Chapter Thirteen - In Pharaoh’s Presence
Pharaoh was pleased with his decision to make Joseph his Grand Vizier. He ordered Ontis to bring the second Royal chariot to the Palace. He told Joseph to ride in the chariot around Zoan, so that the people would know that there was a new ruler in Egypt. As the chariot moved slowly around Zoan, the soldiers cried out before Joseph, “Bow the knee!”
The people of Zoan quickly bowed their knees. The big question on each person’s lips was “Who is this new ruler?” The reply was, “The new Grand Vizier of Egypt, Pharaoh has made him ruler over all of Egypt.”
The news spread like wildfire. There was a great buzz of excitement around Zoan. Pharaoh has appointed a Grand Vizier to rule under himself. “What is he like? What sort of ruler will he be?” Questions and speculations flew around the capital. The populace was intrigued. What fascinating news!
Joseph stood in the chariot and watched the people bowing down to him. He felt as though he was in a dream. ‘Can all this be true?’ He smiled at the people, a warm genuine smile. The people sensed his warmth and many smiled back. Joseph was still astonished, only this morning he had woken up in his prison cell. Now he was riding in Pharaoh’s chariot and the people were bowing down to him. He had gone from one extreme to the other! From prison to the Palace!
As the news spread, people ran from all over the city to catch a glimpse of the new ruler. Crowds thronged the sides of the road; the soldiers had to clear a pathway for the chariot. Joseph continued to smile at the people. The realisation that Pharaoh had appointed him to rule over his people was sinking in. The chariot pulled up before the Palace. Joseph stepped down and was escorted back to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, and without you no man will lift up his hand or foot, in all the land of Egypt.”
The reality of it all struck Joseph forcibly. Pharaoh expected him to rule his huge empire for him. Joseph had a sudden impression of the enormity of the task.
Pharaoh felt good, he had a feeling that his new Grand Vizier would be a definite asset to the land of Egypt. Pharaoh called Zophek over. Joseph was pleased to see him. They smiled at each other. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Zophek told me about your ability to explain dreams. What convinced me was you told him what was about to happen, before I had even made up my mind, three days later.”
Zophek bowed to Pharaoh, “I knew he could explain your dreams for you. It's good that you have rewarded him.”
Pharaoh dismissed Zophek and spoke to Joseph, “Tonight, you will sleep here in the Palace. I will arrange to have a suite of your own built. In the intervening period, you will stay with me.”
Joseph was waited on hand and foot, he was assigned his own servants. He also had a full retinue of soldiers at his disposal. The rest of the day was taken up with introductions to Pharaoh’s princes and nobles. Pharaoh was keen to show off his new Grand Vizier. The princes and nobles had been in the Throne room when Joseph had interpreted the dreams. They were anxious to meet him and cultivate his favour. Joseph endeavoured to remember all their names, but, he knew it would take a little time.
Time was on his side; his new chief butler Okan would prompt him if he ran into difficulties.
Joseph found it hard to get used to being waited on. For so many years he had had to wait on others; he felt a trifle guilty that others had to wait on him. Practically, everything was done for him. When Joseph retired for the night it was in a sumptuous bedroom fit for a king. He could not help thanking and praising God for such an unexpected answer to his prayers.
Joseph realised that God had put him in this position for His glory and not for Joseph’s sake. He was well aware that he would need God’s help to govern Egypt for Pharaoh. Joseph spent a long time praying before he went to bed.
Next morning Joseph was up bright and early as usual. He was advised that Pharaoh and his family got out of bed a lot later in the day. Joseph asked Okan to show him around the Palace. Okan escorted Joseph from room to room; except for Pharaoh’s private suites. Joseph was impressed and awed at the size of the Palace and the workmanship that had gone into it. Okan led him back to his own suite and asked if he wanted to eat. Joseph replied, “I will have something to eat now, I am used to eating early in the day.”
Okan went away to arrange the meal. Joseph sat and reflected on the great task ahead of him. He had to set up storage systems that would be sufficient to see Egypt through the years of famine. ‘I’ll need to see the whole land for myself; otherwise, I will not be able to assess Egypt’s needs.’ He pondered over the massive organisation that would have to be set up to handle and distribute the grain.
Okan returned with servants carrying an abundance of food. Joseph was asked to take his pick. He selected the food he wanted and the remainder was taken away.
