# 47 - Joseph: The Slave - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein we discover Joseph's journey from betrayal to service in Potiphar's house, a tale of resilience and divine favor. This episode unravels how faith and integrity transform even the darkest circumstances into a path of hope and purpose.
Episode 47 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 Matthew 20:26, “but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.”
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Show Notes:
(02:00) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(03:01) Joseph: The Slave - Cinematic Retelling
(24:11) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
Previously on the chosen people.
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.
So are you to rule over us? Joseph.
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.
The dreamer is here.
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.
No stop, somewhould help help help me.
Joseph lay there helplessly. His brothers were filled with spite. They took his lips open, mangled body, and threw him into an empty pit. Joseph tumbled down fifteen feet, hitting the cold dirt below.
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.
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 his place. As Joseph was taken towards Egypt, as 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.
God, what have I done to deserve this?
In the house of Potifar, a Hebrew slave rose to prominence not by power, but by the unseen hand of God. Shed, oh, my friends, from here in the Holy Land. I'm l Extein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. If this podcast has blessed you, we'd love it if you followed, left or review and shared it with a friend. These may seem like small steps, but they help us in our efforts to get this podcast out to everyone. So go right now, follow the podcast, leave her review, and share it with a friend. Thank you so much for making this mission possible. Now let's begin. What does it mean to be faithful when the world turns upside down? This Bible story isn't just the story one man's enslavement. Rather, it's a reflection of our own struggles. Journey with me into a story inspired by Genesis thirty nine one to say.
Get up, slave, we're here.
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 thriving 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 market place. 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 captives tied him to a post alongside the camels 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 bar uttering 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 rump, startled. The camel bolted forward, pulling the wooden class 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 running stop him.
Joseph's breath came heavy and labored, his body weak from days without sufficient water and food. His legs burned as he raced through the streets, glancing back to see guardards in pursuit. To his left, he spotted a large hole in a stone wall.
They can't fit in there, but I can.
With a swift pivot, Joseph leaped for the opening, squeezing through without a scratch and losing the guards. 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 gulps. 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. After what 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 lent 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 run the sweather kill me.
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.
My Lord, forgive me the Hebrew escaped as I was bartering to sell him. You may kill him if you like, or I can do it myself.
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.
I will buy him off you you what.
Joseph was just as surprised as the Ishmaelit. They looked up at the man, unable to understand his reasoning.
I will give you fifteen shekels of silver for him.
The trader hesitated, five shekels less than what he paid, but fear overrode his greed.
H as you wish Lord, part of her, please also accept some turmeric freshly ground from the riverlands south of the Nile.
Potipha 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 Potipha mounted his horse, trotting away with a small entourage of gods.
I am net, the keeper of the Lord Potiphar's slaves.
Come, let's get you cleaned up.
I can't have you muddying up the lord Captain's home.
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 lash vignyard 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 bounched his wife, Younger, beautiful, and adorned with fine jewelry. Joseph stood with his head bowed, without looking up from his work.
Potipha spoke, as I witnessed in the market place, 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 Mape 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.
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. 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? Why give me dreams of prosperity only to throw me away like this?
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.
Please give me favor as you did Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
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. Potipha 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 aside the vineyards, catching glimpses of Joseph working under the hot sun. However, Joseph's eyes never met hers. He was intent on working and gaining favour 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 patterns, and the demand for wine in the marketplace. 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 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.
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 in favor with the others. But now after three years, I've come to be surprised by your relentlessness. While you do this, you were never commanded to do so.
I live to serve, Lord Potiphar.
Do not give me pleasantly. Slave. I've asked you an honest question. You will respond with an honest answer.
Joseph paused, realizing this was the first time Potiphar had spoken to him since he arrived.
If I am to be a slave, I'd like to be the best.
So it's ambition that drives you.
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 led me. Hear Now, as a slave, God has granted me the chance to change my heart, a chance to do things right.
Which God do you worship?
I worshiped the one True God Master. He has given me undeserved favor, favor.
You're a slave, although there is no denying it, Joseph, your God has clearly blessed you in some way. Perhaps this God of slaves can do something for me too.
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.
This is the God that I worship, Joseph Amunah. He is the source 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 Rah. However, since you have been here, our crops have increased, our slaves are in higher spirits, the live stock are healthier. Perhaps the favor your God brings can match the might of ara.
Hum.
Joseph, I would like to appoint you as my household overs here. Everything I own, every one who lives here, and all the crops I grow will be under your care.
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.
You honor me with this responsibility. May God bless you for your kindness towards me.
I will not let you down.
Ha, 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.
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.
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.
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 paws. Potiphar looked at Joseph intently, eyes revealing some deep wounds and desires.
However, you may, under no circumstances, order my wife or her maid's effence.
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.
Joseph sold into slavery, found himself in the house of an Egyptian named Potifar, and yet even in his enslavement, Joseph served with unparalleled diligence. What drives a person to work with such fervor, especially in such dire circumstances. Joseph's unwavering commitment wasn't for the accolades or the rewards of this world.
It was for the glory of God.
