Joseph: The Slave

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:04 Speaker 2: Oh, I had this spectacular dream. We were binding sheaves in the field, and my sheaf arose and stood upright, and and then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf. 00:00:20 Speaker 3: So are you to rule over us? Joseph. 00:00:25 Speaker 1: Joseph's dreams, once a source of personal pride, had become a point of contention among his family. His brother's hearts grew colder, their patients thinner. 00:00:36 Speaker 3: The dreamer is here. 00:00:39 Speaker 1: His brother's pounced on him, tearing the coat right off his body. Their kicks seemed endless. Joseph could feel his ribs cracking under the pressure of their blows. 00:00:49 Speaker 4: No stop, Some would help help help me. 00:00:54 Speaker 1: Joseph lay there helplessly. His brothers were filled with spite. They took his limbs open, mangled body, and threw him into an empty pit. Joseph tumbled down fifteen feet, hitting the cold dirt below. 00:01:09 Speaker 3: Why don't we sell him? There are spice merchants a few yards from the town entrance. I happen to know that they are slave traders. Joseph is a strong young man. They would pay us a handsome sum of money for him. 00:01:28 Speaker 1: Joseph's cries for help were choked by the tight rope. Tears filled his eyes, his heart heavy with betrayal. The sun said, the stars taking its place. As Joseph was taken towards Egypt, a slave's fate awaiting him. He kept his gaze fixed south toward Canaan, the land he was leaving behind, the home that had betrayed him. 00:01:54 Speaker 4: God, what have I done to deserve this? 00:02:03 Speaker 3: Get up, slave, We're here. 00:02:07 Speaker 1: Joseph stirred, his body, aching from days spent tid to the back of a camel. He blinked against the brightness, the slender silhouette of the spice trader looming over him. With effort, he propped himself up, the cold ground, taking its toll. For over a week he had marched toward Egypt, the scorching Eastern sun leaving scars on his back. His once muscular frame was deteriorating from lack of food. Groaning, Joseph rose to his feet, his legs trembling and bleeding from saws formed by the hot desert sand. The slave trader yanked on the rope around his neck, the coarse fibers rubbing his skin. Roar making each step a torment. As they neared Egypt, the desolate desert gave way to a lush and throat diving city. The gates towered higher than the hills of Canaan, and the architecture was more elaborate than anything Joseph had ever seen. To his left, prized horses were being bartered on the outskirts of the market place. Deeper into the city, the bustling economy of Egypt unfolded before his eyes. Exotic animals whose strange produce laced the marketplace. Despite the clamor, the people were elegant, even the merchants, carrying themselves with a regal bearing stories from his father, had painted pictures of Egypt, but none matched the vibrant reality now before him. It was a world apart from his own. The small caravan came to a halt. Joseph captors tied him to a post alongside the canals and entered a small tent. Joseph looked around, contemplating escape. His studies had given him a few words in Egyptian, and he overheard the slave trader bartering inside he was about to be sold. Frantic, Joseph began rubbing the ropes around his wrists against the top of the post. Desperation fueled his efforts as he tugged and pulled with his teeth, trying to rip free from his bonds. Glancing at the tent, he saw the shadows of the men standing. An idea sparked as he noticed the camel tied to the same post. Using what little slack he had, Joseph picked up a small reed lying near by. With precision, he struck the camel on the ramp, startled. The camel bolted forward, pulling the wooden past out of the ground. Joseph, still bound, ran for his life, using the commotion to his advantage. The slave trader and the buyer burst out of the tent and saw Joseph. 00:04:46 Speaker 5: Running stop him. 00:04:48 Speaker 1: Joseph's breath came heavy and labored, his body weak from days without sufficient water or food. His legs burned as he raced through the streets, glancing back to see guards in pursuit. To his left, he spotted a large hole in the stone wall. 00:05:04 Speaker 4: They can't fit in there, but I can. 00:05:06 Speaker 1: With a swift pivot, Joseph leaped for the opening, squeezing through without a scratch. 00:05:12 Speaker 3: And losing the guards. 