Pharaoh was pleased Joseph was an early riser; it was good to see that his Grand Vizier was on the job early. Pharaoh called Joseph into the anti-chamber of his private suite. Joseph went in to greet Pharaoh; he bowed his knee to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh spoke to him, “I have decided to call you, Zaphnath-Paaneah, which means ‘Revealer of Secrets’. This is the official name which you will be known by.” he paused for emphasis.
“I have been thinking about you and I have decided that you need a wife to help you in your duties. I will choose a fine wife for you. When I have decided on the right woman for you, I will bring her to you.”
Pharaoh was happy! He would make sure that Zaphnath-Paaneah would have a wife fit for a king.
Joseph looked at Pharaoh; had he heard correctly? ‘Pharaoh wants to give me a wife.' Joseph could hardly believe his ears. All these long years in Egypt, he had not thought about marriage. ‘How can a slave possibly think about getting married?’
He spoke to Pharaoh, “Thank you, my lord. I do not deserve such a wonderful consideration from you.”
Pharaoh replied, “I will see to it that you get a wife, that is worthy of your station in life. Enough of this talk you have many important people to meet, today.”
Pharaoh and Joseph walked together to the Throne room; to start their duties for the day.
During the course of the day Pharaoh introduced Queen Nefterin to Joseph. Pharaoh had already discussed with Nefterin likely candidates for a wife for Zaphnath-Paaneah. They brought the list down to three young maidens of noble birth.
Queen Nefterin studied Zaphnath-Paaneah. With her womanly intuition she knew which of the women would best suit Zaphnath-Paaneah. She took an instant liking to Pharaoh’s new Grand Vizier. She was sure that she would get on well with him. He was very courteous and discreet, and he was such a happy individual. His face lighted up when he smiled. The introduction over; Queen Nefterin left the Throne room accompanied by her maidens.
That night Pharaoh and Nefterin discussed their short list. Nefterin told Pharaoh she believed that Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah; the priest of On would be the best choice. Both of them knew her family, she came from a line of priests that went back many centuries.The more they talked about her, the more they were convinced that she was the right choice for Zaphnath-Paaneah. Asenath was a beautiful young woman. She was bright and intelligent. She was also endowed with a warm personality, had a good sense of humour and was compassionate in her dealings with others.
Pharaoh spoke, “Tomorrow, I will have Potipherah called in for a private audience.”
Fortunately, Potipherah was in Zoan for a Temple Feast Day. Next day, an officer of Pharaoh’s guards called at the Temple of the Sun God to bring Potipherah to Pharaoh. Potipherah wondered, ‘What does Pharaoh want with me?’
Potipherah was escorted into Pharaoh’s private audience chamber. Pharaoh was seated on a small throne; no one else was in the room. Guards were standing at the doorway.
“Come to me Potipherah.”
Potipherah walked to Pharaoh and bowed in obeisance. Pharaoh spoke, “Potipherah, I have called you in today to discuss an important matter. I want you to give me your d
aughter Asenath as wife, for Zaphnath-Paaneah, my new Grand Vizier.”
Potipherah was surprised! Never in all his born days would he have thought that was what Pharaoh wanted to see him for.
Pharaoh continued, “Asenath is on my short list of candidates. Both myself and Queen Nefterin have decided that she is the best choice of all the young women of noble birth.”
Potipherah, thought carefully for a few moments. 'This is a great honour; my family will be elevated in rank. My daughter will be married to the second most powerful man in Egypt. Surely, this will be a blessing to the whole family.’ He spoke to Pharaoh, “My lord, Pharaoh this is a great honour for me. It will be a great privilege to allow Asenath to marry Zaphnath-Paaneah.”
"Bring Asenath here tomorrow about mid morning. I want Asenath and Zaphnath-Paaneah to meet.”
Potipherah agreed to bring Asenath to the Palace tomorrow. He was then escorted back to the Temple. The other priests were intrigued. “Why did Pharaoh want to see you Potipherah?”
Potipherah told them, “I cannot tell you at this stage, however, I will be able to tell you soon.”
Potipherah hurried home to tell his wife Asenaken. Asenaken was as surprised as Potipherah had been. She was thrilled!
“Our daughter Asenath is to be married to the Grand Vizier! What a great honour for our family. We will be looked up to throughout Egypt.”
