They were all older than he and had served
their father faithfully for many years, while Joseph was only seventeen
years old. Another thing made them angry. Joseph used to have dreams
and tell them to his brothers in what they thought was a boastful way.
Their jealousy and anger grew to hatred and they talked over plans for
getting rid of him.
[Illustration: Joseph used to have dreams and tell them to his
brothers.]
At this time Jacob's flocks of sheep were at quite a distance from
Hebron, cared for by the ten older sons. Wishing to know how they
prospered, Jacob sent Joseph to inquire if all was well with them. So
Joseph set out on his errand and found his brothers in the
pasture-lands of Dothan.
When his brothers saw him coming they decided to get rid of him in some
way. Their hearts were full of hatred and they deliberately planned to
kill their brother. One thing after another was suggested until at
last they decided to leave him in a deep, dry water-cistern to starve
to death.
Reuben, the eldest son, intended to get Joseph out of the cistern later
and send him home to his father, but he was unable to do this, for in
his absence his brothers sold Joseph to some merchants who came along
just then.
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