Joseph: The Wounded

# 57 - Joseph: The Wounded - In this episode of The Chosen People, Joseph grapples with betrayal and trust as he tests his brothers' hearts through a powerful scheme. Explore this poignant chapter of Genesis, where scars of the past collide with the hope of reconciliation and redemption.

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Episode 57 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 6:2, “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.”

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people.

Speaker 2 (00:04):
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 3 (00:24):
Send Benjamin with me, father, we can't afford to wait
any longer without grain.

Speaker 2 (00:29):
You expect me to trust you.

Speaker 4 (00:33):
Twenty seven years ago I sent my son to you.

Speaker 5 (00:37):
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 4 (00:48):
If Benjamin doesn't return with you, I will surely die
of grief. That dear son will be on your hand.

Speaker 2 (01:02):
You must be, Benjamin, God be gracious to you, my son.

Speaker 1 (01:06):
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 2 (01:24):
They haven't changed, It's all a show. They couldn't care
less for Benjamin. They didn't for me.

Speaker 1 (01:31):
They seemed to truly love each other. They're chuckling and dancing.
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 and snarled.

Speaker 2 (01:49):
Tomorrow, I will know the truth.

Speaker 1 (01:56):
Hatred, dark, deep and powerful. Hatred prowled like a lion,
waiting to devour Joseph's heart. The palace walls seemed to
close in as he watched his brother's feast and his home,
their laughter echoing mockingly. They danced and swayed to the music,

(02:16):
with cups of wine in their hands. Oblivious to the
storm brewing within him, Joseph teetered between rage and joy,
his heart torn by conflicting desires. He yearned for the
connection he had once lost, to be part of a
family again, Yet the scars of betrayal ran deep, and

(02:37):
trust was a fragile thing, shattered too easily. His eyes
fixed on Benjamin, the favored son. They laughed with him,
showed him the brotherly affection Joseph had been denied. Each smile.
Each jest cut Joseph like a dagger, reminding him of
the years stolen from him. He slumped back in his head,

(03:00):
thrown fingers gripping the armrests with a white knuckled intensity
as he wrestled with his own flesh and spirit. The
brothers reveled in Joseph's house for hours, the wine loosening
their tongues and dulling their fears. Joseph forced a smile
and clapped his hands together, his voice ringing out over.

Speaker 2 (03:21):
The Revelrie, my friends, I am pleased you've enjoyed our hospitality.
Please stay the night here so you may rest. I
am sure your journey will be long and arduous.

Speaker 3 (03:33):
You are too kind to us, Sapanathpinia. We had never
expected such kindness to come from you, especially after the
last time we were here. Our father will be pleased
that Benjamin was treated so well.

Speaker 1 (03:47):
Joseph's smile faltered at Judah's words. Was this affection genuine
or just another lie? They had once despised him for
being the favorite? Could they truly have changed? He studied
their faces, noting the lines etched by time and hardship.
They appeared different, yet the pain they had caused.

Speaker 2 (04:09):
Still lingered, Your father is a blessed man to have
so many sons. You said that one of them was
taken from you.

Speaker 3 (04:17):
Correct, Yes, my lord, we have a younger brother before Benjamin. Uh,
he is no more. Wild animals devoured him in the wilderness.

Speaker 1 (04:30):
Joseph's heart twisted at the lie, his eyes narrowing as
he scrutinized their expressions. Their faces, once filled with youthful arrogance,
now bore the ways of regret and sorrow.

Speaker 2 (04:43):
That is unfortunate.

Speaker 1 (04:46):
He placed his hands behind his back and stepped towards them.
He paced around them, scanning them up and down.

Speaker 2 (04:53):
I was wrong about you before. You're not spies, your
well meaning brothers who seek to take care of their families.
It was foolish of me to think otherwise. It is
obvious to me that you are men who fear God,
who would never deal with anyone dishonestly. Yes, ah, men
of integrity, pillars of honor. Each of you are. Your

(05:16):
father must be so proud to have sons of such character.