Potipherah called Asenath in to tell her the exciting news. “Asenath, today Pharaoh called me to the Palace for a private audience.” Asenath could see the excitement on her father’s face. “Pharaoh is seeking a wife for the new Grand Vizier and your name was on his short list.”
Asenath’s heart skipped a beat! “What did you say, Father?” Potipherah told her again. She was astounded!
Potipherah continued, “Now comes the best part. Pharaoh and Queen Nefterin have chosen you to be the wife of the Grand Vizier. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to the Palace to meet the new Grand Vizier.”
Asenath was speechless! ‘Pharaoh has chosen me to be the wife of the new Grand Vizier. What an incredible honour!’ She gradually calmed herself and was able to speak to her father.
“Father, this is a great honour for me and for our family. I do not know what the Grand Vizier is like, but, I will do my best to be a good wife and to uphold the family honour.”
Potipherah and Asenaken were very pleased. They were wondering if Asenath would accept Pharaoh’s decision in the right spirit. They were glad that she was not going to rebel. Asenaken spoke to her, “Come along Asenath, we have to start preparing you for your visit to the Palace.”
The two women walked out of the room and went to Asenath’s bedroom. Their maidens followed them. Asenath was excited her thoughts were whirling around in her head. 'What is the Grand Vizier like? Is he old? Is he young and handsome? I guess he will be an older man. I hope that I will like him. No one knows much about him. Will I be able to love him? Will I be able to fulfil the duties required of such a high personage?’
Asenaken broke her thought pattern, by saying, “Asenath, stop dreaming, we have to select the most appropriate clothes for your audience with Pharaoh.”
Asenath was brought back to reality; tomorrow she would face Pharaoh. ‘I must concentrate on getting ready for that, and take one step at a time. If the audience with Pharaoh is unfavourable, Pharaoh might change his mind.’ Asenath’s maidens got out her favourite garments and jewellery. Asenaken and Asenath began a slow, careful process of selecting the best garments to wear.
Potipherah was elated! ‘I will soon become the father-in-law of the Grand Vizier of Egypt. I will become a very important person in Egypt. People will look up to me and seek my favours. A word in my son-in-law’s ear could be to their advantage. The other priests will treat me with more respect. Yes, this marriage will bring many advantages to my family. It is a rare privilege to have a private audience with Pharaoh, tomorrow I will have another one. I hope that Asenath will give a favourable impression. I am sure she will. She will make the Grand Vizier a good dutiful wife.’
Pharaoh woke and arose earlier than usual. He had a feeling that today would be a great day. After breakfast, he sent for Joseph. Pharaoh waited for Joseph in the anti-chamber of his private suite.
Joseph wondered why Pharaoh wanted him so early. He promptly went to see Pharaoh. Joseph bowed down. Pharaoh had a big smile on his face. “Joseph, today I want you to meet your future wife. Her father is bringing her in later this morning for an audience with me. When that is over, I will send for you. Stay in the Palace, this morning.”
Joseph was excited and a bit nervous. Pharaoh watched his reaction and was pleased. He was sure that Asenath was the right choice for him. Pharaoh dismissed him. Joseph had not expected Pharaoh to act so quickly. He found it hard to concentrate.
‘I wonder what she will be like. I am sure that Pharaoh will pick a good wife for me.’ He was a bit apprehensive; he did not know how he would react when he saw her for the first time.
Pharaoh sent a palanquin and a squad of soldiers to convey them to the Palace. Potipherah and Asenath rode in the palanquin. A small retinue of servants also went with them to the Palace. It would not do to keep Pharaoh waiting. Their arrival was announced to Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s courtier escorted them to a waiting room near the private audience chamber. They sat and waited for Pharaoh. Asenath was nervous; her maidens spoke encouraging words to her.
Potipherah was also a little bit nervous, but not for himself. He hoped that Asenath would make a favourable impression on Pharaoh. Pharaoh finished the business at hand and went to his private audience chamber.
He sent for Potipherah and Asenath; their servants were told to stay in the waiting room. Asenath took her father’s arm and walked gracefully into Pharaoh’s presence. Pharaoh was impressed! Asenath walked gracefully and calmly towards him. Her bearing and composure was so dignified. She looked strikingly beautiful! Pharaoh was very pleased!
They stopped in front of the Throne and bowed to Pharaoh. Pharaoh spoke to Potipherah, “Potipherah, have you told Asenath why she is here?”
