JOSEPH CAST INTO THE PIT

Once the brethren of Joseph led their father's flocks to
the pastures of Shechem, and they intended to take their
ease and pleasure there.[21] They stayed away a long time, and
no tidings of them were heard. Jacob began to be anxious
about the fate of his sons. He feared that a war had broken
out between them and the people of Shechem, and he resolved
to send Joseph to them and have him bring word
again, whether it was well with his brethren.[22] Jacob desired
to know also about the flocks, for it is a duty to concern
oneself about the welfare of anything from which one derives
profit. Though he knew that the hatred of his brethren
might bring on unpleasant adventures, yet Joseph, in
filial reverence, declared himself ready to go on his father's