# 60 - Joseph: The Governor - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Joseph navigates the complexities of leadership as famine grips Egypt, balancing compassion and strategy to ensure survival. Explore the themes of legacy, divine provision, and the transformative power of faith in this pivotal chapter of God's plan.
Episode 60 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
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Today's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 13:22, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.”
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Show Notes:
(02:08) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(03:05) Joseph: The Governor - Cinematic Retelling
(16:04) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
Previously on the Chosen People.
Father, I'm struggling to find the words. What is it? Your son Joseph is alive? Father? Are you laughing?
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.
My son is alive, My son is alive.
But did you hear what we told you? We lied to you.
I too old to care about that quick fact, these cuts.
Let's move.
We have to reach Egypt before I die.
You and I both know that could be any minute.
I mean, look at me.
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.
Is it you, my son?
Yes, Father, it's me. I'm here.
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. T week be Joseph who closes your eyes.
As famine devoured the land, Joseph's wisdom became the lifeline for a kingdom on the brink. Shallow, my friends, from here in the Holy Land of Israel, Amya l Exstein with the international Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Have you ever felt the burden of a promise made to you our forefather Joseph did in the land of Egypt, under the weight of a covenant made in times of plenty, tested in days of hunger, Joseph stood as a beacon of wisdom, navigating a nation through the desolation of famine. Before we traverse the sands of ancient Egypt from Genesis forty seven one to twenty six, we'll see how one man's righteousness alters the fate of an entire nation, And we'll ask ourselves, what would we do to save the ones that we love.
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 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 you're 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. Then 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?
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.
Lord Pharaoh, I present to you five of my brothers. They represent my father's nation and their families. My eleven brothers, my father, their flocks, and all they possess. Have co 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. Bring them before me.
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.
Brothers of Zephoneth Prinaea, you hail from Canaan, beyond my rule, and in the outlands of peasants and barbarians. Tell me what is your occupation.
Your servants are shepherds, Lord Pharaoh. Our forefathers were all shepherds. It is all we have known from our youth.
I'm aware that not all nations hold the will of the gods as closely as I do.
But you are within my borders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do so swiftly, Zeppinet Panea, we have urgent matters of the nation.
Yes, my Lord Pharaoh, before they leave, I would have my father meet you so we can bless you.
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.
Father, are you ready to meet the Pharaoh?
I suppose it's only fitting. 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.
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.
Lord Pharaoh, my father Jacob, also named Israel by our God Israel.
How many years have you lived?
Oh?
The days of my sojourning here on this earth are one hundred 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 discernment 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 repay 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.
Paymen.
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.
Let's go, Father, Thank you, Lord, Pharaoh.
Joseph secured his family in Goshen. 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.
What is the meaning of this? Is of it?
Not, Pania? You're finally here.
The people are getting violent? What's wrong?
The people are out of money. The famine has stalled the economy since known whom money is flowing back to the people. They can't afford to buy grain from the storehouses.
Ah. I feared this would happen. Bartering. Bartering has dwindled month after months.
Do we open up ledgers of credit for them?
No, under no circumstances can we let that happen. We have years of famine left. The death would crush them.
If the silver runs out, we have no other option but to give it away for free.
No, then we can't pay the guards who will enforce its distribution for the palace that governs the operation. Anyone strong enough to take the storehouse's will, and then the weak will not survive.
Ah, I'm at a loss of it. Not Pania, What shall we do?
Joseph turned to the people. Their faces were marked by hunger and desperation.
Give us food, Sepnesspania, Do you want us to starve? We have no money to pay.
Will you let your citizens run away in hunger?
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.
Ah Blastodol, have a solution, But what is it? People will no longer be their own. They will be pharaohs.
Aren't they all ready in devotion?
Yes, but not in property? But I see no other options at times goffer desperate measures.
Joseph raised his hands to the crowd, then gestured to his scribes to make a decree.
Hear me, citizens of Egypt, I 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.
Bring your horses, flocks and donkeys. Bring your herds and any livestock 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, zeppne Peler, bless you for your wisdom. You think me now, but I see where this is headed.
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's fear was realized. The people press the storehouses, ready to trade anything for food.
All we have left is our land and our bodies. We will gladly give both for food.
What must we do for more grain?
Please?
Ef naf Pania. We don't want to die.
Is it not, Pania? If they give their land, then how will they eat? When the famine has passed.
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.
This is what you feared would happen.
Yes, but there's no avoiding it now. These people need to eat, and we can't give the grain away, or else it will devolve into chaos. This is the last day they will be citizens of a nation. They will now be serfs in an empire.
Pharaoh will be pleased.
Yes, but our Pharaoh is wise and just. We will see if his son, who will inherit this power, would be as merciful and kind.
Wow.
