Joseph: The Conflicted

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:04 Speaker 2: 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. 00:00:16 Speaker 1: 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. 00:00:31 Speaker 3: 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, Benjamin and I will saddle the donkeys before the sun sets. 00:00:57 Speaker 4: Now, absolutely not, Benjamin will not be joining you. 00:01:05 Speaker 1: Recognition sparked a fire in Joseph's fins. These were his brothers, the sons of Israel, who had betrayed him so long ago. 00:01:16 Speaker 3: Lord Zapanathtinia, we come seeking kindness. 00:01:22 Speaker 5: 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. 00:01:41 Speaker 6: Where is Simeon? 00:01:43 Speaker 3: What has happened? He requires Benjamin. If we can show him, Benjamin, he'll know we aren't lying. 00:01:51 Speaker 2: Ha. 00:01:52 Speaker 4: No, you will not take my son to me in prison by this badman. 00:01:57 Speaker 3: How do you know he won't just. 00:01:59 Speaker 1: 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 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 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. 00:03:05 Speaker 6: Him with fear. 00:03:07 Speaker 1: 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. 00:03:31 Speaker 4: 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. 00:03:47 Speaker 1: 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 and their recent failures pressing down on them. Without looking at them, Jacob pointed to the horizon. 00:04:17 Speaker 4: We need more food. You must return to Egypt and beg for more. 00:04:23 Speaker 3: If we return without Benjamin, we're all as good as slaves. I mean, none of us will return. 00:04:28 Speaker 4: 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. 00:04:40 Speaker 3: 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. 00:04:51 Speaker 1: Jacob didn't respond. He simply looked down at his once fruitful land. Judah scooted closer to his father and met him. 00:05:00 Speaker 3: Case. Send Benjamin with me, father, We can't afford to wait any longer. With o grain. 00:05:07 Speaker 1: Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fears and regret, Judah knelt before Jacob, his hands clutching at the dry earth. 00:05:17 Speaker 3: If we had not waited this long, we could have been back twice by now. We must not delay any silence. 00:05:25 Speaker 1: 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. 00:05:37 Speaker 4: 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. 00:05:56 Speaker 1: 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. 00:06:18 Speaker 6: 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. 00:06:36 Speaker 1: 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. 00:06:50 Speaker 4: 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 took last time. Return it to him lest he try and accuse you of stealing it in the first place. 00:07:19 Speaker 6: Thank you for them. I won't let you doubt this time. 00:07:23 Speaker 4: 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. 00:07:42 Speaker 1: 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. 00:07:56 Speaker 6: Let's keep moving, little brother, hie, uncle keep. 00:07:59 Speaker 1: 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 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 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, 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 every moment with his sons and prayed every day that they would grow to love one another. As the three of them played, ned. 00:09:33 Speaker 7: Approached Zavith not Nea, the Hebrews have. 00:09:37 Speaker 1: 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. 00:09:56 Speaker 5: Have you brought the other brother? Yes, my lord good. 00:10:01 Speaker 1: Joseph and Nett approached the storehouses. His brothers were waiting for him there. Joseph leaned over to Net. 00:10:08 Speaker 5: 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. 00:10:18 Speaker 1: 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. 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 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 of Joseph's home, placed the food on the table. The brothers looked at the spread with awe. However, they dared not touch it. 00:11:34 Speaker 3: 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. 00:11:48 Speaker 7: 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. 00:12:01 Speaker 5: Use and eat. 00:12:03 Speaker 1: 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 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 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. 00:12:57 Speaker 7: My Lord, the feast is ready, and I have freed the brother we were holding in prison. 00:13:03 Speaker 1: 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 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, he asked the brothers questions. 00:13:50 Speaker 5: You spoke of an elderly father last time we met. Tell me how is he. 00:13:56 Speaker 6: He is alive and well, my lord. 00:13:58 Speaker 4: Although he is not fond of Benjamin being so far from home, he loves him dearly. 00:14:05 Speaker 1: 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 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. 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 a trembling voice. 00:15:11 Speaker 5: You must be Benjamin, God be gracious to you, my son. 00:15:15 Speaker 1: 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 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 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. 00:16:23 Speaker 5: Where am I to go from here? I cannot embrace them after what they did to me. 00:16:27 Speaker 1: 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 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 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 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 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. 00:18:07 Speaker 5: Hands let the feast begin. 00:18:10 Speaker 1: 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, 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 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 clapped and had some of his servant girls sit next to him. 00:19:22 Speaker 5: Ha Ah, royalty looks good on you, Benjamin. Perhaps your brothers should bow to you. 00:19:28 Speaker 1: Joseph listened closely for sneers and murmurings from the other brothers. However, to his surprise, they only laughed. 00:19:35 Speaker 3: I keep eating those double portions, and don't fill out that throne soon enough, Benji, if I have. 00:19:43 Speaker 7: A few more portions of sweetbread. 00:19:45 Speaker 4: Maybe father is good. 00:19:47 Speaker 5: It's bad, but he hears. Benji sat on a throne. 00:19:51 Speaker 1: 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. 00:20:09 Speaker 5: They haven't changed. It's all a show. 00:20:12 Speaker 6: They couldn't care less for Benjamin. 00:20:14 Speaker 5: They didn't for me. 00:20:16 Speaker 1: 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 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. 00:20:52 Speaker 6: And snarled, Tomorrow I will know the truth. 00:21:07 Speaker 1: 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, 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 enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.