Speaker 1 (05:21):
None of the brothers met his gaze. Shame weighed heavily
upon them, their guilt palpable in the air. Joseph continued
to circle them, a predator assessing his prey.

Speaker 2 (05:32):
Benjamin, you're a blessed young man. Not all brothers would
take so kindly to the youngest, being the favorite.

Speaker 6 (05:40):
I do consider myself blessed. Lord. They're excellent brothers to
me and sons to my father. I wish he was
here to enjoy this feast with us.

Speaker 2 (05:49):
Yes, a pity he isn't here. Well, it was a
joy to host you. I'm sure your father is eager
to see you again. Rest here tonight and depart first
thing in the morning.

Speaker 1 (06:01):
With those words, Joseph turned and left his heart a
maelstrom of emotions. The brothers were escorted to a private
villa outside his home, where they were treated to warm
baths and linen blankets. They slept content and unaware, while
Joseph remained awake, haunted by the ghosts of his past.

(06:22):
He spent the night outside his room, gazing up at
the stars that stretched infinitely across the heavens. The torches
below mimicked the celestial lights, casting a soft glow over
the city. A gentle breeze, cool and soothing, caressed his face.
Joseph leaned against the balcony, gripping it tightly as a

(06:43):
small stream of tears traced down his cheeks. His dreams,
the stars and sheaves of grain bowing to him had
led him to this moment. But what was the purpose?
What was God's plan? He hated his brothers for their
betray trail, yet he knew that without their actions he
would not be where he was. God had used his

(07:06):
suffering for good, elevating him to power and prosperity. But
could he trust his brothers now? Could they coexist with
him as their ruler? He hated his brothers for what
they did to him, but he also knew that God
had orchestrated it all for good. Joseph sat in a
place of power, influence, and riches because of the sins

(07:29):
his brothers committed. He had them to blame for his suffering,
but God had used it for good.

Speaker 2 (07:36):
What would you have me do with them? They are yours,
save a judge, not mine.

Speaker 1 (07:41):
As he wrestled with these thoughts, a warm hand touched
his arm as an arth. His wife wrapped her arms
around him, offering silent comfort. She knew his heart, the
turmoil that churned within.

Speaker 7 (07:55):
What are you going to do? With them.

Speaker 2 (07:57):
I can't simply let them leave. Them will be deadly
for more years to come. They won't survive on their own.
They need me.

Speaker 7 (08:05):
Ah, Yes, they need your help. But the question you're
asking is do they deserve your help?

Speaker 2 (08:12):
Yes? And have they changed enough to be trusted?

Speaker 7 (08:15):
You've certainly changed over time. Perhaps they have too.

Speaker 2 (08:19):
I was forced to change. I had to adapt or die.

Speaker 7 (08:24):
And who is to say what they've endured since you
saw them last.

Speaker 2 (08:27):
They haven't been tested like I have.

Speaker 7 (08:30):
Then maybe a test of their own is required.

Speaker 2 (08:33):
Maybe.

Speaker 1 (08:34):
Joseph's voice trailed off the wind, carrying it away as
an Arth held him tighter, her warmth of bomb to
his wounded heart.

Speaker 7 (08:43):
You have endured more than anyone else. I know you've
been betrayed, forgotten, and cast aside, but there would be
no redemption of the land without your hardship. Whatever you decide,
I know your choice will flow from the heart of
your God.

Speaker 1 (09:00):
Joseph nodded, holding his wife close. They stood together, watching
the stars until as an Arth returned to bed. Joseph
remained his eyes fixed on the heavens. The chill of
the night reminded him of the damp prison cells the
jagged stones. He had once slept on, every cruelty, every

(09:22):
hardship had been redeemed by God, turned into a tapestry
of grace and purpose? Could the same be true for
his brothers?

Speaker 2 (09:32):
Perhaps they must go through a test of their own.

