Joseph: The Son of Israel

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Send Benjamin with me. Father, we can't afford to wait any longer without Grain. 00:00:09 Speaker 3: You expect me to trust you. 00:00:12 Speaker 4: 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. 00:00:28 Speaker 5: You, young Benjamin, will be my slave. The rest of your brothers can walk away with Grain in their freedom. But you, you marat in the pit until I pluck you out, and have you labor in my fields until the. 00:00:44 Speaker 2: Day you die. Take me instead. 00:00:50 Speaker 1: Joseph's heart stopped beating when he heard the words fall from Judah's lips. 00:00:55 Speaker 6: What did you say? 00:00:57 Speaker 2: Have me remain as a slave on Benjamin's Let me suffer so he can live. 00:01:02 Speaker 1: Judah's sacrifice pierced through Joseph's hardened heart. Look at me, brother, Judah's eyes, filled with pain and confusion, surged Joseph's face. The realization dawned slowly, like the breaking of a new day. 00:01:22 Speaker 2: Who are you? 00:01:23 Speaker 3: You know who I am? Joos Oh? 00:01:35 Speaker 7: No, look at me, Judah, look at me, Look at everything you see around you. Egypt is say from famine because of what God has done. Do not hold your heads low in shame because you sold me here. 00:01:51 Speaker 6: God send me here to preserve life. 00:01:55 Speaker 5: He knew that one day a famine would endanger the land, and one one of. 00:02:00 Speaker 6: Us would have to prepare the way to deliverance. 00:02:04 Speaker 1: He sent them off with ten donkeys, loaded with grain, bread, and provisions for his father. On their journey. Joseph waved them away and began to prepare a place for his family to return. Jacob's weary eyes gazed into the fire. The embers and smoke rose into the night sky painted with stars. He warmed his hands and allowed his mind to wander. His son's wives and children were all near the fire as well, all of them waiting for the return of the brothers. 00:02:42 Speaker 2: Do you think they're safe, Jacob, they've been gone for over a week. 00:02:46 Speaker 3: I do not know, child, but I fear the worst. 00:02:51 Speaker 8: If they don't return soon, I I'm not sure how much longer my soul will endure. 00:02:58 Speaker 1: Jacob regretted sending him his son's back, but he had no choice. They needed grain. He looked at his grandchildren sitting quietly in their mother's arms. He was concerned for them as well. The famine had struck them hard, and he feared that no amount of grain would be able to sustain them for longer than a few months. Levi's youngest son, Koha, approached Jacob and sat in his lap. Jacob held him close. 00:03:27 Speaker 8: Will these be our last days? How many more nights do we have left? You've always starved? 00:03:35 Speaker 1: Jacob closed his eyes and felt the warm embrace of his grandson. He knew his time on earth was drawing to a close. Before Jacob dismissed himself for bed, he could hear the chuckles of his sons in the distance. His grandsons helped him up, and he walked over to the small hill near their tents. In the distance, he could see torchlights. He counted them. Jacob raised his hands in joy and went out to meet his sons. 00:04:05 Speaker 3: My boy, where is my boy? 00:04:08 Speaker 2: Here? 00:04:08 Speaker 5: I am father, not you fool? 00:04:12 Speaker 3: Where is Benjamin? 00:04:13 Speaker 1: Benjamin ran in front of the others and met his father in the middle. The two of them hugged, and Jacob sobbed in his youngest son's arms. He looked up to see Simeon walking next to Judah. He cried out again. 00:04:27 Speaker 3: Oh, Simeon, they have brought you back. 00:04:31 Speaker 1: He embraced Simeon, and all the men dropped their things to surround their father. Jacob saw that they had brought back more donkeys and carts than when they left. 00:04:41 Speaker 4: Why have you come with more donkeys and empty carts, my dear father. 00:04:46 Speaker 6: The Lord has brought us deliverance from the famine. 00:04:50 Speaker 3: Yes, we have enough grain to last us through the ear. Well done, No. 00:04:55 Speaker 6: Not the grain. 00:04:57 Speaker 5: Come, Let us retreat to the fire. Much to discuss. 00:05:01 Speaker 1: The brothers escorted their father back to camp and greeted their families. Children ran into the arms of their fathers. Jacob's heart was full of seeing his entire lineage stand before him by the fire. They sat by the flames and enjoyed a meal together. There was laughter and praise over the abundance they brought back from Egypt. 00:05:22 Speaker 3: Are these extra supplies the deliverance? 00:05:25 Speaker 2: Who spoke of father? I'm struggling to find the words. What is it, Your son, Joseph is alive. 00:05:37 Speaker 1: Jacob's brow creased in anger, and the right side of his lip raised in a snarl. With cold, unyielding eyes, Jacob rebuked his son, do. 00:05:46 Speaker 3: Not speak to me of Joseph. Do not chide me about your dead brother. I have grieved enough. It's true, father, I got to meet him in Egypt. Joseph has been in Egypt this time, not only that he's the ruler there, he's up at not Pania Benji. 