Joseph: The Prophet

00:00:00 Speaker 1: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James one five. Dear Lord, we thank you for being the source of all wisdom and for your promise to give freely to those who ask. You are generous in all things, patient and kind to those who seek your guidance. Forgive us Lord for the times we rely on our own understanding instead of turning to you. Teach us to come to you first in every decision, knowing that your wisdom leads to peace. Change our hearts and align them with your will. Give us discernment to know what is right, and the courage to follow where you lead. When confusion clouds our path, remind us that your truth brings clarity. Fill us with understanding that honors you and blesses others. Let our words and actions reflect your wisdom in our homes, work, and daily lives. Thank you for hearing us, for guiding us, and forgiving so freely. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Please rate this podcast and leave a review to encourage others in faith. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to The Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to download this episode so you can return to it at any time. 00:01:49 Speaker 2: Previously on The Chosen People two years past, Joseph, now twenty seven years old, had solidified himself as the benevolently over the other prisoners. His willingness to serve them and listen to their needs engendered loyalty from them. Joseph placed his hand on the cupbearer's shoulder and looked intently into his eyes. 00:02:12 Speaker 3: My friend, these things will come to pass. God has declared it. When you're free, I ask, will you please remember me, remember what you've seen here and mention it to Pharaoh. Recall my kindness towards you, and tell him of my gift. 00:02:31 Speaker 4: What have you done to be here? Are you innocent? Are you who is supposed to be here? 00:02:38 Speaker 2: Joseph leaned back and looked up at the sun rays peeking through the ceiling. 00:02:42 Speaker 3: I am a Hebrew sold into slavery by my brothers, Yet even as a slave I thrived. I am not here for my own sins, but because of the sins of others. Although I am in this world, I do not belong to this world. 00:02:58 Speaker 4: If what you say is to Ooh Hebrew, I will remember you when I am restored to Pharaoh. 00:03:04 Speaker 2: However, Joseph remained in the prison for years. He waited in his stone tomb to rise up. He suffered a great deal, but his present sufferings were not comparable to the future glory awaiting him. Joseph gazed in amazement as eleven stars flashed and darted around him, their brilliant lights enveloping him like a flock of celestial birds. Then, as though the stars were men, they bowed before him in reverence. The brightness of the sun surged towards him like a blazing comet, with the Sun and moon whirling around him with a similar grace. The light was overwhelming. Joseph watched in awe as the heavens themselves seemed to bow to him. Then, in an instant, the light vanished and he began to fall, his body crashing against the jagged edges of a mountain. As he plummeted into its depths, he woke with a start, sweat trickling down his neck and back. The familiar, damp, dark cells surrounded him. He rubbed his eyes and stood, walking to the small pool of water to splash his face. Another night, another dream. Lately, they had haunted him more frequently. Leaning over the pool, he stared at his dim reflection. Moonlight streamed in from above like silver threads. He breathed deeply and sat back down. The cell was quiet and still. The other prisoners were fast asleep, while Joseph remained awake. It had been two years since he interpreted the dreams of the Baker and the cupbearer. He had hoped his gifts would reach Pharaoh's ears by now, but here he was still in the dark. Joseph looked up at the moon, finding solace in its light. It was a small window into the world outside, a sliver of freedom peeking into his prison. Meanwhile, above the depths of Joseph's prison, in the grand towers of the Palace, Pharaoh tossed and turned in his bed. Beads of sweat dripped down his brows. His delirious cries filled the room. His dream was dark, feverish, and swift. Pharaoh woke with a roar, leaping from his bed, his chest heaving, eyes wide with terror. His attendant burst through the door. 00:05:38 Speaker 5: My Lord, are your ky i? Heard, screams. 00:05:40 Speaker 2: Pharaoh leaned over the bed, rubbing his forehead. 