10. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant:
11. “I will give you the land of Canaanas your special possession.”
12. He said this when they were few in number,a tiny group of strangers in Canaan.
13. They wandered from nation to nation,from one kingdom to another.
14. Yet he did not let anyone oppress them.He warned kings on their behalf:
15. “Do not touch my chosen people,and do not hurt my prophets.”
16. He called for a famine on the land of Canaan,cutting off its food supply.
17. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18. They bruised his feet with fettersand placed his neck in an iron collar.
19. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,the lord tested Joseph’s character.