12 God’s people were few in number,

strangers in the land of Canaan.

13 They wandered from country to country,

from one kingdom to another.

14* But God let no one oppress them;

to protect them, he warned the kings:

15* “Don’t harm my chosen servants;

do not touch my prophets.”

16* The Lord sent famine to their country

and took away all their food.

17* But he sent a man ahead of them,

Joseph, who had been sold as a slave.