00:05:46 Speaker 6: Yes, and no, it is none of your concern. Return to your post. 00:05:55 Speaker 2: The guard nodded and shut the door gently behind him. Pharaoh stood up and went out onto his balcony. The gentle breeze lightly caressed his cheek. He breathed in deeply. The coolness of the night was a sweet relief to his sweaty and warm face. Images of his dreams flashed in his mind's eye. Cup bearer Pharaoh's cupbearer entered the room silently and bowed before him wine. The cupbearer brought Pharaoh his cup, filling it with a specialty wine from Pottiva's vineyards. Pharaoh drank quietly, leaning over the balcony, overlooking his vast kingdom. Once his senses were properly dulled, he dismissed the cupbearer and returned to bed. The vivid images of his dreams faded, replaced by a peaceful darkness. Pharaoh arose the next morning, the weight of his dream still heavy on his mind. He slumped on his throne, unable to focus or find solace. No revelry, substance, or companionship could quiet his tormented thoughts. He sat in misery, struggling to make sense of his dreams and why they plagued him. So Neivererty, a short man dressed in priestly robes, emerged from the shadows and bowed before Pharaoh. His sharp features contrasted with the round markings on his shaved head symbols of the hearty may magicians and priests killed in the dark, hearts of sorcery and divination. His narrow, serpentine eyes fixed upon the throne. 00:07:35 Speaker 3: AH, Hail to the chosen of the gods. The image of Rah himself. 00:07:42 Speaker 6: The morning and evening star tell me of dreams. 00:07:47 Speaker 3: Ah. So the sun and moon seek to understand dreams. Eh. When Rah journeys through the night sky, leveil of sleep descends upon mortal minds, and the gods find a gateway to our souls. In these moments, their voice blend with our slumber, crafting dreams rich with heidden secrets and guidance. In the realm of dream, nothing is as it seems, yet everything carries the weight of divine intention. The gods speak through symbols, animals, elements, celestial wanders, all imbued with their essence. 00:08:43 Speaker 6: Ah, I require the wisdom of the gods. They have tormented me with a vision. I desire to see what gifts or warnings they send. 00:08:55 Speaker 2: Pharaoh explained his dream in great detail to the priest. He spoke of the undead cows and the blighted heads of wheat. Neferty simply nodded his head, pondering the meaning of his king's dreams. After Pharaoh had finished, the short priest paused and pondered. 00:09:13 Speaker 3: Truly, the gods have blessed you with a glimpse into the spirit realm. My lord, however, I fear you have been granted access I have not. My Lord is far more powerful than I, so it would stand to reason you have visions too grand for me to comprehend. 00:09:39 Speaker 6: Ah, for all your words, you manage to say nothing. 00:09:44 Speaker 3: I shall gather more of the heart to may we shall consult the suns and the stars. The answer will be somewhere of Pharaoh. 00:09:53 Speaker 2: Nefferty summoned magicians and wise men from across the land, bringing them to the palace. They listened to Pharaoh's dreams, each offering interpretations, but Pharaoh's sense they were merely inventing narratives to appease him. Some cast sands into whetstone, others consulted bones and blood. Despite their methods, the answers eluded them, and they bickered amongst themselves, filling their palace halls with arguments. Pharaoh gripped the sides of his throne, teeth clenched as soothsayers insulted astronomers. Sorcerers shouted at alchemists, and priests turned up their noses at the lot. 00:10:31 Speaker 6: Your own fools, fools, Oh. 00:10:38 Speaker 2: The halls fell deftly silent. Pharaoh snarled at them, eyes darting like fiery arrows. 00:10:44 Speaker 3: Lord Pharaoh, we seek on little silence. 00:10:50 Speaker 6: For days you've stood here, squawking amongst yourselves like birds. You've given me no answers, yet here you remain in my court. I tire of your constant squabbles over whose lie is better. Get out of my sight before I have your tongues roll in the nile. 00:11:13 Speaker 2: The court emptied instantly, priests and sorcerers scrambling to gather their tools before fleeing the palace. Pharaoh watched them go, his anger giving way to weariness. He held out his cup. 00:11:28 Speaker 6: Whine. 00:11:30 Speaker 2: The cupbearer came at once and poured into Pharaoh's cup. With eyes glazed over and weary. Pharaoh sighed a moment of vulnerable reflection, his dreams torturing me. 00:11:44 Speaker 6: He means something, I know it. 00:11:47 Speaker 2: It was at that moment the cup bearer's eyes widened. His mind was brought back to a time in prison when he too was tormented by a dream, and the Hebrew prisoner showed him kindness. The cup bearer gosp and nearly dropped the picture. 00:12:02 Speaker 4: Oh my, I have fulfailed him. I have committed grevious events. 00:12:10 Speaker 6: What have you done to me? Do not tell me something is wrong with my wine? 00:12:14 Speaker 4: Oh no, Lord Pharaoh, not you. I have remembered a promise I've made years ago. A man helped me with my dreams. 