“Yes, lord Pharaoh.”
Pharaoh spoke to Asenath, “Asenath, I have chosen you to marry Zaphnath-Paaneah, my new Grand Vizier. I want you to tell me your thoughts on the matter.”
Asenath look calmly at Pharaoh and replied, “Lord Pharaoh, I consider it a great honour that you have chosen me for such a high station in life. I cannot see how I qualify for such a high privilege. Nevertheless, I am ready to marry the Grand Vizier for your sake and for the good of Egypt.”
Pharaoh was absolutely sure that he had made the right choice. “Asenath, I am pleased to hear you say that. I will ensure that your father is given a dowry fit for a prince.”
He spoke to Potipherah, “Potipherah, you and I will discuss the dowry at a later stage, now it is time for Asenath to meet Zaphnath-Paaneah.”
Pharaoh signalled to one of his courtiers standing at the entrance to go and get Zaphnath-Paaneah.
Joseph was finding it hard to concentrate; he knew that his future wife was with Pharaoh, right at this moment. He wondered what she would be like. While he was musing, Pharaoh’s courtier came and told him that Pharaoh was ready to see him. Joseph walked slowly down to the private audience chamber. He was really nervous, but, did not show it. He waited at the entrance; Pharaoh beckoned him to approach the throne. Joseph walked up to Pharaoh and bowed.
Pharaoh spoke to him, “Zaphnath-Paaneah, I want you to meet your future wife, and her father.”
Joseph turned towards them. She was breathtakingly beautiful! He looked into her eyes, their gazes locked. She did not look away. A powerful bond of attraction flowed between them.
Pharaoh and Potipherah looked at each other! They both smiled, the gods were good to them. It was obvious that these young people were attracted to each other.
Joseph smiled at her; a beautiful smile broke out on her face. Joseph was captivated! He felt awed that Pharaoh had chosen such a beautiful y
oung woman to be his wife.
Asenath had looked sideways as the Grand Vizier approached Pharaoh. He seemed young to hold such a high office. She heard Pharaoh speak and then the Grand Vizier turned towards them.
He was handsome and dignified. He looked into her eyes; she felt a sudden attraction to him. She could not look away. Her heart began to beat faster. He was so much more than she had expected! Asenath began to feel happy; when he smiled at her she smiled in return. She had a good feeling that he would be a good husband to her.
Pharaoh broke in on their thoughts, “Zaphnath-Paaneah, this is Asenath and this is her father, Potipherah, priest of the Sun God.”
Joseph turned to Potipherah, “Potipherah you do me a great honour, by allowing your daughter to marry me. I will do my best to be a good husband and provider.”
Potipherah replied, “On the contrary, Grand Vizier; it is I who am honoured that you will become my son-in-law.”
Joseph then turned to Pharaoh, “My lord, your choice is excellent. I feel deep down that Asenath will make me a good wife. I am grateful to you.”
Pharaoh smiled approvingly. He just knew that it would be a great day today.
He spoke to them all, “We will make the announcement today.” He beckoned to his courtier at the entrance. The courtier was told to proclaim to all of Egypt that the Grand Vizier was betrothed to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of the Sun God. The courtier hurried out with the good news.
Pharaoh spoke again, “We will adjourn to another room for some refreshments. Queen Nefterin will join us.” They followed him to a small room, adjacent to the audience chamber; where Pharaoh had arranged for refreshments to be ready. Pharaoh’s servants began to serve them.
Pharaoh turned to Potipherah and said, “When we have finished the refreshments, you and I will go back and discuss the dowry, and the wedding arrangements.” Potipherah nodded in agreement. “Zaphnath-Paaneah and Asenath can get to know each other.”
Joseph and Asenath kept stealing glances at each other. Each of them was amazed at Pharaoh’s choice; they could feel their attraction to each other. Joseph breathed a sigh of relief, Pharaoh and Potipherah had gone back to the audience chamber. Queen Nefterin discreetly retired as well. The servants cleared away the remaining food and utensils and left leaving them alone.
Joseph looked into Asenath’s eyes and spoke to her, “Asenath, I feel that you and I will be compatible. I know that I am attracted to you. I will try to be a good husband. I want you to feel comfortable in my presence. Please, tell me how you feel about this marriage. I want us to be honest with each other right from the start.”
