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Narrator
The minute Jacob heard those cries from the other side of the tent, he ran in. His son cried in Rachel's arms. He was the most beautiful thing Jacob had ever seen. Finally, he had a child born from love.
Jacob
My son.
Narrator
My son, I shall name you Joseph.
Jacob
Winter is approaching and you've already grown.
Narrator
Out of your old cult. Your mother has been hard at work getting the material for this.
Jacob took his hands off Joseph's eyes. In front of him, his mother held a long flowing coat adorned with many colors. Since his father had given him so much favoritism, Joseph truly believed he was superior to them.
Jacob
He had this spectacular dream. We were binding sheaves in the field, and my sheaf arose and stood upright. And then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheave.
Judah
So are you to rule over us?
Narrator
Joseph's dreams, once a source of personal pride, had become a point of contention among his family. His brothers hearts grew colder, their patience thinner. And as Joseph toiled in the fields, he could feel the weight of their resentment pressing down on him. A silent, unseen force waiting to strike.
Hello. Hello. I'm Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast.
Malcolm Gladwell
Smart talks with IBM.
Narrator
I recently sat down with IBM's chairman.
Malcolm Gladwell
And CEO, Arvind Krishna, and I asked.
Narrator
Him, how can companies use AI to its fullest potential to create smarter business?
Malcolm Gladwell
My one advice to them, Pick areas you can scale. Don't pick the shiny little toys on the side. For example, if anybody has more than 10% of what they had for customer service 10 years ago, they're already five years behind. If anybody is not using AI to make their developers who write software 30% more productive today with the goal of being 70% more productive. Yeah. Wow. So we are not asking our clients to be the first experiment on it. We say you can leverage what we did. We are happy to bring out all our learnings, including what needs to change in the process. Because the biggest change is not technology. It's getting people to accept that there's a different way to do things.
Narrator
To listen to the full conversation, visit IBM.com smarttalks.
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Narrator
Joseph stared down at the slow moving stream. He dipped his hands into the flow, rubbing his neck with the river's chill. The sun was high and sweltering. Its harsh rays were tortuous, and Joseph was glad he did not have to shepherd the flocks today. Resting his head on a smooth rock beside the stream, he let his foot dangle lazily in the water. Joseph closed his eyes, thoughts drifting to the dreams that had visited him the night before. Dreams of grandeur, of respect from his brothers. A respect he felt was deserved, though perhaps it was merely wishful thinking. Maybe all Joseph truly yearned for was their favor. A ruffle of the hair or a shared laugh by the fire. That's all he truly wanted. Blocking out the sun with his hand, he let himself drift into a blissful doze, flashes of his dreams playing in his mind, sheaves of grain bowing before him, the sun, moon, and stars encircling him.
Jacob
Just a dream.
Narrator
But it wasn't just a dream. Joseph's visions of grandeur may have been misplaced, but his dreams were not. They were a sign and a warning of things to come. Joseph awoke to his father's footsteps. Jacob made his way towards the stream and playfully splashed Joseph with his Walking stick, lounging about while the others work.
Jacob
I see.
Narrator
If you want to rule the moon and the stars one day you'll need.
Malcolm Gladwell
A stronger work ethic.
Jacob
Maybe I'll just disguise myself as Reuben and inherit all my riches.
Narrator
Jacob splashed Joseph in the face again. The two laughed, enjoying another moment of connection. Jacob's gaze turned serious as he looked towards the distant canyons.
Your brothers should be pestering the flocks near Shechem right now. We do not have good dealings with the people in Shechem. Jacob sighed and brought Joseph in close. The two walked from the stream back to the tents. Your brothers are not like you, Joseph. They are unruly and disobey me frequently. I don't fear God.
Malcolm Gladwell
I do not trust them.
Narrator
I need you to go to Shechem and check up on them.
Malcolm Gladwell
Go there and bring me back a report.
Jacob
I'm at your will, Father. I'll go and return when I learn more.
Narrator
Joseph donned his new coat and set off towards Shechem, pulling the coat over his head to shield himself from the sun. The valley was blistering, but Shechem was known for its springs where the sheep might drink. Perhaps his brothers had sought relief in the pools. He passed by the springs but saw no sign of them. He went to the fields where the sheep were supposed to be, yet again found no trace of them or his brothers. Joseph walked for miles, the sun descending from its zenith, the heat of the day beginning to wane. He took refuge under a tree, wiping sweat from his brow.
Jacob
Ah, perhaps they've gone again to Timna.
