Joseph: The Tempted

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. 00:00:04 Speaker 2: Oh, okay, okay, Lie. Lying in a pit just north of here, there is a young young man. He's seventeen. He's strong, lean, and able to work. What what will you give us for. 00:00:21 Speaker 3: If the boy is healthy and able bodied? Oh, We'll give you twenty shekels of silver. Oh God, what have I done to deserve this? 00:00:35 Speaker 1: Joseph was taken to Potiphar's home. 00:00:38 Speaker 2: You will work in the vineyards and in my home. You will do your work fast and with great care. You will clean, 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. 00:00:56 Speaker 1: Three years past, 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. 00:01:09 Speaker 4: I would like to appoint you as my household overseer. Everything I own, everyone who lives here, and all the crops I grow, will be under your care. 00:01:21 Speaker 1: The tall captain froze mid thought and looked out the door into the courtyard. His wife and her maid servants were preparing to bathe in the polls. Potipher looked at Joseph intently, eyes revealing some deep wounds and desires. 00:01:37 Speaker 4: However, you may, under no circumstances would do my wife for her maid servants. 00:01:44 Speaker 1: 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 episode of The Chosen People contains explicit content that may be triggering for some listeners and inappropriate for young children. Listener discretion is advised. Five years had passed, and under Joseph's diligent stewardship, Potiphar's wealth had flourished beyond imagination. His estates brimmed with prosperity. The servants were well fed and content, The vineyards yielded wine worthy of Pharaoh's table, and the stables boasted the finest race horses in all of Egypt. The blessings of God seemed to follow Joseph's every move. There was not an inch of Potiphar's land that had not been touched by his wisdom and hard work. Yet, in the deep shadows of night, a subtle evil slithered through the corridors of Potiphar's house. It prowled like a serpent. Silent and unseen. Joseph lay in his bed, the dim torchlight flickering at the doorway. A shadow loomed over him with cold eyes. Joseph stirred, the sense of unease prickling his skin. He sat up abruptly, but the figure had vanished into the darkness. Rising cautiously, he peered down the hallway. 00:03:13 Speaker 3: Who's there? 00:03:15 Speaker 1: Silence, Only the distant murmur of the night answered him. Joseph rubbed his eyes and returned to his bed. Dawn was only a few hours away, and he needed rest. Morning came early, as it always did for Joseph. He began his day in the courtyard, polishing the marble pillars until they gleamed in the sunlight, scrubbing the floors until they were spotless, and buffing Potiph's desk to a high shine. Over the years, Joseph and Potiphar had grown as close as father and son. There was nothing in the household that Potiphar withheld from Joseph. After completing his tasks, Joseph's thoughts turned to the new plot of land behind the stable. He had convinced Potiphar to plant grain there, to prepare for any future famine. As Egypt's fields were lush with golden grain, Joseph sought to ensure Potiphar's household would never want for food. He rode his horse to the fields, the sapphire amulet around his neck, catching. 00:04:18 Speaker 3: The morning sun. 00:04:20 Speaker 1: To the other servants, the amulet was a symbol of Joseph's merit and diligence. Rather than envy, they felt admiration. If Joseph, a slave like them, could rise to such heights, then so could they. 00:04:33 Speaker 3: Good morning, brothers, Let's quicken our pace in the morning, before the harsh sun slows our work. 00:04:39 Speaker 1: He took up the plow, his muscles rippling under the strain. As he worked the rough soil. Memories of his brother's grumbling filled his mind. They had always complained about their labor. Joseph, determined to be different, worked with a smile. Hours passed under the punishing sun. Joseph wagged his brow, the sweat glistening. 00:05:00 Speaker 3: On his broad back. 00:05:01 Speaker 1: He bought water over his head and neck, savoring the brief relief. Despite the heat, progress was steady. Potipha and his wife rode off to check on the breaking of the new ground. Joseph approached them and bowed. 00:05:15 Speaker 2: How is the groundbreaking, Joseph, Will it receive the seat soon? 00:05:20 Speaker 3: All is well and going according to plan, my lord, it will be prime for planting soon. My only worry is water access in case of a drought. But do not worry. We've hired diggers to carry water from the streams cutting at the edge of your property. 