What a story. Joseph, the favored son turned Egyptian governor, navigating the tension between his heritage and his new role. A man led by wisdom straight from God, bound by the legacy of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, a shepherd becomes a savior. Imagine the tension Joseph felt as he presented his brothers to Pharaoh. The survival of his family hung in the balance. His strategy, born from divine wisdom, secured their place in a foreign land. Rebbe Abraham Joshua Heshel once said, faith is not a clinging to a shrine, but an endless pilgrimage of the heart. Joseph's life was that pilgrimage, from the pit to Potifar's house, to prison, and finally to the palace. With every step he found God was present and with every step adapted to each challenge, never clinging to the past, but always moving forward with eyes fixed on the promises of God. Joseph's life is a reflection of a greater calling, not just survival, but a legacy, one that isn't measured in material wealth, but in faith, passed down from generation to generation. Let's be inspired by Joseph's heart of stewardship. Let's live out our calling with integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness, just like Joseph did. We are on our own pilgrimage, aren't we. Whether it's navigating a difficult career, managing family tensions, or even wheathering a global crisis. The question remains, how will we walk this journey? Joseph teaches us to plan for the future, to think beyond the immediate, and invest in what truly matters, faith, family, and community. His stewardship during the famine wasn't just storing grain. It was about ensuring the survival of a people and a legacy. And that legacy it was forged not just in wisdom, but in forgiveness. Joseph could have harbored resentment against his brothers, he could have let bitterness rule his heart, and instead he chose to forgive, and in that act, his family's future was secured. Grace, not revenge. Shape to Joseph's story, and what about us in our fractured relationships. Joseph's example challenges us to forgive, to see the bigger picture, to trust that God's plans are greater than our pain. As we walk our own pilgrimages, may we, like Joseph, navigate our lives with wisdom, faith, and a heart ready to forgive, trusting that God is guiding us through every challenge. But in this Bible's story, something or some one else stands out besides Joseph. It's Jacob Israel, the man who once fled in fear now stands as a patriarch. His trembling hands bless Pharaoh. His words carry the weight of a covenant that spans generations. Jacob's journey from wrestling with God to being blessed by God mirrors the journey of the Chosen people. Because that's what this story we're exploring each day is all about, isn't it God's chosen people Israel. Towards the end of this chapter, the Bible tells us, now the Israelite settled in Egypt in the region of Gshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful, increased greatly in number. Here's the phrase I want you to pay attention to. It's a quote in Hebrew Viajzuba, and it's translated and this translation as they acquired property there, But that's not literally what it means. The literal translation would be and they were grasped by it. Jewish tradition teaches that this phrase speaks of assimilation into the ancient Egyptian culture, which was not a culture of morality and proper behavior. And so we can really learn a lesson from this verse that it's easy to be swayed by the culture around us, even if it doesn't reflect the values that we hold by. It's a warning we need to be careful that we adopt the positive parts of the culture in which we live, and be just as careful not to embrace those aspects of society that don't make for a godly life. The Chosen people as slaves in Egypt, would try hard to retain their distinctive identity, but it was always a challenge, just as it's a challenge for us today to lead godly lives as God's chosen people. It has always been a challenge to be godly from the beginning. It goes back to the garden, to the serpent's whisper of doubt. It's a story of darkness, seeking to fracture the bond between God and humanity. And yet, time after time again, God takes what was meant for evil and he turns it into good. Joseph's betrayal by his brothers was meant to destroy him, but instead it became the very thing that led him to the palace, to saving his people, to saving a nation. Again and again, and we'll see it again throughout the scriptures. Whenever evil appears to have the upper hand, God is actually working behind the scenes, turning every plan of the enemy into a story of redeption. This theme echoes through our history, both from the Bible all the way to today. What is meant for harm God uses for good, and in this we find our hope, our legacy, our story. In the light of Joseph's story, let's look at our own lives. We may not be governing Egypt, but we face our own challenges career setbacks, broken relationships, financial struggles, health battles, and in these moments, it's easy to feel lost, like we're wandering through a desert without a guide, like the darkness is going to like the darkness is going to overcome us. But Joseph's life shows us the invisible hand of God guiding us through even when we can't see the way forward. Joseph's blessings came after years of deep hurt. But Joseph's betrayal, his imprisonment, his loneliness, they were not there without purpose. He was suffering, but it was leading to something so big, the redemption of his family and his people. In his suffering, God was shaping Joseph for something greater, preparing him for the role that he would one day play. And now think about it, what does that mean for us? First, what I hear in the story is that our pain has a purpose. It's not wasted. We might not be the King of Egypt, we might not be the one to redeem the entire nation. But God does use our suffering to prepare us for the work that He has set before us. And each of us are called for important work in our lives. Second, in our deepest urts, we must hold on to God even tighter. He is with us, even in the suffering, even in the silence, working in ways that we cannot yet see. We live in a world that demands instant solutions and immediate gratification. But you know what God's timeline is, not ours. Joseph waited years in prison and he didn't give up hope. So like Joseph, let's trust in God's timing. Let's not try to rush what God is doing. Like Joseph, your story is still being written in Hashem, the master storyteller, isn't done with your story yet. To speak more on this, fatherly heavenly love is our good friend, Bishop Lanier, thank.