Narrator
His brothers, though mischievous and and unruly, were never irresponsible. Joseph admired them, longing to be part of their camaraderie. Yet his father's favoritism alienated him from them, their jealousy a constant barrier under the shade. Joseph sighed, considering abandoning his search. Then a man approached with a small herd of goats.
Malcolm Gladwell
You aren't from around here, are you?
Jacob
No, I'm from the house of Jacob. Have you seen a large flock of sheep with 10 herders? They're my brothers and they're supposed to be here in the hills of Shechem.
Malcolm Gladwell
Ah, yes, yes. There was a loud group of men that came through these hills. I had to take my goats elsewhere since their flock was so large and unruly.
Jacob
Excellent. Where might I find them? Did you see which direction they went?
Malcolm Gladwell
I overheard them saying about Dothan. One of them was rather loud and seemed to lead the rest.
Jacob
Oh, Judah. Thank you, sir.
Narrator
Joseph bowed to the herder and ran towards Dothan. His long, lean legs swiftly carrying him towards the canyons. Dothan was close. Nestled in a valley surrounded by canyons and hills, Joseph quickly worked the trails, climbing over rocks with grace and ease. Even at 17, he stood taller than most of his brothers, save for Reuben and Judah. He hopped from one stone to another with the swiftness of a mountain goat. He hoisted himself onto a rock at the canyon's edge, overlooking the valley. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows. J. Joseph scanned the valley, spotting the large flock of sheep but not his brothers. He descended the mountain wall, following a narrow, shaded trail. The brothers lurked in the shadows.
Judah
Oh, just as expected. Of course. Father sent him to spy on us. His little dog will do anything for a pat on the head.
Jacob
Perhaps he'll fall off the edge. That would solve all our problems.
Narrator
The rest of the brothers laughed. All except Reuben. He could sense something corrupt brewing from within the group. Simeon stood to his feet and pointed back at Joseph.
Jacob
What's keeping us from just putting an end to him? Are we really going to wait for Father to die and give his entire inheritance to the youngest?
Narrator
Asher's head perked.
Jacob
Would Father really do that?
Judah
Of course he would. Father was the youngest, remember? He sympathizes with the boy. Look at the coat he's wearing. When has Father ever given you something of that much worth?
Jacob
It would be so easy just to blame it on a wild animal. These canyons are filled with wolves. You could give kill him and no one would ever find him.
Narrator
The brothers began to stir. What began as small jokes had turned into a serious conversation. As Joseph continued to approach the bottom of the hill, the group's resolve to harm him increased. Reuben was growing uneasy. He was the eldest and had the most to lose from Joseph's prominence. But he wasn't petty and spiteful like his childish younger brothers. Brothers, you don't want his blood on my hands.
Malcolm Gladwell
Throw him in one of these pits.
Narrator
We teach him a lesson. If he dies in there, he dies. At least you were not the one to kill him. Reuben's suggestion was a calculated attempt to save Joseph's life. Although Reuben was the eldest, Judah held the sway and influence. If he could persuade them to leave Joseph in a pit, he could rescue him later.
Judah
Here he comes. We'll see what comes of his dreams now.
Narrator
Joseph finally hopped off the last stone leading to the trail. The canyons blocked out the sun and provided some welcomed shade. He jogged down the trail, expecting to find his brothers on the other end of the tunnel like structure. However, Joseph could hear a stirring in the shadows. He stopped and turned. Whispers echoed through the canyons.
Jacob
Who's there?
Judah
The dreamer is here.
Narrator
The voice mocked from the darkness. Joseph looked over to see Judah emerging from a crack in the mountain. The other brothers appeared from the shadows behind him. Their eyes portrayed an ancient evil that had plagued humanity since the very beginning. They revealed a deep wickedness that had been brewing since the First Family. The heart of Cain, who murdered his brother Abel, was beating in the sons of Jacob. They hated Joseph for his favor and were trapped in a prison of jealousy. Sensing the danger, Joseph stepped back. But the brothers had surrounded him.
Judah
Where are you running off to, baby brother? Are you afraid?
Narrator
Joseph gulped. There was no escaping what was about to come. His eyes darted toward the trail. He sprinted forward, only to be stopped by his brothers and shoved back into the middle of the circle. They closed in on him. Simeon lunged forward for the first blow, right to the jaw. Joseph recoiled and stumbled back, only to be shoved to the ground by Levi. His brothers pounced on him, tearing the coat right off his body. Their kicks seemed endless. Joseph could feel his ribs cracking under the pressure of their blows.
Malcolm Gladwell
No.
Jacob
Stop. Someone help.
Narrator
Help.
Jacob
Help me.
Narrator
Joseph cried, but his brothers were too enraged to give mercy. Judah picked Joseph up by his hair and held his face tightly.
