Genesis 37:14

God began to carry out an important plan. Joseph’s journey from Hebron to Shechem was 80 kilometres (50 miles). But soon after this, God sent Joseph out of *Canaan, the country where he was, to another country. He sent him to Egypt. That was a journey of 400 kilometres (250 miles). And after that, in God’s plan, all the children of Israel went to Egypt. They spent many years there and they increased in number. Then they returned across the desert to *Canaan.

When God made this plan, he had two great purposes. God’s purposes were these:

• He intended to turn Israel’s family into a great nation. He could not do that while they looked after sheep and cows in *Canaan. So he sent them to Egypt.

• He intended to teach all people how to trust and follow God. He led the children of Israel out of Egypt. He led them across the desert. That journey was like a picture of the lives of people who obey God. And God uses that journey to teach us.

v15 As Joseph wandered in the fields near Shechem, a man spoke to him. The man asked him, ‘What are you searching for?’ v16 Joseph said, ‘I am searching for my brothers. Please tell me where they have taken the sheep.’ v17 And the man said, ‘They have gone away. I heard them say, “Let us go to Dothan.” ’ So Joseph followed his brothers and he found them at Dothan.