You so much, Yaiel. I want to focus on really one theme in this conversation, shepherds and sheep. You know, when I was a little boy, my grandmother used to have sheep in her yard. Now used to love to watch them. We can romanticize the whole thing, and we know that in our Bible, then the Hebrew scriptures twenty third Psalm, the Lord is my shepherd, and in the Christian scriptures, Jesus says, I am the good shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and know who I am. You and I are very comfortable with this conversation.
But let me tell you who was not.
Comfortable with this conversation. The Egyptians were not comfortable with the whole idea of sheep and shepherds, and Joseph is about to play this thing for all it's worth and use it as part of his advantage. Would you say that word advantage? You are living with an advantage. May not feel like it because you are a foreigner, but favored my God. Joseph knew that the Egyptians didn't like the whole concept and occupation of shepherds. Why Egyptians, sure, they would have live stock, but they would use them for the sake of wool. They didn't eat them for meat, but the Hebrews would eat them for food. And you knowlater on century later, the whole concept, the whole holiness and holy day of the Passover is about the lamb. Joseph prepares his brothers, saying to them, I'm about to take you in there. I'm about to introduce you to the Pharaoh, and I want you to walk into that space with a sheep point of reference. That's right, a sheep point of reference. I want you to think sheep. When he asked you a question, I want you to answer bah. I want every part of your being to say to that man that you are a shepherd. You are offensive, you are discussed well in chapter forty seven, he says Joseph took five of his brothers to the Pharaoh and showing that Pharaoh said what do you boys do for a living? What's your job? What's your occupation? And in three ways they drill this thing. Number One, they say, we are shepherds. I mean no blending with this occupation or sometimes we like to want no, no, no, no, we are shepherds. Okay. Second thing, our ancestors were for shepherds. In other words, we come from a long line of disgusting people generations.
And then the third thing. Listen to this.
They're talking to the pharaoh. The whole reason, mister Pharaoh, we are in Egypt is so we could bring our sheep into your country. There's a famine out there. We can't feed him. We're shepherds, We got dying sheep. And the whole reason we're standing here is so we can bring our sheep into your Wow. They're letting this Pharaoah know that every part of their DNA is committed to shepherds and to sheep. Why because they've learned from Joseph that because of Egypt's for shepherds and shepherding, they're.
Going to be separated.
Pharaoh was gonna put them on another side of the nation, and sure enough, in verse five, Pharaoh demands they be placed in absolutely the best property in a different land, but the best property. Listen, others will mark what God has marked on you. They don't get it, they don't perceive, discern understand the strange, peculiarness of who you are. But it's the Lord who does this in your life. You are foreign but favored. And then he says, I'm I'm gonna let you even take care of my live stock here in Egypt. Now as that familiar, you remember when Joseph was placed in part of his house. He's a prisoner, but part of her discerns there's a blessing upon Joseph's life, and he says, I'm taking my entire household, Joseph, and placing it under your authority. And when Joseph goes to the dungeon, when he goes to prison, the God is discerning enough to know there's an anointing upon Joseph's life and says, I'm taking responsibilities and putting them in your hands. Verse eleven says, in that best region and country, Joseph is able to provide food for his father, for the father's sons, their entire families, right down to the youngest. Then Joseph starts moving in his mastery of providing for his master. WHOA, let me say that again. Joseph shows his mastery, moves in his mastery of providing for his master. He finds the most brilliant ways of keeping the monarchy, if you will, strong and the people fed. Folk would come to him hungry and say, hey, we got no food. Let us give you money and you sell us food. At worked till they ran out of money, and they ran out of food. Then they returned and they said, we have no money and we have no food, but we have live stock. But what good is the live stock. Let us give you our live stock in exchange for food. Okay, that worked until that ran out. Then they returned and said, we have no money and we have no live stock, but we have land and we have our lives, and we'll exchange them for food. The people are provided for and the pharaoh is prospered. And then Joseph comes up with this brilliant idea and says, we're going to give you seed that you can now begin a new conversation with creation. But this is what's going to happen. Harvests are going to rise. But when they do as they do, you're going to bring a double tithe unto the Pharaoh. You're going to bring him twenty percent of your provision, your prosperity. Wow, this is amazing. All of it sounds so good, so productive, so positive, and so prosperous. The blessing of God is upon them in this strange place. But Jacob knows doesn't matter. Still ain't my home? And he says to his son and requires him, son, don't you bury me in this Egypt? When I sleep with my father? I want you to take my body back home and plant me in our Israel.
Wanted to go.
To Israel.
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. 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 with Yeile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,