain to feed the world,
and they're selling it at a fair price. All relly,
all the brothers, well believe it. Don Simeon, go retrieve
Reuben and Zebulon LEVI send word to Gadon asher Dan,
(00:53):
Benjamin and I will saddle the donkeys before the sun sets.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Now, absolutely not, Benjamin will not be joining you.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Recognition sparked a fire in Joseph's fins. These were his brothers,
the sons of Israel, who had betrayed him so long ago.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Lord Zapanathtinia, we come seeking kindness.
Speaker 5 (01:22):
My judgment delivered this land from famine, and my judgment
tells me you are spies. Prove to me I'm wrong.
You will be bound and imprisoned in this place while
one of you leaves to retrieve the youngest brother. If
he is real, then I shall know you do not lie.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Where is Simeon?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
What has happened? He requires Benjamin. If we can show him, Benjamin,
he'll know we aren't lying.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Ha.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
No, you will not take my son to me in
prison by this badman.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
How do you know he won't just.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Kill you all without another word or glance? Jacob retreated
back to his tent. The family of Jacob would live
to see another few months. However, the culture of jealousy, backbiting,
and betrayal in their family was beginning to catch up
to them. They were in need of redemption. The famine's
(02:25):
relentless grip tightened around Canaan, its cruel bite stripping away
the land's vitality. Farmlands turned to dust under the unyielding sun,
and the river running alongside them had dried up entirely.
The once thriving flocks had dwindled to a mere handful
of gaunt, struggling animals. The family of Jacob had exhausted
(02:49):
all the provisions brought from Egypt, and the barren land
offered no hope of replenishment. Jacob's heart ached for Simeon,
who languished in captivity, but the thought of sending Benjamin
into the hands of an unknown ruler paralyzed.
Speaker 6 (03:05):
Him with fear.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Jacob sat beside the well he had dug in his youth,
a relic of better days, when his strength had known
no bounds and his sons had been united under one roof.
Now the well was as dry as his spirit had stepths,
Offering no solace. He leaned against the rough stone, the
wind whipping through the empty fields like a taunting whisper.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
What has become of my family? All the struggle, drama, toil,
What was it all for? Is this not the lamb
you promised to my grandfather Abraham.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
The wind howled in response, carrying with it the sting
of dust. Jacob squinted against the harsh gusts, his gaze
fixed on the horizon. Reuben and Judah approached, their faces
edged with the same weariness that gripped their father. They
settled beside him in silence, the weight of the drought
(04:08):
and their recent failures pressing down on them. Without looking
at them, Jacob pointed to the horizon.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
We need more food. You must return to Egypt and
beg for more.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
If we return without Benjamin, we're all as good as slaves.
I mean, none of us will return.
Speaker 4 (04:28):
Why do you torment me with your thoughtless actions. You
didn't need to mention Benjamin to him. No, Simeon has gone,
and you risk the life of my youngest.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Son, Zeppenethhenia thinks were spies. He questioned us carefully about ourselves,
our kindred and even you. How are we supposed to know?
He would demand to see Benjamin.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Jacob didn't respond. He simply looked down at his once
fruitful land. Judah scooted closer to his father and met him.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Case. Send Benjamin with me, father, We can't afford to
wait any longer. With o grain.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fears and regret,
Judah knelt before Jacob, his hands clutching at the dry earth.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
If we had not waited this long, we could have
been back twice by now. We must not delay any silence.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
He used his staff to push himself to his feet,
His old wounds and the ever present ache in his
hip a constant reminder of his struggles and the promises
that now felt like curses.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
You expect me to trust you twenty seven years ago.
I sent my son to you. Go to your brothers,
I said to him. I sent him into your hands,
and you bring me back a tattered coat covered in blood.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Jacob's voice shook with the weight of his grief. Dah
and Reuben bowed their heads. The truth of Joseph's fate
a burden they had carried in secret. The two men
bowed before their father. Judah's hands sunk deep into the dirt.
