Joseph: The Governor

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Father, I'm struggling to find the words. What is it? Your son Joseph is alive? Father? Are you laughing? 00:00:28 Speaker 1: As quickly as the wind shifted on the planes, Jacob spun around with a beaming smile that broke through the night. His feet tapped in the dust as he pranced around the fire, laughing and singing. 00:00:42 Speaker 3: My son is alive, My son is alive. 00:00:48 Speaker 2: But did you hear what we told you? 00:00:50 Speaker 3: We lied to you. I too old to care about that. Quick fact, these cuts. 00:00:56 Speaker 4: And let's move. We have to reach Egypt before I die. 00:01:02 Speaker 3: You and I both know that can be any minute. 00:01:06 Speaker 4: I mean, look at me. 00:01:10 Speaker 1: Joseph was beaming with joy. Tears welled up in his eyes as he saw the small caravan of people in the distance. Father, it had been many years since they had seen each other. Jacob stepped forward and touched his son's face. Tears streamed down the cracks of his face. 00:01:29 Speaker 4: Is it you, my son? Yes, Father, it's me. I'm here. 00:01:36 Speaker 5: Do not fear the unknown. I am your God, Am the god of your father. Do not fear going down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation. I will go before you, and I will also bring you back up again when the time comes, and when it is time for you to depart from this world, twill be Joseph who closes your eyes. 00:02:10 Speaker 1: Joseph entered Pharaoh's Great Halls, ivory beams shimmering in the afternoon sun. There, Pharaoh sat on his throne, a vision of power matching the intensity of the sun. Five of his brothers padded behind him, heads reverent and low as they approached the throne of the most powerful man in the world. Pharaoh's face, while usually friendly toward Joseph, was impassive in the presence of his brothers. Joseph turned his head slightly to Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, and Dissaca and whispered, you. 00:02:48 Speaker 4: Will not speak unless spoken to. Your heads need to remain bowed unless you are prompted to speak. If he asks you what you do, tell him you are herders, but only because your ancestors were before you. Why is that sheep and cattle are revered here in Egypt, so those who raise livestock for meat are considered fiends. If your ancestors were hurt us, that means you didn't choose the profession for yourself and your character will not be tarnished in Pharaoh's eyes. Does this mean we'll have to give up raising our sheep? Quiet or approaching? 00:03:29 Speaker 1: The brothers came before Pharaoh with wide anxious eyes. Joseph had Pharaoh's blessing and favor, but they were in uncharted territory. This was not an alliance. The sons of Israel were dependent on Pharaoh's generosity. It was up to Joseph to advocate on their behalf. 00:03:49 Speaker 4: Lord Pharaoh, I present to you five of my brothers. They represent my father's nation and their families. My eleven brothers, my fathers, and all they possess have come from Canaan. I have them in the land of Goshen, on the grassy plains outside the city. If it pleases you, I will have them remain there. 00:04:12 Speaker 3: Bring them before me. 00:04:14 Speaker 1: The Pharaoh scan the men up and down, observing their frames and discerning their intents. Pharaohs were said to have the eyes of the gods, seeing and discerning the thoughts and intents of friends and foes. Although Joseph didn't believe all the legends, he knew this Pharaoh to be a keen and wise judge of character. 00:04:38 Speaker 3: Brothers of Zaphaneth Prinaea, you hail from Canaan, beyond my rule and in the outlands of peasants and barbarians. Tell me what is your occupation. 00:04:54 Speaker 2: Your servants are shepherds, Lord Pharaoh. Our forefathers were all shepherds. It is all we have known from our youth. 00:05:02 Speaker 3: I am aware that not all nations hold the will of the gods as closely as I do. But you are within my borders. 00:05:13 Speaker 2: We have come to this land as guests and sojourners. There are no pastures here for our flocks. We are here because the blight has ravaged our land. Please, by your mercy and goodness, allow your servants to dwell in Goshen. 