So they sent word ¹  to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave these instructions before he died:

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield ¹  and the one who will reward you in great abundance.” ² 

But look, ¹  the word of the Lord came to him: “This man ²  will not be your heir, ³  but instead ⁴  a son ⁵  who comes from your own body will be ⁶  your heir.” ⁷ 

So Jacob ¹  said to him, “Go now and check on ²  the welfare ³  of your brothers and of the flocks, and bring me word.” So Jacob ⁴  sent him from the valley of Hebron.

Then Judah approached him and said, “My lord, please allow your servant to speak a word with you. ¹  Please do not get angry with your servant, ²  for you are just like Pharaoh. ³ 

Jacob ¹  said, “Swear to me that you will do so.” ²  So Joseph ³  gave him his word. ⁴  Then Israel bowed down ⁵  at the head of his bed. ⁶ 

While they were bringing her out, she sent word ¹  to her father-in-law: “I am pregnant by the man to whom these belong.” ²  Then she said, “Identify ³  the one to whom the seal, cord, and staff belong.”

“Agreed!” said Laban, “It will be as you say.” ¹ 

You will oversee my household, and all my people will submit to your commands. ¹  Only I, the king, will be greater than you. ² 

When Joseph’s ¹  brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, ²  they hated Joseph ³  and were not able to speak to him kindly. ⁴ 

Now then, my son, do ¹  exactly what I tell you! ² 

So Jacob sent a message for Rachel and Leah ¹  to come to the field ²  where his flocks were. ³ 

So his mother told him, “Any curse against you will fall on me, ¹  my son! Just obey me! ²  Go and get them for me!”

When ¹  Jacob heard that Shechem ²  had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. So Jacob remained silent ³  until they came in.

Then put ¹  my cup – the silver cup – in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the money for his grain.” He did as Joseph instructed. ² 

After these things Joseph was told, ¹  “Your father is weakening.” So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim with him.

Stay there ¹  until your brother’s anger against you subsides and he forgets what you did to him. Then I’ll send someone to bring you back from there. ²  Why should I lose both of you in one day?” ³ 

After three months Judah was told, ¹  “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has turned to prostitution, ²  and as a result she has become pregnant.” ³  Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”

Silently the man watched her with interest to determine ¹  if the Lord had made his journey successful ²  or not.

He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Please tell ¹  me where they are grazing their flocks.”