00:12:25 Speaker 6: Do not delay any longer, cupbearer, who do you speak of? 00:12:30 Speaker 4: When I was in prisoned, there was a man, a young man, and a Hebrew of all people, a Hebrew, truly, yes, a Hebrew of all people. My lord, quite unexpected that he was a servant under Poteriphar, your captain, but as a prisoner. He was our overseer. When I was the dwelling there. The Baker and I both had dreams that torment to us. I was it was a simple dream, however, had to tormented my mind to near insanity. The Baker also had a dream that remained in his mind. We were both despondent and with hout answers, much like you. 00:13:20 Speaker 6: Are, my Lord, And this Hebrew was able to console you. 00:13:27 Speaker 4: More than that good Pharaoh. He didn't just console us. He interpreted how dreams he explained meaning the purpose, and my Lord, everything he said came to pass. Everything. I was released just as he foretold. And Baker, he was impaled on pike, just as the Hebrew but predicted. 00:14:03 Speaker 2: His gentle face moistened with sorrow. He felt pangs of regret. Joseph had done him a great kindness, and he had forgotten about him. 00:14:13 Speaker 4: He has been there for five years. He claims to be innocent, and I promised him I would tell you about his dream gift, but I'd forgotten until now. 00:14:27 Speaker 2: The throne room was silent for a long moment. Pharaoh paused and composed himself captain. His shouts shook the pillars traveling to every corner of the palace. Emerging from the far corner of Pharaoh's courts was Potiphar. He stood at attention. 00:14:46 Speaker 6: Five years ago, you imprisoned a Hebrew slave. What was he like? 00:14:53 Speaker 2: Potiphar wore the same expression of regret as the cup bearer. He paused, collecting his thoughts and considering how honest he should be. Fatigued from feigned answers, Pharaoh shouted. 00:15:06 Speaker 6: The truth, Potiphar, do not pad your words with pleasant trays. 00:15:11 Speaker 5: Yes, Joseph was the greatest servant and friend I have ever had, my Lord. I imprisoned him for a crime he did not commit, and my pride and embarrassment kept me from releasing him. When I came to my senses. 00:15:31 Speaker 6: High praise for a Hebrew and a slave at that. 00:15:37 Speaker 5: The Hebrews have one god, a god who seems to follow Joseph whatever he goes. Everything I put into his hand succeeded. 00:15:46 Speaker 6: Bring him to me, we shall see about this Hebrew's gifts. 00:15:52 Speaker 2: Potiphar saluted and left quickly for the palace dungeons. He made his way down the narrow stairway leading down into the prison cells. Guards stood at attention every dozen yards, saluting Potiphar as he passed. Potiphar finally approached the large wooden door into the prison cell. He stood behind it for a moment, collecting his thoughts. Not long after he had sent Joseph to prison, he realized the sins of his wife. However, out of embarrassment and anger, he allowed Joseph to rot in prison. He was ashamed Joseph had brought prosperity and order to his household, and he abandoned him. Potiphar sighed and opened the door. A few guards stood behind him. He peered in to see prisoners walking and lounging around. Their bodies were marred from years of sleepless nights and cold winters. However, there was a joy amidst the prison the Potiphar had never seen before. They were talking to one another, laughing and working on small projects to pass the time. When Potiphar entered the entire room, When silent, they retreated back against the wall and slumped over. Potipha scanned the cell looking for Joseph. However, he could not see the young man he had once banished. 00:17:13 Speaker 5: I am looking for Joseph. 00:17:15 Speaker 2: The prisoners looked at each other, then towards a figure. In one of the rooms carved from stone, a man knelt beside a sick prisoner, dabbing his head with a wet cloth. Potipha walked over to the hunched figure, Joseph. The man looked back and stood to his feet. He was tall, dark and lean. His hair was long and pulled back behind his head, except for a few loose curls that hung over his face. His beard was long, scraggly, and braided at the tips. Potiphar peered closely into his eyes. There was no denying that those eyes belonged to Joseph. Despite the years and the hardship, a serenity emanated from Joseph. He had spent years contemplating what he would say to Potiphar. He had felt betrayed and abandoned, But now looking at his old friend and master, the peace of God filled him. Joseph stepped forward, smiled and bowed slightly. 00:18:17 Speaker 3: My Lord, how may I serve you? 00:18:20 Speaker 2: Potiphar's throat tightened with grief. He held his head low, looking at Joseph with a mix of dismay and joy. Without bringing drowned herds back to the surface, Potiphar cleared his throat and gave a slight tilt of his head, almost resembling a contrite bow. It was as much as Potiphar could offer the slave turned prisoner. 00:18:44 Speaker 5: Aye, hear, you have done well here. Your God truly follows you wherever you're gone. 00:18:50 Speaker 3: God has granted me favor here. There is no pit too love for his presence. 00:18:56 Speaker 5: Philo, summon you men, I would be an honor to escort you there, young Joseph. 