00:06:07 Speaker 2: Look you're only confusing father. More. Father, we have to tell you the truth, the truth about what happened to Joseph all those years ago. 00:06:18 Speaker 8: My son Joseph was devoured by wolves. I I saw the coat, Sir, No, Father, it was a lie. 00:06:29 Speaker 1: The brothers began to tell Jacob about what they had done. They were counted that day. When Joseph came to find them, they told him about the pit, the Ishmaelites, and the silver. Then they began to describe what had happened to Joseph while he was in Egypt. They explained how he was a slave turned steward, then a steward turned prisoner, then a prisoner turned ruler. It was much for Jacob to take in. He sat in silence as his sons lamented their sins. They groveled before him, begging for his forgiveness. 00:07:02 Speaker 2: Father, we understand if you wanted to cast us out, but please here, I. 00:07:08 Speaker 3: Have heard your words my sons. That is enough. 00:07:12 Speaker 1: Jacob rubbed his hip, as he often did when he was in deep thought and prayer. His brow was furrowed in contemplation. He winced in pain as he helped himself up with his staff. He limped away from the fire, dragging a few feet forward before stopping and looking up to the sky. The vast expanse above made Jacob seem utterly small. Judah wondered if he was going to blow away with the wind. 00:07:40 Speaker 2: Is this finally going to be what kills him? Can he withstand this grief and betrayal? Father? Are you laughing? 00:08:03 Speaker 1: As quickly as the wind shifted on the plains, Jacob spun around with a beaming smile that broke through the night. His feet tapped in the dust as he pranced around the fire, laughing and singing. 00:08:16 Speaker 3: My son is alive, My son is alive. 00:08:22 Speaker 2: But did you hear what we told you? We lied to you. 00:08:25 Speaker 9: I too old to care about that. Quick fact, these cuts and let us move. We have to reach Egypt before I die. You and I both know that could be any minute. I mean, look at me. 00:08:43 Speaker 1: Despite Jacob's words, he looked twenty years younger. Joy had revitalized him. Tears fell like rain from his aged and cracked face. 00:08:54 Speaker 3: Joseph, Oh, my son, I knew, I knew, I knew your destined for greatness. I knew it the day you were born. 00:09:08 Speaker 1: The family of Israel departed from the land that was promised to them long ago. The land discovered by Abraham, cultivated by Isaac, and lived in by Jacob was left behind for a new chapter in God's story. The chosen people of God traversed the long path between Canaan and Egypt in search of redemption. The one who rose out of prison and on to the throne had called them to dwell with him in prosperity, so they obeyed and ventured forth. It took weeks for Jacob to travel such a distance. Before leaving the borders of Canaan, Jacob stopped in Biersheba to make a sacrifice. The rest of the family waited as Jacob limped his way up a hill to the well he had dug many years ago. It was on this hill where God showed him a vision of a ladder to heaven. For his entire life, Jacob had moved and responded to different situations. Rarely did he pause to deeply consider, pray, and meditate on God's will. Yet, here on the border of the land promised to his people, he paused. 00:10:20 Speaker 8: Is it wrong for me to leave the land promised to me and my forefathers Am I making a mistake? 00:10:29 Speaker 1: Jacob closed his eyes, remembering what God had spoken to him as a young man. The wind whistled up the hill, gently caressing Jacob's face. In the wind, he could hear a subtle whisper, a still and quiet voice speaking straight to his soul. 00:10:47 Speaker 10: Jacob, Jacob, here I am, do not fear the unknown. I am your God, AM the God of your father. Do not feel going down to Egypt, For there I will make you a great nation. I will go before you, and I will also bring you back up again when the time comes, And when it is time for you to depart from this world, twill be Joseph who closes your eyes. 00:11:20 Speaker 1: Jacob smiled at God like one does an old friend. Together they sat at the well for a while, getting one last look at Canaan. Jacob hobbled down the hill. Midway down, he stopped his steps and looked down at his family, Reuben and his sons Hannok Pallu, Hezron, and Kami were stitching up the donkeys. Simeon was with his sons Jemuel, Jamin, o'had Yaquin, Zohar and Shaw patching up holes in the bags. Levi and his sons Gershon, Kohath and Murri were lounging under the shade of a large stone. Then Jacob looked at Judah and his sons Perez and Zira. Zira had two children of his own, now Hesron and Hamil. They were all together. Despite the dysfunction that wought their family, they had grown to love one another deeply. Issakar and his sons Tola, Puva, Job and Shimron were playing by a small creek beside the rocks. Zebulun and his sons serahed Elon and jali O were nearby as well. Gad was present with his sons Ziphion, Hagai, Shuni, Esben, Urai, Arodi, and Arelai. They were playing with the sons of Asher Imna, Ishva, Ishvii, Bereah and a daughter named Sarah. Asher also had his grandsons Heba and Malchio. Dan