Speaker 1 (09:34):
It was at that moment Joseph had an idea. An
idea began to form in his mind, a way to
test their hearts and reveal their true nature. He smirked,
a plan taking shape. Without wasting another moment, he hurried
to wake Ned, bursting into his chambers with a torch.

Speaker 2 (09:54):
Wake up.

Speaker 1 (09:55):
Ned jolted awake and reached for his dagger. He was
surprised to se see Joseph standing at the foot of
his bed.

Speaker 6 (10:02):
H what what is it?

Speaker 2 (10:04):
My lord?

Speaker 6 (10:05):
It is somewhat in danger.

Speaker 2 (10:07):
There is much to be done before the sun rises.

Speaker 6 (10:09):
Ah, Setter, what is happening?

Speaker 2 (10:12):
A test? Dear Net? They need a test? Oh are
you going to test?

Speaker 1 (10:17):
My lord?

Speaker 2 (10:18):
My brah the Hebrews they've kept their words so far,
but I need to be certain that they aren't spies. Now, quick,
grab my cup and meet me at the storehouses.

Speaker 1 (10:30):
Net rubbed his eyes. Crawling out of bed, he stumbled
through the dark halls of Joseph's estate. Guided by the
cool ivory pillars, he grabbed Joseph's silver cup, wrapped it
in burlap, and made his way to the storehouses. The
seven structures towered over the hills like giant guardians. Dawn

(10:51):
was approaching, the stars fading into the cold morning sky.
Ned saw a small torchlight near the first storehouse, Wherejoseph waited.

Speaker 2 (11:01):
Do you have the cup? Yes?

Speaker 6 (11:03):
Right here?

Speaker 2 (11:04):
What is the meaning of this? I have an important
task for you. I need you to prepare the Hebrew
bags of grain as you did before, give them a
double portion, and give them their money back as well.

Speaker 1 (11:17):
Ned nodded, confusion evident on his face. Joseph cracked a
small smile.

Speaker 2 (11:23):
I need you to make sure my cup is put
in the bags of grain. The bag with the cup
must go to the youngest brother.

Speaker 6 (11:30):
Do you understand as you command?

Speaker 5 (11:33):
My lord?

Speaker 1 (11:34):
Joseph patted him on the shoulder and left, hurrying back
to his estate. The sun began to peek over the hills,
painting the land with splashes of bright orange. The cold
bite of the night quickly dissipated, replaced by the approaching
heat of the day, Joseph returned home, greeted by the
laughter of his children, Manassah and Ephraim. He lifted them

(11:59):
into his arms, enjoying a morning meal with his family,
yet his mind remained on the task at hand. The
eleven brothers emerged, their donkeys packed and belongings strapped over
their shoulders. They bowed deeply to Zaphnath Pannier.

Speaker 8 (12:17):
Your kindness will be remembered by our family for generations.

Speaker 2 (12:22):
We pray we never have to return here, and that
the famine will be over shortly.

Speaker 1 (12:28):
Joseph winced. He knew there would be many more years
before the land was restored. He knew the family of
Jacob would not last there in Canaan. Joseph said nothing.
He only nodded his head and dismissed them. He then
gestured to Ned, who was standing at attention at the
entrance of the courtyard. Ned nodded and brought in eleven

(12:51):
bags of grain, one by one, from oldest to youngest.
He placed each bag in front of the brothers. Each
brother took their own sack of grain and secured it
to their donkeys. Joseph watched each bag, making sure to
take note of where each one was placed. Joseph and
his family waved the men goodbye. They left the courtyard

(13:13):
and began to make their way out of the city.
Joseph's smiled quickly faded as they left. He wore the
face of a man ready for battle. He grabbed his
scepter and called for his guards follow them.

Speaker 6 (13:26):
When they approached the end of the city, surround them.
Do not be gentle, bring them back here so zafatna
Phania may speak with them.

Speaker 1 (13:35):
Ned led the guards to the outskirts of the city.
The brothers had reached the main road to Canaan when
a flurry of horses surrounded them. Swords were drawn, pointing
menacingly at the brothers.

