But he replied, “I can’t go back with you ¹  or eat and drink ²  with you in this place.

He has brought you near and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you. Do you now seek ¹  the priesthood also?

But they said to her, “No! ¹  We will ²  return with you to your people.”

Let them be for yourself ¹  alone, and not for strangers with you. ² 

My child, ²  keep my words and treasure up my commands in your own keeping. ³ 

but I will confirm ¹  my covenant with you. You will enter ²  the ark – you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.

“Bring with you your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, so that they may join ¹  with you and minister to you while ²  you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony.

“As for me, ¹  this ²  is my covenant with you: You will be the father of a multitude of nations.

Now then, my son, do ¹  exactly what I tell you! ² 

When a foreigner resides ¹  with you in your land, you must not oppress him.

My child, ²  if ³  you receive my words, and store up ⁴  my commands within you,

for their Protector ¹  is strong; he will plead their case against you. ² 

“Come out of the ark, you, your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you.

When the Egyptians see you they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will keep you alive. ¹ 

I will make you ¹  extremely ²  fruitful. I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. ³ 

May the sovereign God ¹  bless you! May he make you fruitful and give you a multitude of descendants! ²  Then you will become ³  a large nation. ⁴ 

“See here,” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I place ¹  you in authority over all the land of Egypt.” ² 

You are to make the altar hollow, out of boards. Just as it was shown you ¹  on the mountain, so they must make it. ² 

I will strike them with the pestilence, ¹  and I will disinherit them; I will make you into a nation that is greater and mightier than they!”

Now, come up ¹  at night with your men ²  and set an ambush in the field outside the city. ³