00:05:13 Speaker 1: Breathless, he paused to assess his surroundings. To his right was a well. To his left was a small pool where Egyptian women played with their children. Trying to appear inconspicuous, Joseph waited for the right moment, then dashed to the well. He leaned over the edge, lapping water with desperate gumps. Joseph celebrated for a brief moment. He hadn't had water in over a day. However, his joy was short lived, as his face was dipped into the well. He could feel a hand on the back of his head, forcing it deeper into the water. Joseph kicked and yelled, but it was no use. The man's hands were set firmly over his neck and head, keeping him down. Bubbles formed from his desperate cries for help. Afterwards seemed like an eternity. Joseph's squirms became less animated as he slowly began to lose oxygen as his eyes began to grow dim. He was released from the winter and thrown onto the ground. Joseph coughed up water on impact and cooled over, desperately trying to catch his breath before he could compose himself. He was kicked in the woods. Joseph lay there holding his side, questioning his decision to. 00:06:26 Speaker 4: Run the sweather kill me. 00:06:29 Speaker 1: Looking up, he saw his captor, a tall, older man, broad shouldered and imposing. He wore an immaculate breastplate and a head dress signifying authority. Clean shaven like most Egyptians, he exuded power. The man dragged Joseph back to the tent where the slave trader was securing his camel. The trader sneered at Joseph, but quickly bowed when he saw his captor. 00:06:55 Speaker 5: My lord, forgive me the Hebrew rare escaped as I was bartering to sell him. You may kill him if you like, or I can do it myself. 00:07:07 Speaker 1: The Ishmaelit was trembling with fear. Whoever this man was, he was clearly very powerful. The man looked down at Joseph. His expression was cold and impassive. Joseph couldn't get a good read on how much trouble he was in. The man gestured to the slave trader. 00:07:26 Speaker 3: I will buy him off you you what. 00:07:32 Speaker 1: Joseph was just as surprised as the Ishmaelite. They looked up at the man, unable to understand his reasoning, I. 00:07:39 Speaker 3: Will give you fifteen shekels of silver for him. 00:07:43 Speaker 1: The trader hesitated, five shekels less than what he paid, but fear overrode his greed. 00:07:50 Speaker 6: H as you wish Lord part of her, please also accept some turmeric freshly ground from the riverlands south of the Nile. 00:08:02 Speaker 1: Potifa handed over the silver without another word, signaling his servant to bring his horse. The servant took the rope attached to Joseph's wrists, and Potiphar mounted his horse, trotting away with a small entourage of guards. 00:08:17 Speaker 4: I am net, the keeper of the Lord Potiphar's slaves. 00:08:20 Speaker 3: Come, let's get you cleaned up. 00:08:23 Speaker 4: I can't have you muddying up the lord Captain's home. 00:08:27 Speaker 1: Joseph could only make out a few Egyptian words. He nodded to the servant and replied to the best of his ability. The two walked side by side, with a small entourage of guards walking behind them. Ned spoke slowly and patiently to Joseph, explaining who had just brought him. From what Joseph could understand, Potipha was the captain of Pharaoh's royal guard and had authority over the city's security. As they approached Potiphar's state, Joseph marveled at the lush vineyard to the left and the stables filled with prized horses to the right. The grandeur of the home surpassed anything he had imagined. They led him to the slave quarters, where he was stripped, shaven and bathed. Wrapped in Egyptian linen. He was given stale bread and wine, the first real meal in over a week. He ate voraciously. Afterward, Joseph was taken to Potiphar's home. Ivory pillars supported a roof over the large courtyard, where Potipha sat at his desk, fanned by palm fronds. Behind him, bunched his wife, Younger, beautiful, and adorned with fine jewelry. Joseph stood with his head bowed, without looking up from his work. 00:09:45 Speaker 3: Potipha spoke, as I witnessed in the marketplace, you were able to run fast. Not only this, but you were clever enough to escape my guards. While I would not recommend you running away again, your talents may prove useful to me. You will work in the vineyards and in my home. You will do your work fast and with great care. You will queen, you will cook, and you will do anything my servants ask of you. If you do not, I will kill or sell you. It is as simple as that. 00:10:18 Speaker 1: Joseph understood the gravity of Potiphar's words. He was no longer a favored son, but a slave. Yet he was determined to be the best slave and to work with diligence and humility. That night, Joseph lay awake. He peered through the window of the slave's quarters, staring up at the sky. The white noise of heavy snores and deep murmuring reminded him of his brothers. He surveyed the stars, searching for answers. He wondered if they were the same stars he would gaze upon in Canaan, Canaan. To Joseph, it seemed as far away as the stars themselves. He thought about his mother and father. He longed to hug them again. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the smell of fresh stew. He remembered running his hands through the ripe grain fields beside the rolling hills. He remembered the warm embrace of his colorful coat. Then Joseph remembered his brothers. He could see their sneers of jealousy and hatred in his mind's eye. His heart ached over what had happened. He hated them for what they had done. He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, imagining what he would do if he saw them again. Yet the anger soon gave way to sorrow. Joseph turned over in his cot and wept silently. He allowed tears to flow from his face, then finally sighed to the heavens again, What's this your plan? 00:11:59 Speaker 4: Why give me tree of prosperity only to throw me away like this? 00:12:04 Speaker 1: He pondered his situation, realizing he was in the home of a powerful man in the most powerful nation. Perhaps his dreams were not completely lost. Joseph looked up again to Heaven. The clouds began rolling in with the breeze slightly covering the moon. 00:12:22 Speaker 4: Please give me favor as you did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 00:12:28 Speaker 1: Despite his circumstances, a deep optimism welled within him. He sensed God's protection and provision. Releasing the tension in his fists, he breathed deeply and drifted to sleep. Joseph arose early that morning before the other slaves. The sun had not yet risen, and the coolness of mourning was a refreshing chain from the stuffy room where the slaves were kept. He greeted the guards outside the door and gestured to the water basin with rags soaking in them. They nodded and allowed Joseph to get an early start on his work. Joseph took the basin into the courtyard and began to scrub the floors. He paid attention to every detail of the floors. He scrubbed the cracks, polishing off every square inch of the courtyard. After he was done, Joseph climbed the ivory pillars, reaching up to clean off the cobwebs that had formed in the corners. Then Joseph took some oil from the palm roots and rubbed down Potiphar's desk. He polished the wood and paid close attention to sanding down any rough edges. Joseph had finally finished as the sun rose, Potiphar arose from his chambers, fully dressed, groomed, and prepared for his day. Joseph was wringing out his rags when Potipha entered the courtyard. He scanned the newly polished area, then looked down at Joseph. Joseph bowed, picked up the empty basin, and returned to the slaves quarters. He wanted to return to the others before they could see what he had done. Joseph had learned his lesson from what had happened with his brothers. If he was going to gain favor from Potiphar, it couldn't be at the expense of the others. He had to be humble, diligent, and kind. Joseph joined the other slaves as they made their way down to the vineyard. Potipha sat at his desk and ran his hands across the wood. He then looked up to see Joseph leaving with the other slaves, a slight smile dimly lit in his eyes. Weeks passed, and Joseph continued to go above and beyond his orders. When the other slaves returned for their meal, Joseph remained in the vineyard, keeping a tally of the vines whose branches produced more fruit. He kept track of their cycles and reported them to the vine dresser. Before the sun rose, while the other slaves slept, Joseph arose to scrub and organize Potiphar's courtyard. He pruned the plants, polished the tile, and buffed his desk. All the while he would pray to his God, the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would pray for wisdom to learn the culture, endurance to work harder than the others, and humility to pursue it all with a pure heart. As Joseph worked, he grew closer and closer to the God of his forefathers. In his heart grew a deep love for his Lord. Although he worked under Potiphar, he recognized that it was God under whom he worked, and God granted Joseph favor in everything that he did. Potiphar noticed Joseph's talents, including his organization, i for detail, and work ethic. Yet another pair of eyes was on Joseph. Potiphar's wife would often stroll beside the vineyard, catching glimpses of Joseph working under the hot sun. However, Joseph's eyes never met hers. He was intent on working and gaining favor with God and man. Three years passed and Joseph grew stronger and filled with the spirit of God. He was diligent in learning the language and eventually was promoted to oversee the slaves alongside net Joseph had shown an aptitude for planning the vineyard's harvest depending on seasons. He paid close attention to the weather, its patents, and the demand for wine in the market place. Joseph became beloved amongst the slaves, and the members of Potiphar's house felt comfortable relying on him for important tasks. It was evident to the entire household of Potiphar that God had blessed Joseph. Joseph was now twenty years old. His once prideful and arrogant demeanor had been replaced with a strong and humble presence. He carried married himself as someone who was capable but willing to serve instead of be served. Joseph arose early, as was his ritual. His footsteps echoed through the halls of Potiphar's courtyard. He scrubbed, scoured, and polished, whistling a Hebrew lullaby his mother used to sing. It had become a ritual for Joseph, a meditation of humility. Yet it was interrupted by the regal footsteps of another. Joseph stood at attention as Potiphar entered the courtyard. He rubbed his hand against his desk, feeling its newly oiled surface. 