A testament to a faith that is living and active. Do we find that same motivation in our daily tasks? Can we see beyond our immediate trials and glimpse the sacredness in our work? Joseph's story challenges me to reconsider my own work ethic. What am I driven by? I have to ask myself driven by the fleeting praise of men, or by the eternal approval of my creator. Joseph's life, even in po Tifar's house, radiates a light that speaks of a deeper allegiance. He's a reminder that in serving others with excellence, we are ultimately serving God. Joseph's journey isn't just a story from ancient times. It's a call to live each moment with the awareness that we too are servants of the Most High. In every task, great or small, we can glorify our Maker. May we, like Joseph, find our strength and motivation in God, serving Him with all of our heart, mind, and soul. Now, let's take a deeper dive into Genesis thirty nine, the chapter of the Bible where we find this story. Verse one state effect quote. Now, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt end quote. But Jewish tradition teaches that there's more than a simple fact. In this opening verse, we're taught that being quote taken down end quote hints at the Egyptian slavery that would be the low point in the history, not just for Joseph, but for all of the Chosen People. Sure, things would be good for a while, which we'll see in the upcoming episodes. So as long as Joseph was alive and acting as the visceray of Egypt, things were good. But eventually, more than two centuries of exile and horrible bitter enslavement would nearly break the Chosen People. Now, let's look at the words that the Bible uses here. It's very interesting that it talks about going down to Egypt. But then every time the Bible talks about going to the Promised Land to Israel, it actually speaks of going up. So we have to see that this going up doesn't mean height or altitude, It means holiness, It means closeness to God. When we're going up, we're getting closer to our destiny, closer to our God. When we're going down, we're going a little bit farther from that revealed blessing that God is raining down. You see, even a modern Hebrew when we go to live in the Holy Land, to move our lives from wherever we're born to Israel, that process is called aliyah. Have you ever heard of somebody making aliyah? It means moving to Israel, but what it literally translates has is going up. Aliah literally means rising. This is exactly what my husband and I did nearly twenty years ago. We made aliyah, and with so many thousands of persecuted and empowerished Jewish people do so when they immigrate to Israel. Thanks to the Fellowship's Christian supporters, they make alia. They rise up, and the Fellowship helps people make aliyah to move to Israel from all four corners of the earth every single day. And you know I'm speaking to you right now from Israel, and so I can tell you that every day It's true, I feel a high about living here. I feel like I'm rising up. Not just when I move to Israel. But every day that I'm living here on this holy soil, as comfortable as our lives were in America, I definitely feel like I'm made an assent in Aliah by coming to live here in the Holy Land, this land that God promised to his chosen people thousands of years ago, and that I am blessed and privileged to be living in. As you study the Bible with me, I hope that you will feel a little bit of what I feel. I hope that you'll feel uplifted, that you feel raised up, that you feel in Aliad, that you feel encouraged, inspired, that you feel closer to God now. Joseph's unwavering faithfulness and a foreign land foreshadows Israel's call to remain steadfast in exile. His story is a prophetic glimpse into our collective destiny, exiled and scattered, yet always called to hold fast to our faith. The theme of exile in return is central to Jewish history, from Babylon to the Diaspora. We have faced countless trials, but we have always clung to our Confidant with Almighty. Joseph's loyalty mirrors this enduring faith in Egypt, he serves with excellence. Echoing the prophet Jeremiah's words to the exiles in Babylon, he says, quote, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper end quote. Joseph's story reminds us of our journey as the Chosen People. It's a call to steadfastness. It's a testament to faith, and it's a beacon of hope. It's the ability to see the light within the darkness and to remember that God is always with us and always in control. May we, like Joseph, remain faithful in our own exiles, trusting in God's enduring and consistent love that doesn't waver. And may our lives always reflect God's light, seeking the welfare of the cities where we find ourselves. Just as his word instructed, joseph life reveals a profound theological insight. It teaches us how to have integrity under pressure, living with integrity when the world presses hard against us. That's what we can learn from Joseph's story. We face the challenge of maintaining integrity in jobs that might want to wear us down, or in roles where our efforts go unnoticed. Maybe we feel trapped by the daily grind. Maybe we feel like life is repetitive and we're not getting the satisfaction that we want or the recognition that we deserve. We have to ask ourselves what's in our control. What's in our control is how we respond. How do we respond? Do we cut corners, do we become cynical and disheartened, or do we, like Joseph, recognize that our work is a form of holiness, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Joseph's story reminds us that God's favor often accompanies faithfulness. Yes, this world is tough. It's filled with jobs we do out of necessity and tasks that wear us down. But in the middle of it all, we have a choice, and this is our choice to serve with integrity or to feel like a victim. We have to trust in God's presence. We must believe that our faithfulness matters. And so, my friends, here's a challenge for all of us. Let's try and see our daily work not as a burden, but as an opportunity, an opportunity to serve others, even if it's in small ways, to bless others, even if it's just with a smile, and to honor God in everything that we do.
You can listen to the Chosen People with the Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the pray dot Com app today. This comnproduction 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 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 bre Rosalie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, 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 Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.