Judah
Tell me, Joseph, in all your dreaming, did you ever imagine this?
Narrator
Tears streamed down Joseph's face. He couldn't speak. He could barely breathe. Judah threw him against the rocks. Joseph lay there helplessly. His brothers were filled with spite. They took his limp and mangled body and threw him into an empty pit. Joseph tumbled down 15ft, hitting the cold dirt below. A cloud of dust rose in the air as Joseph's body hit the ground. He gasped for breath, coughing up blood and dirt. Joseph rolled onto his back, seeing the silhouetted faces of his brothers above. His eyes were growing dim, and the light from above was slipping from his sight. Feeling broken and abandoned, Joseph closed his eyes. All was dark.
Malcolm Gladwell
Hello.
Narrator
Hello. I'm Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast.
Malcolm Gladwell
Smart talks with IBM.
Narrator
I recently sat down with IBM's chairman.
Malcolm Gladwell
And CEO, Arvind Krishna, and I asked.
Narrator
Him, how can companies use AI to its fullest potential to create smarter business?
Malcolm Gladwell
My one advice to them, Pick areas you can scale. Don't pick the shiny little toys on the side. Mm. For example, if anybody has more than 10% of what they had for customer service 10 years ago, they're already five years behind. If anybody is not using AI to make their developers who write software 30% more productive today, with the goal of being 70% more productive. Yeah. Wow. So we are not asking our clients to be the first experiment on it. We say you can leverage what we did. We are happy to bring out all our learnings, including what needs to change in the process. Because the biggest change is not technology. It's getting people to accept that there's a different way to do things.
Narrator
To listen to the full conversation, visit IBM.com smart talks.
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Narrator
The Sons of Israel. Still fumed with adrenaline, they looked down at Joseph lying motionless in the pit. They spat down the pit and turned back to their flock. They sat in the fields enjoying a meal. As they broke apart their bread and drank from their wineskins, they considered what to do with Joseph.
Judah
Oh, thanks. What do we do now, Reuben? It was your idea to leave him in the pit. If we leave him there, then he'll either die or escape. I mean, do we risk either leave him for now.
Narrator
We will go back home and consider what to do with him. Perhaps he will be consumed by beasts tonight. We won't have to lie to Father. Reuben was planning on saving Joseph later that night. He just needed his brothers gone. Reuben stood to his feet and stretched.
Brothers, I'M going to sell a few of our sheep to the nearby shearers.
Judah
I'll be back shortly.
Malcolm Gladwell
Then we can go home and decide.
Narrator
What to do with Joseph. The brothers nodded and Reuben left down the trail to go barter with the nearby merchants. Judah sat alone on a stone, looking intently at the canyons where they left Joseph. His stare was intense and unyielding. His chest swelled with jealous rage. He was completely gripped with hatred. At the corner of his eye Judah could see some Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. They they had camels bearing gum, balm and spices. Judah recognized these merchants. He had seen them in the darker parts of the city. He knew these men were more than spice merchants. They were slave traders. Judah stood up and skipped a few stones on the nearby creek.
Judah
Reuben is naive.
Narrator
The brothers poked their ears to him and listened to he thinks he can.
Judah
Save Joseph to gain favor with Father. He's short sighted. That boy will steal his birthright. Or worse, Father will give it to him on a platter.
Jacob
Judah, we will be banished if Father finds out what we did.
Judah
We could kill him, blame it on some animals or raiders. But that would profit us nothing.
My brothers. How would you all like a shining new coat like Joseph's? Why don't we sell him? There are spice merchants a few yards from the town entrance. I happen to know that they are slave traders. Joseph is a strong young man. They would pay us a handsome sum of money for him.
Narrator
The brothers were silent for a long moment. They were beginning to realize what they had done. There was no turning back. They either needed to kill him or sell him away. If they didn't, they would risk their father finding out. The brothers looked up at Judah as their appointed leader and nodded. Judah smiled and walked over to the Ishmaelites. Judah approached them with his arms wide open. His charming smile shone in the setting sun. Judah was a charismatic man. He was clever like his father, but lacked the humility gained through years of struggle and wrestling.
Judah
My friends, I have an offer for you.
Narrator
The Ishmaelites turned their attention to Judah. He sauntered to their camels and began to stroke their noses.
Judah
I know you are spice traders, but I hear you deal in much rarer items as well. Is that true?
Narrator
Before Judah could continue, he found himself pinned to the ground, blades at his throat. Their leader stood over him, a tall dark man with a slender frame and a crooked face.
Jacob
Do not toy with us, son of Jacob.