Tears streamed down his face, and his entire body tensed
up with sorrow.
Speaker 6 (06:18):
Father, I know we have failed you before. Please put
your trust at us this once, so we might return
Simeon and safe our families from starvation. If anyone will die,
be me.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Jacob looked down at his son. He could see tears
of conviction falling down his face. He stretched out his
hand to put on his head, but then retracted. He snarled,
wrestling with himself.
Speaker 4 (06:50):
If you must go, then be diligent to gain this
ruler's favor. It takes some of our fruits along with
some of our good We still have honey, gum, muh,
almonds and pistatious, perhaps a taste of the delicacies of
Canaan will gain his favor. Take double the money you
(07:13):
took last time. Return it to him lest he try
and accuse you of stealing it in the first place.
Speaker 6 (07:19):
Thank you for them. I won't let you doubt this time.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Don't promise me that, Judah, you can't. But I will
tell you this. If Benjamin doesn't return with you, I
will surely die of grief. That dear son will be
on your hands.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Israel hobbled away, rubbing his hip and cursing under his breath.
Judah watched with aching eyes. Reuben placed a hand on
his brother's head, a tender act in place of his father's.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Let's keep moving, little brother, hie, uncle keep.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Ben The brothers did as they were told. They packed
their donkeys with goods and supplies. Reuben, Levi, Judah, Isakar, Zebulun, Goad,
Asher Dan, Naphtali, and Benjamin all departed back to Egypt.
They left as determined men, determined to rescue their brother
(08:21):
from the clutches of Egypt. Little did they know they
were in need of rescue and Egypt was their refuge.
Joseph stood at the water's edge, watching his son's play.
They splashed and threw sand at one another. Enjoying the
(08:42):
mild Egyptian day, Joseph lost himself in thought. He daydreamed
about his brothers. He remembered a time when he was
able to play in the water with them. He recalled
the sound of their laughter like old hymns. In the
deepest parts of his heart, he still longed for those
innocent times, a time before he was a threat to them,
(09:05):
a time before his coat of many colors. His sons
played around his feet, burying them in the sand. Joseph laughed,
picked them up and ran towards the water, his son
screaming with excitement. As all of them fell into the water.
Their laughter was like sweet melodies to Joseph. He cherished
(09:25):
every moment with his sons and prayed every day that
they would grow to love one another. As the three
of them played, ned.
Speaker 7 (09:33):
Approached Zavith not Nea, the Hebrews have.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Returned, Joseph ceased his playing and put his children down.
He waded back to the sand. Servants stood close by
with a towel and fresh garments. They dressed him, put
on his chain and signat ring, and then took his
children back to their mother. Joseph walked beside, ned.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Have you brought the other brother? Yes, my lord good.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
Joseph and Nett approached the storehouses. His brothers were waiting
for him there. Joseph leaned over to Net.
Speaker 5 (10:08):
Go and retrieve their brother from the prison, and bring
these men to my home. Prepare a feast for them, jeeves,
dates and bread. They would dine with me at noon.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Joseph did not meet his brothers near the storehouse. Instead,
he stood off from afar and observed their every move.
The brothers were led to Joseph's home as an Arth
was waiting for them along with the servants. The entrance
to the home was held up by pure ivory pillars
or came upon every brother. They had never seen such elegance.
(10:42):
Joseph watched from afar. He saw his brothers take in
his beautiful gardens, architecture, and artwork. Joseph smirked thinking about
his first reaction to Potivar's home so many years ago.
The brothers were seated at a table surrounded by grapevines
growing up lattice barriers. As they sat, the servants placed
(11:05):
an elaborately decorated meal before them. Milk of the calf
was served in four ways on a platter, including fig cakes, fruit,
and freshly baked bread. Although it was a famine, Joseph's
wisdom and attentiveness to the will of God had held
up Egypt to maintain its riches. Net Now, the steward
(11:26):
of Joseph's home, placed the food on the table. The
brothers looked at the spread with awe. However, they dared
not touch it.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
My lord, when we first came to buy grain, our
money was sent back with us. If this was a mistake,
we have brought double the money in return. Please tell
Zeppinethpenea to not be angry with us.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
Ah, my friends, do not be afraid. Your God and
the God of your father have given you that treasure.