00:19:04 Speaker 2: Potiphar led Joseph out of the prison. He emerged from the darkness and walked into the light of day. The sun shone down brightly. Its warmth was invigorating. Joseph was taken to Potiphar's estate. There he was greeted by Ned and the other servants he once managed. They embraced him as a brother. Joseph had forgotten how much he missed the vineyards, courtyards, and stables. He breathed in the fresh air and crumbled to the ground in tears. For five years he was confined to the palace dungeons. The dark and damp cell had stripped him of any hope he would be free. He gripped the dirt beneath him and sobbed. 00:19:47 Speaker 4: Sake you, my God. 00:19:49 Speaker 2: Joseph was escorted to the bathhouse to be cleaned. Flashes of that night with Potiphar's wife came and went. They shaved his face and gave him a fresh change of clothes. Joseph felt like a new man. He had emerged from the depths of darkness and was now walking with a renewed sense of peace. God had raised him up for a purpose. It was time to enter into the courts of Pharaoh. The hallways were arrayed with beautiful artwork of past conquests. Ivory pillars reached toward the ceiling. They played with the torchlight to make shadows, playing off Joseph's phlegmatic stare As Joseph walked down the halls, he could see that every figure painted on the walls told a singular story. They showcased the glory of Egypt and the deity of Pharaoh. Joseph had been in Egypt long enough to know that Pharaoh was considered equal to the gods. He, to them was the image of the gods, the holy conduit from which the divine will flowed. His pride knew no bounds nor did his power that made him dangerous. Joseph was escorted into the main throne room of Pharaoh. Noblemen, priests and guards stood on the perimeter, speaking amongst themselves. At the center of the room, sitting on a throne adorned with golden eagle's wings, sat the almighty Pharaoh. He was tall and younger than Joseph had imagined. Weaved into the garment. On his waist was leopard skin. Around his neck was a large golden eagle stretching across his bare chest. On his head was the Nemes head dress, symbolizing absolute power. He held his scepter firmly in his right hand. He was an intimidating sight to behold. Joseph had never seen such power exude from one man. Then again, according to the Egyptians, he was no man at all. Joseph came before the throne and bowed his knee. Pharaoh stood and stepped down to him. He paced around him, gripping his scepter tightly. 00:22:06 Speaker 6: So you are the Hebrew called Joseph. 00:22:10 Speaker 3: At your service, and will good Pharaoh. 00:22:14 Speaker 6: I hear lofty things about you, Hebrew, Is it true that you are able to interpret it? Dreams. 00:22:22 Speaker 2: Joseph was silent for a moment, pondering the correct answer to Pharaoh's question. Agitated, Pharaoh slammed the tip of his scepter into the ground. 00:22:33 Speaker 6: I require an answer. 00:22:35 Speaker 2: Joseph flinched at the noise. Pharaoh's voice echoed against the palace walls. Everyone in the throne room stood in silence, awaiting Joseph's reply. Without looking up, Joseph shook his head and replied. 00:22:49 Speaker 3: No, my King, I cannot interpret any dreams. 00:22:53 Speaker 2: The entire courtroom gasped at his answer. Pharaoh's eyes darted back at his cup bearer, and then at Potipha. 00:23:02 Speaker 6: Have I been lied to? All your heads will be thrown on some pikes for this. 00:23:06 Speaker 3: No, my good Pharaoh, Please do not harm. 00:23:09 Speaker 2: Them, Joseph interrupted. Joseph had learned much about himself since he was first betrayed by his brothers. He learned that it was his pride that muddied his giftings. He was unable to enjoy the blessings and gifts God gave him because he was filled with arrogance. He would not make the same mistake again. He would not conflate his talent with God's favor. Any longer. He knew that the true palace did not lie within the hallways. A rayed with gold, but in a humble spirit before God. He held his hands out in surrender to Pharaoh and looked up at him. His eyes were filled with passion. 00:23:47 Speaker 3: I can do nothing, my King. Any favor, gifting or talent you've heard is not my own. It is the God that I serve, who does these things. You asked me if I was able to interpret dreams. I am not, April, but my God is. He is powerful. All wisdom and knowledge are his. It is he who will tell you the answers you seek. 00:24:14 Speaker 6: Er very well, Hebrew, I shall tell you my two dreams. However, if the answer you give does not quench my thirst for the truth, it shall be your head, and no god will be able to save you. 00:24:32 Speaker 3: I understand. Go on, my Lord. 00:24:35 Speaker 6: I dreamed. I was standing by the nile. The water was dark and raging. I stood at the shore with my feet submerged. There I stared into the black rapids, mesmerized by the sound of rushing water. Then lights emerged from the darkness out of the river. Seven cows walk on to the shore. They were glowing spotless, fat and healthy. I watched as they methodically made their way toward the reeves. The wind blew softly as the cows grazed in the dall grass. The sky was bright, and the sun shone its radiance down on the animals below. 