00:05:35 Speaker 2: You'll think about everything well done. 00:05:38 Speaker 1: Potipha nodded in approval. Pacing the fields to inspect the rich tilled soil. Joseph stood in the shade, catching his breath. His large chest rose and fell with deep breaths, his skin slick with sweat. Potiphar's wife lounged nearby, her eyes lingering on Joseph. At twenty five, he had grown into a man of striking appearance. She watched him with a predatory gaze. Joseph, feeling her eyes upon him, did his best to avoid her. 00:06:08 Speaker 5: Stare, My husband thinks you are a gift from Rah. Did you know that? 00:06:14 Speaker 2: Now? 00:06:14 Speaker 1: Joseph had no choice but to turn. He faced her, seeing her beauty illuminated in the afternoon light. She wore a loose linen dress that lay over her body like a thin sheet, he felt like he could see all of her. Joseph bowed his head and averted his gaze. 00:06:31 Speaker 3: Your husband is a kind man. 00:06:34 Speaker 5: Be that as it may. He's wrong. You aren't a gift from Rah. I think you were sent by Annette. There's no way a frame such as yours wouldn't have been crafted for pleasure. 00:06:51 Speaker 3: Your gods are still foreign to me. I doubt any of them consider me at all. 00:06:56 Speaker 5: Oh, oh yours, rumble as you are handsome, young Joseph. Come lounge with me and watch the others work. Drink some chilled wine, and devour some berries with me. 00:07:13 Speaker 3: You look tired. That's a kind invitation, my lady, but I must continue working. Your husband has entrusted me with much. 00:07:23 Speaker 5: Very well, then till next. 00:07:26 Speaker 3: Time, Joseph. 00:07:28 Speaker 1: Joseph bowed again and turned back to the field, putting distance between himself and her. Yet whenever he glanced back, she was watching him, her gaze unwavering. Later that night, Joseph sought the sanctuary of the chamber baths. His body ached from the day's labor, and he longed for the peace and quiet of the warm water. He often waited for the other servants to finish so he could soak in solitude. Stripping off his clothes, he eased into the bath, the warmth seeping into his muscles. He closed his eyes, letting the water soothe his aches. Half asleep, Joseph could hear quiet footsteps, quiet and deliberate. He opened his eyes to see Potiphar's wife entering the room. Her dress hung loosely, barely clinging to her body as she approached the bath. 00:08:22 Speaker 6: Oh, hello again, Joseph. 00:08:27 Speaker 3: My lady, why are you out here so late? 00:08:30 Speaker 5: My husband retreats to bed early. He vows to sleep when ra sleeps. What a boar, But not me. I'm like a cat. I have the most fun at night. I prowl these howls, hunting for a snack. 00:08:52 Speaker 3: Perhaps I should take cues from your husband and retreat early. Nonsense. 00:08:56 Speaker 5: This is your ritual, is it not. You come here to escape a noise under Relax here, let me help you. 00:09:05 Speaker 6: Unwhite. 00:09:07 Speaker 1: She let her dress slip off her shoulders, Standing naked before him, she smiled and stepped into the bath, the water rippling around her. 00:09:18 Speaker 5: It's just you and me here, Joseph. 00:09:23 Speaker 1: Potiphar's wife waded closer, her hand reaching out under the water. Joseph's breath caught in his throat, his body tensed, his mind screaming for him to move in closer, But in a brief moment of control over his will, Joseph stole his agency back and recoiled. He leaped out of the water and grabbed his clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist and bowed his head. 00:09:48 Speaker 3: I am clean now and very tired. Have a good bath, my lady. 00:09:54 Speaker 1: Without another word, he fled the room, leaving Potiphar's wife in the bath. She watched him go, her smirk playing on her lips. The next morning, Joseph avoided Potiphar's wife, knowing that if he lingered too long, his resolve might crumble. He worked all day, bathed quickly with the other servants, and retreated to his quarters. That night, he sat on the balcony, gazing up at the stars and wondering if his family still lived. Before Egypt, the god of his father had seemed distant and mysterious, but through hardship and trial, Joseph had come to see God more clearly. He felt his presence as if he were in the room, guiding and protecting him. With a heavy sigh, Joseph turned back into his room. He stopped short. Lying on his bed under the flickering candlelight was Potipha's wife. She looked at him with longing You. 00:10:53 Speaker 5: And I both nor Potiphar is far too busy for on me. 00:10:58 Speaker 1: She crawled forward on the bed, lifting her eyes to Joseph. 00:11:03 Speaker 5: I am lonely at night, Joseph. 