As for us, we received your money. Put your mind
at the.
Speaker 5 (12:01):
Use and eat.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
The brothers mumbled amongst themselves. Did God truly put the
money in their sacks of grain? What did they do
to deserve such a miracle? Joseph listened to their murmuring
behind the curtains separating his room from the dining hall.
He paced back and forth, scheming about his next steps.
He did not know whether he was forgiving his brothers
(12:26):
or trapping them. A flurry of mixed emotions filled his mind.
He was a man wrestling with his flesh. On one hand,
he desperately desired to reconnect with the family he had
missed for so long. On the other, he wanted them
to pay for the suffering they had caused. He breathed
in deeply and leaned against the bedroom wall. A deep
(12:48):
well of hatred was bubbling to the surface of his
soul as Joseph wrestled with his own heart. Ned popped
his head in through the curtains.
Speaker 7 (12:57):
My Lord, the feast is ready, and I have freed
the brother we were holding in prison.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
Joseph composed himself and entered through the curtains. Simeon had
been returned to the table, and the brothers were rejoicing.
Their cheers were silenced immediately when Joseph entered the room.
They stepped away from the table and bowed before him.
They remained silent and on their knees, waiting for Joseph
to speak. However, he said nothing. His face remained impassive
(13:28):
and devoid of emotion. He scanned the group for his
younger brother, Although Joseph's face was brooding and unemotional. His
heart was pounding out of his chest in anticipation. Keeping
his identity a secret from them hurt like a knife
in his belly. Still holding his head high with regality,
(13:48):
he asked the brothers questions.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
You spoke of an elderly father last time we met.
Tell me how is he.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
He is alive and well, my lord.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Although he is not fond of Benjamin being so far
from home, he loves him dearly.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Joseph's heart skipped a beat when he saw Benjamin kneeling
beside Judah. He walked over to him slowly. All was quiet,
nobody dared speak a word. Joseph took his scepter and
rested it below Benjamin's chin. He raised his chin to
get a better look at him. He had cherry brown
(14:25):
curls that rested over his forehead like ivy on a
stone wall. He must have been no older than eighteen,
around the same age as Joseph when his brothers had
abandoned him to die. Joseph observed Benjamin closely. He noticed
that his eyes were amber, just like his mother's. He
noticed how his upper lip curled inward when he smiled.
(14:49):
His father did the same thing when he was nervous.
He remembered seeing that same smile when Joseph played too
close to the rocks by the river. He looked at
his brother and saw glimpses of his mother and father.
He had longed to see their faces again, and now
he felt like he had. Joseph broke the silence with
(15:10):
a trembling voice.
Speaker 5 (15:11):
You must be Benjamin, God be gracious to you, my son.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Joseph's voice cracked. He could feel himself losing control. Before
anyone could respond, Joseph departed quickly back behind the curtains.
The brothers mumbled amongst themselves, wondering where he had gone.
Joseph burst through the curtains and fell on to the floor.
Tears broke forth from him like an open dam. He
(15:38):
pounded his fist on to the floor, weeping to God.
A soft and steady stream of tears watered the ground below.
His weeping was quiet, but poured forth from a deep
well of pain within him. He had harbored hatred for
so long, yet when he saw his younger brother, all
the pain seemed to elt away. He had looked into
(16:02):
Benjamin's eyes and seen his father and mother. He remembered
their warm embrace and gentle voices. He hated his brothers
for what they had done to him, Yet he could
not hate Benjamin. He did not want him to be
punished for the sins of his brothers. Joseph opened up
his hands and looked up to God.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Where am I to go from here? I cannot embrace
them after what they did to me.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Joseph curled into himself. He put his hands on his ribs.