00:05:28 Speaker 1: Pharaoh turned to Joseph, his eyes keen and knowing he saw the dangers of having the Hebrews so close, But he also saw the rewards. 00:05:38 Speaker 3: We must tread lightly, Zephaneth Peneia. The people are fragile, and I will not have the balance upset. Understood, Lord Pharaoh, your father and brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is. Before you go, settle your family in the best parts of the land. By the decree of the Morning and evening Star, the image of Ra and sovereign of the Nile. I gift you the land of Goshen. All I ask in return, is you tend to my live stock as well with the able bodied men that you have to spare. 00:06:18 Speaker 4: Your kindness is as vast as the Nile. But we know your power courses as strong as its current. I will settle my family in Goshen. 00:06:28 Speaker 3: Do so swiftly, Zeppinet Pineia. We have urgent matters of the nation. 00:06:33 Speaker 4: Yes, my Lord Pharaoh, before they leave, I would have my father meet you so we can bless you. 00:06:39 Speaker 1: Bring him, Joseph dismissed his brothers. Waiting on the other side of the corridor was Jacob. When Joseph found him, he was staring blankly out the window, rubbing his hip. His eyes were lighter than Joseph remembered. Reflected in them was a lifetime of adventure, sorrow, triumph and regret. 00:07:01 Speaker 4: Father, are you ready to meet the Pharaoh? 00:07:05 Speaker 3: I suppose it's only fitting. 00:07:08 Speaker 6: My father and grandfather both met his forefathers, though under somewhat stranger circumstances. But as I look back, I suppose I am not too different than them. I've lived a life full of lies, fear, and failure like Abraham, but I've all witnessed beauty and faith like Isaac. 00:07:39 Speaker 1: Jacob trailed off his mind, wandering to a different place. Joseph gently grabbed his elbow and led him down the palace halls into the throne room of Pharaoh. The king seemed puzzled by Jacob, as if he'd imagined someone different. 00:07:56 Speaker 4: Lord Pharaoh, my father, Jacob, or are named Israel by our God Israel. 00:08:03 Speaker 3: How many years have you lived? 00:08:06 Speaker 4: Oh? 00:08:07 Speaker 6: The days of my sojourning here on this earth are one hundred and thirty. I am old, but look older than my father and grandfather did at this age. My days have been few and evil, grief, loss, and struggle have aged me considerably, or else I'd be much more lively in front of the great Pharaoh. The God you follow has blessed my nation considerably. Ah Yes, and may he continue to bless you for your generosity towards his chosen people. May the God of my father's Abraham and Isaac, the almighty creator of heaven and earth, bless you, Pharaoh with wisdom and dissert meant to rule your people with justice and compassion. May your reign be marked by prosperity and peace, and may the land of Egypt flourish under your leadership. May the Nile, the lifeblood of your nation, continue to flow abundantly, bringing nourishment and fertility to the fields. May your harvests be bountiful, your granary is full, and your people never know hunger. May He protect you and your household, granting you long life and health. May your descendants prosper and your legacy endure through the generations. As you have shown kindness to my family, bringing us into your land and providing for us in our time of need. May the God of Israel reas pay your generosity, Manifold. May you find favor in the eyes of My God, and may his presence guide you in all your endeavors. Peace be upon you and your house Pharaoh. May you walk in the light of God's wisdom and be a beacon of justice and righteousness for your people. 00:10:24 Speaker 4: Paymen. 00:10:26 Speaker 1: The blessing rang in the room like a deep gone Pharaoh remained motionless, although his eyes betrayed sincere joy and gratitude. Joseph stood in awe of his father, the trickster Jacob now standing before Pharaoh as a patriarch of God's people, noble, wise and content with his life. The creases of his eyes moistened. 00:10:54 Speaker 4: Let's go, father, Thank you, Lord Pharaoh. 