was with his only son Hushi, playfully throwing stones at the sons of Naphtali, Jazil, Unai, Jesa, and Shilim. Jacob looked upon the vast number of people before him. Through God's blessings, he had created a small nation. Now it was time to begin a new chapter in the land of Egypt. With God's favor behind them and before them, the Chosen People ventured away from Canaan, prepared to begin their new lives under Joseph's protection. Jacob rested on a wagon pulled by two donkeys, accompanying him or a few of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The journey was filled with hopeful joy, and the supplies given by Joseph made the long trek far more manageable. Jacob and his sons looked at the horizon and saw the majestic architecture of Egypt. Its splendor was like the rising sun. The very land that was meant to be Joseph's tomb turned out to be the land of deliverance for his family. Hire family cheered as they entered the borders of Egypt. The land had clearly been affected by the famine as well, but due to Joseph's brilliance, irrigation systems and patches of lush farmland were still intact. It had been the first sign of life they had seen for miles. Jacob's lip began to quiver, his bones ached from a long journey, but his heart was bursting forth with youthful zeal. 00:14:27 Speaker 8: Judah, come here, yes, father, run ahead and tell my son that we have arrived. 00:14:36 Speaker 3: I do not want to waste one more second. 00:14:38 Speaker 1: Judah bowed his head and ran ahead. He made his way to the lavish estate of Joseph. He was sitting in the courtyard with a few of his officials, strategizing for rationing in the next year. Judah came in, escorted by guards. Joseph looked up and immediately stood in joy. 00:14:57 Speaker 6: Is he here? 00:14:58 Speaker 1: His excited grin was like a little child's. Judah simply nodded. He sprang up to go to meet his father, but before he left, he paused. He turned to Judah, who was still standing still. Joseph stepped lightly and placed a hand on his shoulder. Judah's body quivered slightly, his fists tensed, then released as he spoke. 00:15:22 Speaker 2: Greatness, that's what Abraham was called to do, building a nation a legacy. You've done it, Joseph. Your name will be engraved in the hearts and minds of people for generations to come, and I well, I'm glad they at least got to witness it. You're a king, and your children will most likely be kings as well. I will be lucky if mine even least another generation luck greatness. 00:16:03 Speaker 6: You know, before I wore these royal amulets, I wore chains, Before those shades, my hands were pound up by rope as a slave. The path to greatness can be treacherous. 00:16:15 Speaker 2: And the way of kings is marked by suffering. 00:16:18 Speaker 6: Your legacy may not be fully seen by your children or your grandchildren, but give it time. The generations that follow they sing of your greatness. 00:16:27 Speaker 2: Maybe you're right? What are you? What are you doing here with me? Go see your father. 00:16:35 Speaker 1: Joseph was gone in an instant. He mounted his chariot, eyes beaming with hope and pride. He reached out a hand to Judah, you want. 00:16:43 Speaker 6: A taste of greatness. Judah hop on. 00:16:47 Speaker 1: Judah ran like a child and hopped onto the chariot. The two of them rode through the city streets with ferocious speed. Judah had never ridden a horse before, let alone a chariot. Its speed was near blinding. Joseph was beaming with joy. Tears welled up in his eyes as he saw the small caravan of people in the distance. Father Jacob looked up behind a golden chariot pulled by Egyptian stallions. A tall, tanned man adorned with royal garments approached. His head dress flew off from the wind, revealing long brown curls. Jacob peered at the figure, wondering if it was Pharaoh himself coming to greet them. 00:17:30 Speaker 2: But it wasn't. 00:17:31 Speaker 1: The man riding towards him was his son, Joseph, his lost child. 00:17:38 Speaker 8: Joseph, Joseph, Joseph. 00:17:46 Speaker 6: Father. 00:17:47 Speaker 1: He was close now, and the horses made an abrupt stop. With the sun at his back, the glimmering redeemer of Israel stood before Jacob. The man who had suffered so the rest may be saved had arrived. Joseph the Dreamer was reunited with his father. Joseph dismounted his chariot. Jacob was helped off of the wagon. The two of them stood ten feet away from each other. It had been many years since they had seen each other. Jacob stepped forward and touched his son's face. Tears streamed down the cracks of his face. 00:18:27 Speaker 3: Is it you, my son? Yes, father, it's me. 00:18:32 Speaker 6: I'm here. 00:18:33 Speaker 1: He crumbled into his father's arms like a child and sobbed. The two of them embraced. Jacob held his son's face. 00:18:42 Speaker 8: No, no, I may die in peace since I have seen your face and know that you are alive. 00:18:54 Speaker 1: This Prey Door conproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Sllebager 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 Leshinski. 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.