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.

[Illustration: His brothers sold Joseph to some merchants.]

These merchants took Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of
the officers of the King's household. Potiphar was very kind to
Joseph, and as he grew up made him his steward or overseer. Joseph had
very winning manners and in time rose to be the governor or ruler over
all the land of Egypt and in high favor with King Pharaoh.

[Illustration: Ruler over all the land of Egypt.]

Meanwhile Joseph's brothers had told their father that Joseph had been
killed by a wild beast, and in proof they showed Jacob his son's