Narrator
We know who your father is. Tell us your offer and nothing more.
Jacob
We want little to do with you and your family.
Narrator
Judah coughed and winced on the ground. The brothers ran towards him, but promptly stopped when they saw their blades drawn still on the floor. Judah raised his hands and pointed north.
Judah
Okay, okay. Like lying in a pit just north of here. There was a young. Young man. He's 17. He's strong, lean and able to work. What. What will you give us for.
Narrator
The Ishmaelites sheathed their swords, discussing amongst themselves. Their leader peered back at Judah, his expression calculating. The sun was setting and Judah's brothers grew anxious, knowing Reuben would soon return. Finally, the leader approached, gesturing toward the canyons. If the boy is healthy and able.
Jacob
Bodied, we'll give you 20 shekels of silver.
Narrator
Judah looked back at his brothers. They hadn't imagined having such wealth. He shook hands with the Ishmaelite, leading them to the pit where Joseph lay trapped.
Hours had passed since Joseph hit the jagged rocks below. Every breath was a struggle, each inhalation a stab of pain. He leaned against the cold stone wall, his lips parched, his tongue swollen. He looked up, seeing the sky painted in deep red hues as the sun set. Tears streamed down his dusty face.
Jacob
Oh God. What have I done to deserve this? Did you just give me these dreams to mock me?
Toying with me?
Narrator
Why?
Joseph was met with silence. The crimson clouds above rolled faster to the evening wind. Joseph gazed blankly at the small opening where he had been thrown in. He desperately wanted to believe that was one of his brothers would come to save him. As he looked above, he saw a rope fall down through the entrance and fall down at his feet. Hope flickered in his heart. Perhaps Reuben had returned with mercy. He tied the rope around his waist, using what little strength he had to climb. Joseph stood at the pit's edge and saw his brothers a few feet away. Relief washed over him. He had thought they had abandoned him. He limped towards them, smiling. But a rope was thrown around his neck, yanking him back. He fell, gasping for air, his legs kicking in desperation, tied to the end of a camel. Joseph looked up to see the tall, slender man looming over him. The Ishmaelite leader grabbed Joseph's jaw, examining him with invasive force.
Jacob
20 pieces of silver, as we agreed.
Narrator
Joseph watched his brothers walk away, one by one. The last was Judah, who lingered in silence, watching Joseph carted off like livestock. Joseph's cries for help were choked by the tightrope. Tears filled his eyes, his heart heavy with betrayal. The sun set, the stars taking its place as Joseph was taken towards Egypt, a slave's fate awaiting him. He kept his gaze fixed south toward Canaan, the land he was leaving behind, the home that had betrayed him. Reuben returned to find his brothers near the canyon. He looked into the pit and saw that it was empty. His heart filled with bitter regret.
Malcolm Gladwell
Where is he?
Narrator
None of the brothers answered. They allowed him to mourn. At the entrance of the pit, Simeon stood next to him and put his hand on his shoulder. He pulled out two silver shekels and handed them to him.
Jacob
What's done is done, Reuben. It was out of your hands. Here, take your share.
Narrator
Simeon tossed him his share of the story. Spoils. Reuben gripped the coins, their weight heavy in his hand. He realized his grave mistake. His attempt to outsmart his brothers had failed. Joseph was gone. Reuben sighed, tossing the coins into the pit, their clanging echoing. He took his staff and some sheep, leaving his brothers and their conspiracy behind and walking back to their father. The others slaughtered a sheep, splattering its blood on Joseph's coat, tearing it to pieces and soiling it with dirt. With melancholy faces, they returned to Jacob. Judah, Simeon, and Levi entered Jacob's tent first, carrying the mangled robe as if it were a dying child. They bowed before Jacob, their eyes filled with feigned sorrow.
Judah
Father, we found this by the canyons near Shechem.
Narrator
Is.
Judah
Is this Joseph's?
Narrator
Jacob stood, taking the coat in his hands, shock and anguish filling his face. He walked outside, falling to his knees, pressing the bloody coat to his face.
Judah
My son. My side.
Narrator
Jacob was inconsolable. His remaining sons tried to comfort him, but he refused. He tore his clothes and screamed to the heavens. He looked up with bloodshot eyes and body shaking with grief.
Judah
My moaning will not cease until I.
Jacob
Join my beloved son in the grave.
Narrator
Jacob buried his head in the dirt. His cries were deep, bellowing and heavy. They shook the earth beneath him.
This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.
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Narrator
There the last one.
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Monthly income is not guaranteed.