00:25:18 Speaker 3: Sounds pleasant so far. 00:25:20 Speaker 6: Indeed, until the others came. I turned from the healthy cows and looked up. The sun turned into a deep crimson, and the skies were enveloped by clouds of dust and ash. I saw the waters grow more violent. The waves thrashed against me, sending me on to my back. And then, like corpses clawing their way out of their graves, I saw seven emaciated cows emerge from the nile. A flesh was rotting off the bone, and every piece of vegetation died under their feet. The seven deathly cows made their way to the reeds. Then, to my horror, they began to devour the seven healthy cows. I watched the carnage. They tore the flesh off their bones and ravaged them. It was a monstrosity to behold. What do you say, Hebrew? You said you had two dreams. Mighty Pharaoh was the second. Like the first yes. 00:26:25 Speaker 3: And no. 00:26:27 Speaker 6: From the emptiness of my mind, A small sprout appeared from the ground. I watched intently as more sprouts formed around me. Seven sprouts sprang forth with new life, producing seven heads of grain, healthy and ripe for the plucking. I watched as they grew larger and larger around me, reaching up to the heavens. I looked up in awe as the blue skies seemed to kiss the tips of the grain. They were magnificent and brought tears to my eyes. However, my awe was short lived. A blighted wind howled like a wolf in the distance. It blew forth with might and power, scorching the earth beneath me. I looked down, and the dry ground began to crack under my feet, and from the cracks in the dirt, seven other heads of grain sprouted. Only these were thin, scorched and dark. Their dragged vines grew out of the ground and wrapped around the healthy heads of grain. They rapped tightly and squeezed the life out of the grain. Then, as if beasts themselves, the blighted grain devoured the healthy. Slowly, everything began to crumble and dissipate above me, the towers of grain fell. I closed my eyes and dock for cover, and immediately woke again in my bed. 00:27:55 Speaker 2: Pharaoh finished describing his dreams. The entire court of priests, nobles, and gods held their breath in anticipation. They wanted to hear Joseph's reply. He sat in silence for a moment. Joseph stayed completely still. Joseph closed his eyes and did his best to drown out the distraction of Pharaoh. He prayed in his mind for answers. Joseph smirked. He could feel a tug on his soul like a gentle breeze. God guided Joseph into truth and revealed to him the meaning of these dreams. Joseph opened his eyes and looked directly into Pharaoh's. 00:28:36 Speaker 3: The dreams are the same. Go on, God has revealed to you what he is about to do. The seven healthy cows in seven healthy ears of grain are images of prosperity to come. For seven years, there will be plenty in the land. Egypt will experience a time of flourishing like never before. The land will give birth to new life, and your people will be fed. However, this prosperity will come to an end. The seven sickly cows and the seven scorched heads of grain, they represent seven years of devastation. After seven years of plenty, seven years of famine will strike the land like a wildfire. This is the warning God has given to you. With this knowledge comes a great deal of responsibility. It will come to pass, and if Egypt is not ready, the entire world will perish. 00:29:35 Speaker 2: Pharaoh sat back on his throne with dismay. He was speechless. 00:29:40 Speaker 6: What must I do? 00:29:42 Speaker 2: Joseph looked back at Potiphar, not sure whether it would be wise to give Pharaoh advice. Potiphar gestured for him to answer. 00:29:51 Speaker 3: God has been gracious to you, Pharaoh. However, every moment is precious. You should appoint a governor wise and discerning enough to care for your resources. Appoint commissioners under him to oversee the land. Every year of the harvest, take one fifth of the goods and store it away Over the next seven years. You can store the grain and other goods safely. Then when the famine hits, you can use what is stored up to feed your people. The same commissioners you appoint can be in charge of distributing the resources according to the need. 00:30:30 Speaker 2: Pharaoh was silent for a long while. Joseph watched his brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the need to shift his feet. He was uncomfortable with the waiting. Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last? This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger 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 Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. 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