Speaker 3 (13:47):
What is the meaning of this?

Speaker 1 (13:49):
Ned dismounted and approached the brothers with a dagger in
his hand. Judah stepped in front of Benjamin.

Speaker 6 (13:56):
My master has treated you well, yet you have decided.

Speaker 3 (13:59):
To disco What are you talking about. We haven't done anything.
We are grateful for zapp and Athpena's generosity.

Speaker 6 (14:07):
So you say, Yet despite his generosity, you feel the
need to steal from him.

Speaker 3 (14:16):
Far be it from us to do such a thing.
I am confident that none of us have stolen a thing,
Go ahead and search us. Whichever of us has found
with it, that shall die, and the rest of us
can be imprisoned as slaves.

Speaker 2 (14:30):
Judah, you don't have to come up with a punishment
for them.

Speaker 3 (14:35):
I know the truth. None of us are guilty of anything.
Go ahead, search us.

Speaker 1 (14:41):
Neat raised his dagger in the air to silence them.

Speaker 6 (14:44):
It shall be as you say, I know my masters will.
Whoever has stolen from my master shall be his slave forever.
The rest will live in shame.

Speaker 1 (14:58):
He took his dagger and ripped it through Reuben's bag.
The grain began to spill out onto the ground. The
brothers watched in silence as he took his dagger and
dragged it through Simeon's bag, then Levi's, then Judas. From
oldest to youngest. He tore apart the bags and allowed
all the contents to spill out onto the floor. The

(15:19):
sons of Jacob watched helplessly as their food was being
wasted and blown away by the wind. Lastly, Ned made
his way to Benjamin's bag. He stabbed the bag and
allowed his dagger to slide downwards. The grain spilled out
among it was Joseph's silver chalice. He took the dagger

(15:40):
and sheathed it. He picked up the chalice and raised
it to Benjamin's face.

Speaker 6 (15:46):
This is my lord's cup. Do you not know that
this is the cup he uses for prophecy. Perhaps you
desire to steal this for his gifts.

Speaker 1 (15:56):
I didn't take that.

Speaker 6 (15:57):
I don't know how it got there.

Speaker 8 (15:59):
Please, you must believe silence, No, it must be a mistake.

Speaker 1 (16:05):
The guards dismounted their horses and held their swords up
to the brothers. They bound them, and the brothers yelled
helplessly as Benjamin was kicked a round bound with rope,
they were escorted back to Joseph's estate. The brothers were
thrown before the feet of Joseph in front of them.
Knelt Benjamin, face bruised from a swift strike to the cheek.

(16:29):
The guards held their spears close to their necks. Joseph
stepped down from his throne. The entire room was silent,
and the brothers trembled in fear ned. Placed the chalice
in Joseph's hand. He raised it up to the sun,
then placed it down beside his throne.

Speaker 2 (16:48):
Have you not heard who I am?

Speaker 1 (16:50):
Joseph? Turned to the sons of Israel. He stepped down, slowly,
each step seeming to shake the earth with authority, and
rage slowly poured out of Joseph like magma.

Speaker 2 (17:03):
I am the prophet of Egypt. I am the one
whom God speaks to.

Speaker 8 (17:09):
I am the voice that speaks for God, the deliverer
of this land, and the one who conquered the blight.
And you, Hebrews, dare steal from me.

Speaker 6 (17:24):
Stop it, not to Leo. Please believe me, I did nothing.

Speaker 2 (17:29):
Don't bleed at me like a little lamb. A whole
pack of them kneels before me. Here I welcomed you
into my home. I feed you my food and let
you drink my wine. I give you a double portion
of grain, and return your money to you. I once

(17:51):
thought you were spies, Yet here you are shown to
be peddling and unngrateful thieves. Please, my Lord, we are
your humble servants.

Speaker 3 (18:03):
What do we do to clear our names?

Speaker 1 (18:05):
Joseph paused for a moment. Memories of Judah flooded back
into his mind. He remembered looking him in the eyes
before being thrown into the pit. Judah's words still echoed
through Joseph's mind.