00:11:06 Speaker 3: I require your company, mistress. My master has given me authority in this house. He doesn't need to think about anything because he trusts me. He's put everything in my care and has withheld nothing from me except you. You are his wife and very precious to him. 00:11:26 Speaker 6: Enough, honor, Joseph, come to bed. 00:11:29 Speaker 1: Joseph gulped, his eyes drifting to her smooth skin, barely touched by the sun, and the curls of her hair draping over her body. She was undeniably beautiful. He leaned in, feeling his temperature eyes. She smiled an inched closer like a lioness, not wanting to startle her prey lie with me. Before she could lean in to kiss him, Joseph pushed back and shook his head. 00:11:57 Speaker 3: I cannot do this. Please leave very well. 00:12:03 Speaker 5: I will leave She. 00:12:05 Speaker 1: Rose and wrapped herself in her garment, sauntering past him with a seductive sway. Before leaving, she caressed his cheek with the back. 00:12:13 Speaker 6: Of her hand before I go, I would like to remind you that. 00:12:19 Speaker 5: You are still a slave in my house under my rule. 00:12:25 Speaker 6: When I come again, it won't be this polite. 00:12:30 Speaker 1: Joseph closed his eyes and waited for the door to close behind him. He exhaled the breath and leaned against the window sill. He had avoided catastrophe again. Joseph clenched his jaw. He remembered how easily his brothers had succumbed to women. It was a red mark on their character. Joseph was determined to be better to rise about the temptations of his forefathers. 00:12:54 Speaker 3: My God help me. 00:13:01 Speaker 1: The air was thick with the mingled sense of incense and freshly baked bread as the sun cast its golden rays over Egypt. It was the festival of Opet, a time on a tradition dedicated to the god Amen Ram, and the city was alive with vibrant energy. Along the wide, dusty streets, citizens of all ages lined the route, eager to witness the grand procession. Women in flowing white linen gowns adorned with colorful beadwork chatted animatedly. Men wore their best skirts, their bronze skin gleaming in the sunlight as they stood tall, ready to pay homage to their deities. Children darted between the adults, their laughter a light, joyous counterpoint to the deeper with macchanting that filled the air. In the heart of the city, the grand avenue leading from the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple was transformed into a sacred pathway. Joseph watched the procession of musicians with lyres hearts and flutes, playing tunes with the steady beat of drums. The sounds seemed to vibrate through the very stones of the city, creating a palpable sense of anticipation. Joseph stood behind the crowd and watched the priests, clad in intricately embroidered robes, carry statues of the gods. Each statue was resplendent in gold and precious stones. The priests moved with deliberate grace, their faces serene and focused, chanting hymns that echoed through the city behind them. Dancers swirled and leaped, their movements fluid and hypnotic, telling stories of the God's deeds and the creation of the world. Their costumes, vibrant and elaborate, mirrored the colors of the niles, flora, and fauna, creating a living tapestry of motion. The crowd watched in all their eyes, following every twist and turn of the dancer's bodies. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first transformed into a more debased celebration. The streets filled with the sound of drunken cackles, and tables groaned under the weight of lavish feasts. Wine flowed freely, and the rich aroma of roasted meat filled the air. When the temple, prostitutes and enslaved children filled the streets, Joseph knew it was his time to leave. He walked the path back to Potiphar's house. The summer air was humid and thick enough to run a blade through. Joseph was weary from the festivities. Times like these reminded him that he was a stranger in this land, a Hebrew among Egyptians. Yet the night brought some solace. Potiphar's entire household was gone, save but for a few guards standing at the entrance. Joseph enjoyed the quiet, using the opportunity to organize a few things in the house. He paced in the halls of Potiphar's quarters, organizing scrolls and polishing statues. The torches illuminated ornate tapestries and trophies of conquest. It was against this backdrop that Joseph saw a shadow approaching, hymns, swinging to and fro in a familiar motion. 00:16:09 Speaker 3: No, well, not again, not here. 00:16:12 Speaker 1: Joseph turned to see Potiphar's wife leaning against the entrance. 