00:10:57 Speaker 1: Joseph secured his family in Ghosh. It would be their refuge from the onslaught of the blighted famine, a safe haven to be preserved and multiply into a great nation. Joseph returned to the storehouses, where an angry mob had amassed. Gods stood with shields and spears at the ready. Joseph quickened his pace up the path. 00:11:22 Speaker 4: What is the meaning of this? 00:11:24 Speaker 6: Is of it? 00:11:24 Speaker 7: Not Pania? You're finally here. 00:11:27 Speaker 4: The people are getting violent? What's wrong? 00:11:29 Speaker 7: The people are out of money. The famine has stalled the economy since known who money is flowing back to the people. They can't afford to buy grain from the storehouses. 00:11:39 Speaker 4: Ah I feared this would happen. Bartering. Bartering has dwindled month after months. 00:11:45 Speaker 7: Do we open up ledgers of credit for them? 00:11:48 Speaker 4: No, under no circumstances can we let that happen. We have years of famine left. The death would crush them. 00:11:54 Speaker 7: If the silver runs out, we have no other option but to give it away for free. 00:12:00 Speaker 4: No, then we can't pay the guards who will enforce its distribution, or the palace that governs the operation. Any one strong enough to take the storehouse's will, and then the weak will not survive. 00:12:12 Speaker 7: Ah, I'm at a loss of it. Not, Penia, what shall we do? 00:12:17 Speaker 1: Joseph turned to the people. Their faces were marked by hunger and desperation. 00:12:23 Speaker 7: Give us food, Tephanesspenia, do you want us to starve? 00:12:27 Speaker 8: We have no money to pay. Will you let your citizens run away in hunger? 00:12:33 Speaker 1: Joseph thought for a long while. An idea took root in his mind, but he could see where its branches would lead. He had to choose between the people's lives and the people's freedom. 00:12:46 Speaker 4: Ah, Plasterodol, I have a solution, But what is it? People will no longer be their own They will be pharaohs. 00:12:55 Speaker 7: Aren't they all ready in devotion? 00:12:58 Speaker 4: Yes, but not in property? But I see no other options. Desperate times, goffer desperate measures. 00:13:05 Speaker 1: Joseph raised his hands to the crowd, then gestured to his scribes to make a decree. 00:13:11 Speaker 8: Hear me, citizens of Egypt ay by the authority, vested in me by the morning and evening star the image of raw Pharaoh, make a decree to those who run out of silver to pay for grain. 00:13:26 Speaker 4: Bring your horses, flocks and donkeys. Bring your herds and any live stock in your possession. We will take a tally of them, and they will belong to Pharaoh in exchange for your rations of grain. Thank you, zepne Perer, Bless you for your wisdom. You think me now, but I see where this is headed. 00:13:47 Speaker 1: The famine didn't relent. Its tendrils spread throughout the land, tightening its grip on the people of Egypt. Soon there was no more livestock to trade for grain. Joseph I fear was realized. The people press the storehouses, ready to trade anything for food. 00:14:06 Speaker 3: All we have left is our land and our bodies. 00:14:10 Speaker 8: We will gladly give both for food. 00:14:13 Speaker 4: What must we do for more grain? Please? Ef naf Pania. We don't want to die. 00:14:19 Speaker 7: Is it not, Pania? If they give their land, then how will they eat? When the famine has passed. 00:14:25 Speaker 4: The land will belong to Pharaoh, and he will let them dwell there. If they work, he will provide the seed, and they will give Pharaoh back One fifth of their crops. 00:14:36 Speaker 7: This is what you feared would happen. 00:14:38 Speaker 4: Yes, but there's no avoiding it. Now. These people need to eat, and we can't give the grain away or once it will devolve into chaos. This is the last day they will be citizens of a nation. There will now be serfs in an empire. 00:14:53 Speaker 7: Pharaoh will be pleased. 00:14:55 Speaker 4: Yes, but our pharaoh is wise and just. You'll see if his son, who will inherit this power, would be as merciful and kind. 00:15:07 Speaker 1: This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey dot Com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.