00:17:40 Speaker 3: You have been here before sunrise every morning since you've arrived. At first, I thought you may be a thief, getting acquainted with the house before the others were awake. A year past, and I thought you to be an opportunist, hoping to gain favor with the others. But now, after three years, I've come to be surprised by your relentlessness. Why do you do this You were never commanded to do so. 00:18:14 Speaker 4: I live to serve Lord Potiphar. 00:18:16 Speaker 3: Do not give me pleasantry. Slave. I've asked you an honest question. You will respond with an honest answer. 00:18:24 Speaker 1: Joseph paused, realizing this was the first time Potiphar had spoken to him since he arrived. 00:18:31 Speaker 4: If I am to be a slave, I'd like to be the best. 00:18:35 Speaker 3: So it's ambition that drives you. 00:18:37 Speaker 4: No, my lord, not ambition contrition. I was once the most favored son of my household. I was gifted with a high status in my father's house despite being the youngest. I am sad to say I squandered my position. My arrogance and laziness led my brothers to jealousy. It led me here now as a slave. God has granted me the chance to change my heart, a chance to do things right. 00:19:07 Speaker 3: Which God do you worship? 00:19:09 Speaker 4: I worshiped the One True God Master. He has given me undeserved favor, favor. 00:19:16 Speaker 3: You're a slave, although there is no denying it, said Joseph, Your God has clearly blessed you in some way. Perhaps this God of slaves can do something for me too. 00:19:29 Speaker 1: The captain walked down the steps towards the vineyard and gestured for Joseph to follow him. Joseph walked beside him. Potipher plucked some grapes from the vines and began to eat. He pointed towards the rising sun. Its golden beams showered light over the dark grape leaves. The contrast was brilliant to behold light from above and darkness from below. 00:19:55 Speaker 3: This is the God that I worshiped, Joseph a Munrah. He is the of life, power, and fertility of the earth. He has blessed me with unprecedented power and influence. Pharaoh himself listens to me, and it is all because of Ah. However, since you have been here, our crops have increased, Our slaves are in higher spirits. Than the livestock are healthier. Perhaps the favor your God brings can match the might of ah Hm. Joseph, I would like to appoint you as my household over here. Everything I own, everyone who lives here, and all the crops I grow will be under your care. 00:20:45 Speaker 1: Joseph was speechless. It was an honor for Potiphar to even speak with him. Now he was being appointed as the manager of his entire estate. Joseph fell to his knees and spread out his hands. 00:20:58 Speaker 4: You honor me with this responsibility. May God bless you for your kindness towards me. I will not let you down. 00:21:05 Speaker 3: Hah. Come here, It is much for you to learn. If you're going to be the governor of my home, you must carry yourself with authority. 00:21:14 Speaker 1: Potiphar led him back through the courtyard and into his chambers. There was a large wooden chest sitting at the foot of his bed. He reached inside and pulled out a gold chain. At the center was a sapphire the size of a marble. Potifa held it up to Joseph, then placed it around his neck. It hung on his bare chest. The sapphire was a bright contrast to Joseph's tanned skin. 00:21:42 Speaker 3: Joseph, I give you all of my authority over this hole. You may command my servants, the slaves, and every worker within my estate as you please. 00:21:54 Speaker 1: The tall captain froze mid thought and looked out the door into the courtyard and her maid servants were preparing to bathe in the paws. Potiphar looked at Joseph intently, eyes revealing some deep wounds and desires. 00:22:10 Speaker 3: However, you may, under no circumstances, order my wife or her maid's silence. 00:22:17 Speaker 1: Joseph nodded in agreement, giving a slight bow. Potiphar took him for an early meal, and the two discussed how the inner workings of the estate could be managed better. Potiphar asked questions, praised Joseph's answers, and responded with more questions. Joseph was surprised at how humble of a man Potiphar truly was. For years, he had judged him as an unapproachable ruler, someone stuck in his ways and cold. However, under the overhang's cool shade, Joseph could relate to Potiphar and speak freely. For the first time in three years, he no longer felt like a slave. He felt once again the loving approval of a father. 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 Salvato, 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. 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,