00:16:17 Speaker 5: Why aren't you celebrating with the others, Most even slaves revel in the festival. We celebrate the creation, a knight of endless possibilities. 00:16:31 Speaker 4: I am a Hebrew. 00:16:32 Speaker 3: We have a different creation story, not one of conquest and dominance, but of truth and order spoken to chaos. 00:16:40 Speaker 5: How poetic? 00:16:41 Speaker 3: Tell me more? 00:16:43 Speaker 1: Potiphar's wife inched closer, longing reflected in her coalined eyes. 00:16:48 Speaker 3: I don't think you're here to listen to Hebrew stories. 00:16:53 Speaker 5: You're smart, no wonder you're so respected and soft. 00:16:59 Speaker 1: After she closed the door, the sound of wood against the beams echoed across the empty halls. 00:17:07 Speaker 3: No mistress, I told you I can't. 00:17:11 Speaker 6: We are alone, Joseph, all alone. 00:17:17 Speaker 1: She licked her finger and snuffed one of the candles. The room was now dimmer, but somehow hotter. Joseph was getting flustered. 00:17:26 Speaker 3: I won't sin against my master or my God. 00:17:30 Speaker 6: Here and now I am your master and God. 00:17:37 Speaker 1: Potiphar's wife seized Joseph by the belt of his garment and pulled in forcibly. This time there was a deep rage within her. 00:17:45 Speaker 6: Lessen to me, slave, you are still owned by this household. You are still owned by me. 00:17:54 Speaker 3: That may be so, But before you and my master, I am owned by another. Not sin against my guard. 00:18:02 Speaker 6: To the nile with your God, lie with me, or face the consequences. 00:18:07 Speaker 1: Joseph, out of options, decided to run. With his garments still in her hand. Joseph fled out of his room. The garment slid off his body, and Joseph ran naked through the halls. Just as he turned the corner, he heard a loud scream echo through the entire home. Joseph knew at that moment that he was in desperate trouble. Potiva's wife screamed and called for the guards. Joseph looked back and saw them rush into his room. 00:18:34 Speaker 5: He attagged me. This Hebrew slave lured me into sleep with me, but I screamed. 00:18:40 Speaker 3: Quickly he went that way. 00:18:42 Speaker 1: Joseph held his head low. He didn't run, he didn't quarrel. He knew it would be an admission of guilt if he fought. He simply held his hands up and allowed the guards to tackle him to the floor. Joseph was beaten. He dragged to Potiphar by his hair. Potiphar sat at his polished desk, holding Joseph's garment in his hand. His wife was crying behind, being consoled by her maid servants. Tied up and bruised, Joseph stood before Potiphar, much like he had eight years ago. 00:19:16 Speaker 4: So this is how you repay. 00:19:18 Speaker 3: My kindness, Master, I promise you. 00:19:23 Speaker 2: I save you from the ishmaelite trader. I brought you into my home. I give you charge over everything I have, and this is what you give me. You assault my wife and make a mockery of me. 00:19:38 Speaker 1: Joseph's eyes began to water. He saw in Potiphar the same deep well of hatred his brothers once had. Joseph breathed in deeply, and looked Potiphar in the eye. 00:19:49 Speaker 3: You are my master and my friend. Have I not earned you trust? By now? I tell you I've done nothing wrong? It's a lie. Please you must believe. 00:20:00 Speaker 1: Potiphar was silent for a long moment. He leaned over his desk with his head held low. Joseph watched his grip tighten on the desk edges. 00:20:11 Speaker 4: Believe you. 00:20:14 Speaker 2: Believe few believe a foreigner over my own wife. Believe a Hebrew slave over the words of my beloved bride. 00:20:26 Speaker 1: Potipha looked up with complete rage and contempt. 00:20:29 Speaker 2: Did I not warn you that I would kill you if you disobeyed me? 00:20:36 Speaker 1: As he yelled this, Potipha drew his sword and swung at the desk. The desk shattered and frayed into dozens of pieces. The desk Joseph had cleaned every day for eight years was in shamls. Potipha pointed his sword at Joseph. 00:20:52 Speaker 2: You will rot in twison for the rest of your day's Hebrew take him away. 00:21:00 Speaker 1: In an instant, Joseph was taken up by the guards and thrown into the royal prison where Pharaoh's prisoners were confined. He fell down the jagged steps onto the cold damp stone beneath. He looked up, looking at the last light of the prison hallway disappear. As he peered up, he saw the faces of his brothers scowling at him from above. Joseph was once again in the pit. This Prey Dog conproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zack Sllebager, and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, 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 bag 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.