An Unexpected Road to Egypt

Sometime later, Joseph's brothers traveled far from home to find fresh grass for the family's sheep.

One morning, Jacob called Joseph.

“Your brothers have been away for a long time,” he said. “Please go and make sure they are well.”

“Yes, Father. I will go,” Joseph answered.

Joseph put on his special robe and began the journey. His sandals tapped along the dusty road as he crossed hills and fields.

At last, Joseph saw his brothers in the distance. He raised a hand to greet them.

But when they saw his colorful robe, they felt jealous again.

“Here comes the dreamer,” one brother said.

Some of them wanted to hurt him. But Reuben, the oldest brother, did not want that to happen.

“Do not hurt him,” Reuben said. “Let us put him in that empty well.”

In secret, Reuben planned to return later, lift Joseph out of the well, and take him safely home.

When Joseph reached his brothers, they took away his special robe. Then they lowered him into the empty well.

The well was deep, dark, and dry.

“Brothers!” Joseph called. “Please, help me!”

But his brothers sat down to eat.

As they ate, they heard the creak of wheels and the soft footsteps of several camels.

A group of travelers was passing by on the way to the distant land of Egypt. Their camels carried spices, perfumes, and other goods to sell.

One of Joseph's brothers had an idea.

“Instead of leaving Joseph in the well, we can sell him to these travelers,” he said.

The brothers agreed.

They pulled Joseph out of the well. The travelers gave them twenty silver coins and took Joseph with them.

The camels began walking toward Egypt. Their bells rang softly as the caravan moved away along the dusty road.

Joseph looked back until he could no longer see his home.

He felt frightened and alone. He did not understand his dreams or know what would happen next.

But Joseph was not truly alone.

God saw Joseph on that long road to Egypt. God had not forgotten him, and Joseph's story was only beginning.