Asenath looked intently into Joseph’s eyes and spoke, “Zaphnath-Paaneah, I am greatly honoured to be chosen as your wife. It is a great honour for me and my father’s house. I was expecting the Grand Vizier to be a much older man; and I would have treated the marriage with the respect due to it. I am quite surprised to find that you are a young man. I know that I am attracted to you, I have a feeling deep down that our marriage will be right.”
Joseph listened to the soft, melodious, refined voice and felt a surge of affection for her. They smiled at each other. Joseph spoke again, “Asenath, I am glad you feel this way. I was feeling a bit nervous about meeting you. I did not imagine that Pharaoh would choose anyone as special as you.”
Asenath felt a thrill run through her body. The Grand Vizier thought that she was somebody special. 'Imagine him being nervous about meeting me, when I have been so nervous about meeting him.' She smiled a warm happy smile and Joseph was enthralled. Impulsively, he reached out his hand and took her hand in his. A sense of closeness enveloped them. They gazed at each other, each intent upon memorising the other’s face and form.
Pharaoh and Potipherah concluded their arrangements. Pharaoh sent Potipherah away a very happy man. The dowry had been most generous. Potipherah would become an extremely wealthy man. Potipherah went back to Asenath and Zaphnath-Paaneah.
They were startled and self-conscious when he walked into the room.
He smiled at them. ”Zaphnath-Paaneah, Pharaoh has arranged for you and Asenath to marry in thirty days. I am taking her home now and you will not be able to see her again until the wedding takes place.”
They looked at each other, thirty days and they would be together always. Potipherah and Asenath took their leave, and Joseph went to see Pharaoh.
Pharaoh had many things to show Joseph in those early days. The wedding arrangements also had to be fitted in. It would be a grand occasion for Egypt; a State wedding. All of Egypt’s nobility would be invited. Pharaoh was fitting out a private suite in the Palace for the bride and groom.
Joseph was extremely busy; he had much to learn about the affairs of State. He was a fast learner; Pharaoh was impressed at his retention of information. Soon he would be able to hand everything over to Joseph. He had noticed that Joseph was an expert in handling people. Most were only too pleased to do his bidding.
Joseph continually thanked God for providing him, through Pharaoh, such a beautiful, refined woman for his wife. At night, he would go back over their meeting; savouring, every delightful moment, her face was firmly implanted upon his memory. He dreamed of life with Asenath by his side. Truly the ways of God were wondrous.
Sometimes, he thought of Esna and how he could have ruined his life if he had given in to her. Now, God was showing him that it had been worth keeping himself from her scheming and deceit. 'Asenath has an innate beauty and a much nicer personality.’
Joseph thought long and hard about Potiphar’s situation. He remembered it was the lengthy absences away from home that had caused the problems in Potiphar’s marriage. If Potiphar had been at home more often Esna would have been happy and contented. Joseph came to a decision.
He called Okan, “Okan, bring Potiphar to me I want to talk to him privately.”
Okan returned with Potiphar. Joseph spoke to Okan, “Okan leave us alone to talk. Make sure no one disturbs us.” Potiphar was apprehensive. ‘Why does Joseph want to see me? Is he after revenge?’
Potiphar bowed to Joseph. “Potiphar, I have called you in to clarify matters between us. I am thankful that you chose not to kill me, but sent me to prison. I can understand why you were angry, but I never gave you cause to doubt me at anytime. Your wife tried to seduce me, not the other way around. The reason she had my robe was because I ran away from her advances. You did not at anytime ask me for my side of the incident.”
Potiphar was silent. He digested Joseph’s information.
Joseph spoke again, “I have had a long hard think about the situation and this is what I have decided to do.” Potiphar looked worried. ‘What does Joseph have planned for me?’
“Potiphar this incident would not have occurred if you had more time at home with your wife. I am taking you off assignments that take you away from home continually. You will carry out your normal duties around the Palace and the prison. You will need to address your wife’s lies. I sincerely hope that you can sort out your problems.”
Potiphar was relieved! “Thank you Grand Vizier. I am most grateful for your clemency in this matter.”
Potiphar bowed to Joseph. Joseph spoke again, “Potiphar let this be a lesson to you to find out the facts of a matter before passing judgement. You may go.” Potiphar bowed again and went back to his duties.
Joseph was pleased he had made a good decision. His thoughts turned again to Asenath. He was still in awe and wonder that this beautiful woman would soon be his wife.