YOSĔPH 15 (Joseph 15)

1 Twenty-four days later the Yishma’ĕlites came; they had heard that Ya’aqoḇ, my father, was mourning greatly over me, and they came and told me.

2 Why did you tell us that you were a slave? Look, we now know that you are the son of a great man in the land of Kena’an, and that your father is mourning for you in sackcloth and ashes.

3 When I heard this my inner being was dissolved and my heart melted, and I wanted to weep very much, but I restrained myself so as not to bring disgrace on my brothers. So I said to them, I know nothing; I am a slave.

4 Then they conferred about selling me so that I might not be discovered in bondage to them, for they feared my father,

5 that he might come and avenge himself powerfully against them. They had heard that he was a great person in the sight of Elohim and men.

6 Then the trader said to them, Release me from Potiphar’s judgment. So they came and requested of me, Say that you were purchased by us with money, and then he will release us from responsibility.