Speaker 3 (18:19):
Tell me, Joseph, in all your dreaming, did you ever
imagine this?

Speaker 1 (18:25):
He could feel the pull of revenge gripping his heart,
everything in his flesh. Desired to execute all of them
for what they did. He desired to use his power
as a tool to strike them down with justice. However,
he knew God had called him to something higher. Joseph
needed to test their hearts. It was time to see

(18:48):
if they had truly learned from their past sins.

Speaker 2 (18:51):
I am not an unreasonable man. You are all free
to leave. All I require is the one who stole
from me.

Speaker 1 (19:00):
Joseph raised his scepter at Benjamin. He felt like Pharaoh
in that moment, powerful yet wicked underneath. Yet he had
to play the part. He was drawing something out of
his brothers. Silently, he prayed for God to move among them.

Speaker 2 (19:18):
You, young Benjamin, will be my slave. The rest of
your brothers can walk away with grain and their freedom.
But you, you more rot in the pit until I
pluck you out and have you labor in my fields
until the day you die.

Speaker 1 (19:36):
The brothers erupted with protest. They stood to their feet
and surrounded Benjamin. Judo raised his hands to Joseph Samnophenia.

Speaker 3 (19:46):
Please do not take Benjamin.

Speaker 2 (19:50):
Why do you care if I take him? You should
be thanking me. This brother is clearly your father's favorite.
I will take him, and you will have more old
birthright to yourselves.

Speaker 3 (20:02):
Only two sons have been born to my father by
the wife he loves. One perished of them. Benjamin is
the beating heart of my father. If I don't return
with him, my father will be dragged down to she hold.
He cannot bear it.

Speaker 2 (20:19):
My Lord, seize the boy.

Speaker 1 (20:22):
They took Benjamin and began to drag him away, but
the brothers rebelled. They were quickly beaten down by the
guards and held in place. No Judah ran after Benjamin,
only to be struck by one of the gods. His
face hit the stone floor. He winced in pain, and
blood ran down his temple. The entire room was silent.

(20:44):
The other brothers had spears to their necks and watched
helplessly as Judah stood back up to his feet. He
wiped his chin and ran back towards Benjamin again and again.
He was struck in the head and returned to the floor.
Judah lay there on the floor. Joseph did nothing. He
watched his older brother desperately try and fight for Benjamin's life.

(21:06):
Judah began to weep on the floor. He stood, legs
quivering and face swollen. Please have must.

Speaker 3 (21:15):
So life is bound up with my father's life.

Speaker 2 (21:20):
Why would your father's life be a concern of mine?

Speaker 1 (21:24):
Blood dripped down Judah's head as he looked Joseph in
the eyes. Joseph noticed something profoundly different in Judah, something
he had not yet noticed. Pain, years and years of pain.
Behind Judah's eyes was the shame of his past sins.
It was he who had decided to sell Joseph into slavery.

(21:48):
He was the one who led the brothers against him.
Since then, he had lived a life of regret and anguish.
Judah shook his head and lifted his arms to Joseph
with were breathing. Judah begged, take me instead. Joseph's heart
stopped beating when he heard the words fall from Judah's lips.

Speaker 2 (22:10):
What did you say?

Speaker 3 (22:11):
Have me remain as a slave on Benjamin's behalf? Let
me suffer so he can live.

Speaker 2 (22:17):
You you don't mean.

Speaker 3 (22:19):
That I do take me, take my life if you must. Benjamin,
whether innocent or guilty must return. I will, I will
give my life up as ransom briers.

Speaker 1 (22:34):
Judah fell to his knees and crawled to Joseph's feet
with his arms stretched outward. He gave himself up to
suffer so the one he loved could live. He would
take on the bondage so his brother could be free.
It was in that moment that Joseph knew in his
heart that Judah and the rest of his brothers had

(22:56):
truly changed the heart of God, had reached this Prey
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(23:18):
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(23:42):
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