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Air Date: December 8, 2025
In this episode, "Joseph: The Betrayed," The Chosen People podcast brings to life one of the Old Testament’s most compelling dramas: the early life and devastating betrayal of Joseph, Jacob’s beloved son. Through vibrant storytelling and rich characterizations, listeners are immersed in the emotional complexities of favoritism, jealousy, sibling rivalry, and divine destiny. The episode thoughtfully explores themes of faith, longing for acceptance, and the darker currents of the human heart, positioning Joseph’s ordeal as both a cautionary tale and a narrative of hope amidst suffering.
Timestamp: 01:05–02:41
Joseph is born to Jacob and Rachel, a child of deep love and the focus of parental favoritism.
Jacob presents Joseph with a “long flowing coat adorned with many colors,” signifying his special status and fueling tension among his older brothers.
Joseph’s confidence grows, leading to an air of superiority that isolates him from his siblings.
“Since his father had given him so much favoritism, Joseph truly believed he was superior to them.” —Narrator (01:37)
Timestamp: 01:54–02:41
Joseph recounts influential dreams, including sheaves bowing to his sheaf, symbolizing future dominance.
The brothers’ annoyance and jealousy grow, especially when Joseph shares:
“He had this spectacular dream… Your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” —Joseph (01:54)
“So are you to rule over us?” —Judah (02:09)
These dreams, while prophetic, become a point of contention and alienation, deepening the rift within the family.
Timestamp: 05:01–09:25
Joseph, basking in daydreams by the stream, yearns for simple acceptance from his brothers.
Jacob, expressing concern for his other sons and distrust of their character, sends Joseph to find them near Shechem.
“Your brothers are not like you, Joseph. They are unruly and disobey me frequently.” —Jacob (07:04)
“Go there and bring me back a report.” —Jacob (07:33)
Joseph earnestly agrees and sets out, further highlighting his desire to please his father and be accepted by his siblings.
Timestamp: 09:25–10:20
Timestamp: 10:20–12:53
The brothers’ resentment boils over into open hatred. Their conspiratorial conversation turns from mockery to serious intent to harm Joseph, with Reuben offering a mitigated solution:
“Throw him in one of these pits. We teach him a lesson. If he dies in there, he dies. At least you were not the one to kill him.” —Reuben (11:56)
Judah’s influence as ringleader is evident as he stokes the brothers’ grievances.
“Here he comes. We'll see what comes of his dreams now.” —Judah (12:20)
Timestamp: 12:53–15:23
Joseph is ambushed, beaten, and stripped of his special coat.
The pain of betrayal is palpable:
“Tell me, Joseph, in all your dreaming, did you ever imagine this?” —Judah (14:26)
Severely injured and humiliated, Joseph is thrown into a pit while his brothers callously go about their meal.
Timestamp: 18:10–20:59
As the brothers deliberate Joseph’s fate, Reuben plans to save him, but Judah sees a new opportunity.
Judah persuades the others to sell Joseph to Ishmaelite slave traders, rationalizing profit over bloodguilt.
“Why don't we sell him? There are spice merchants a few yards from the town entrance. I happen to know that they are slave traders.” —Judah (20:33)
Timestamp: 21:37–23:15
Timestamp: 23:35–28:23
Joseph’s prayerful plea in the pit is met with silence:
“Oh God. What have I done to deserve this? Did you just give me these dreams to mock me?” —Joseph (23:59)
After his sale, the brothers concoct a ruse—covering the coat in sheep’s blood and presenting it to Jacob.
Jacob is inconsolable in his grief, refusing comfort and vowing to mourn until death:
“My moaning will not cease until I join my beloved son in the grave.” —Jacob (28:16)
“Maybe all Joseph truly yearned for was their favor. A ruffle of the hair or a shared laugh by the fire. That's all he truly wanted.” —Narrator (05:01)
“Their eyes portrayed an ancient evil… The heart of Cain, who murdered his brother Abel, was beating in the sons of Jacob.” —Narrator (12:53)
“Why don't we sell him?… Joseph is a strong young man. They would pay us a handsome sum of money for him.” —Judah (20:33)
“My moaning will not cease until I join my beloved son in the grave.” —Jacob (28:16)
The episode is somber and deeply introspective, inviting listeners into Joseph’s internal struggles and the moral failings of his brothers. The narrative voice deftly balances poetic prose and grounded dialogue, conveying the tragic chain of events with historical vividness and emotional gravity. Through skillful voice work and music, the story evokes empathy for Joseph’s plight and prompts reflection on the consequences of envy, favoritism, and broken trust.
Listeners new to the story will find this immersive retelling both heartbreaking and illuminating, setting the stage for Joseph’s journey from betrayed outcast to, ultimately, a figure of providence and redemption.