He remembered the broken bones he suffered from being tossed
into the pit. He remembered the sores on his feet
from marching to Egypt. His calloused hands and whipped back
revealed years of hard labor, torture, and suffering, all at
(16:48):
the hands of those who were supposed to love him.
His brother's sins weighed heavy on Joseph. He bore them
on his back for over twenty years. Now he had
the opportunity to redeem them, to save them, and to
draw them out of their suffering. But did they deserve it?
Had they changed? They hated Joseph when he had a
(17:10):
pretty coat and doting eyes from their father. How would
they treat him when he was the most adored man
in the world. Would their jealousy rekindle. Joseph wrestled with
these things in his heart. In that moment, Joseph needed
to decide if he was going to rise up and
be the hero of his people or succumbed to his
(17:30):
rage and be trapped in the prison of the past.
Joseph slashed some water on his face and leaned against
the basin. He stared at his reflection, thinking about the
young boy who nearly drowned in the well under Potiphar's hand.
He smiled, remembering how far God had brought him. He
remembered the profound good that came from suffering. Joseph had
(17:54):
a small moment of peace. He composed himself, cleaned his face,
and entered back into the dining hall. The brothers had
been waiting for him. Putting on a smile for his guests,
Joseph clapped his.
Speaker 5 (18:07):
Hands let the feast begin.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
The servants entered the room and filled the brother's cups
with wine. It was the best meal they had ever had.
Joseph sat at another table, since Egyptians were not allowed
to eat with foreigners. The twelve of them laughed into
the evening. As wine flowed, so did the stories. Joseph
listened eagerly as his brothers told stories about Canaan, his father,
(18:34):
and their families. Joseph's heart was filled to the brim
with joy. However, he did not lose sight of his purpose.
The brothers were arranged by birth order, with Reuben at
the head of the table and Benjamin at the opposite end.
Joseph sat closest to Benjamin, filling his cup continually and
calling for the servants to fill his plate. All throughout
(18:57):
the night, Joseph made sure to get Benjamin five times
the amount of food and drink that he did the
other brothers. He watched Judah and Simeon closely. He wanted
to see if they would react to their youngest brother
receiving so much praise and favor from a king. Joseph
allowed Benjamin to sit on his throne and laughed. He
(19:19):
clapped and had some of his servant girls sit next
to him.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
Ha Ah, royalty looks good on you, Benjamin. Perhaps your
brothers should bow to you.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Joseph listened closely for sneers and murmurings from the other brothers. However,
to his surprise, they only laughed.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I keep eating those double portions, and don't fill out
that throne soon enough, Benji, if I have.
Speaker 7 (19:43):
A few more portions of sweetbread.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
Maybe father is good.
Speaker 5 (19:47):
It's bad, but he hears. Benji sat on a throne.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
They smiled at Benjamin and laughed with one another. Although
Benjamin held the favor and love of his father Jacob,
the ten other brothers did not seem to care. They
loved their baby brother and reveled in his success. Their
camaraderie made Joseph sick to his stomach.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
They haven't changed. It's all a show.
Speaker 6 (20:12):
They couldn't care less for Benjamin.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
They didn't for me.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Joseph's servants played tambourines and wind instruments beside the table.
Their sounds sent Joseph's mind spiraling out of control. In
a dream like days, he watched his brother's lingam and
arm and dance to the music playing throughout the courtyard.
He leaned back, watching their smiles closely. They seemed to
(20:37):
truly love each other. They're chuckling and dancing and vexed Joseph.
He couldn't accept that they could abandon him to die
in a foreign country and then live on in happiness
as if nothing had ever happened, Joseph clenched his fists.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
And snarled, Tomorrow I will know the truth.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by
our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard,
Zach Schllabager, and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of
The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced
by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
(21:30):
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre
Rosalie and Chris Baig. 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
(21:50):
enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.
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