Chapter Fourteen - Marriage, Power and Glory
Zoan was agog with excitement! Today, the Grand Vizier was marrying Asenath, daughter of Potipherah, priest of the Sun God. The people were looking forward to it. Pharaoh was in a joyful mood, anyone in the vicinity of the Palace grounds would get free food and wine. Truly, it would be a memorable occasion. The Temple priests had arranged an elaborate ceremony.
Potipherah was exuberant! ‘Today the Grand Vizier will become my son-in-law.’ Potipherah would officiate in the main part of the wedding ceremony. His two sons Iskanoph and Nophken, also priests, would take part in the ceremony. The other priests were mindful of the importance of this marriage. Potipherah was now a man of considerable influence.
Joseph was nervous, but, very happy; the thirty days had not taken long to come around. 'Soon, I will be married to Asenath. It seems like a dream, except, this is very real.' He carefully checked his private suite with Okan; everything was ready for Asenath. Joseph looked splendid in his wedding garments. He and Okan went to the State room to wait for the ceremony to commence.
The State room was full of nobles and dignitaries from all over Egypt an air of expectancy pervaded the great room. Joseph was escorted to the front of the room. Pharaoh and Queen Nefterin were seated on thrones; Joseph bowed down to them and took his place.
Asenath was excited! She was nervous, but, in control of herself. Asenaken was thrilled that the day had actually come. She supervised Asenath’s maidens as they prepared her for the wedding.
Asenath bathed in a specially prepared bath; aromatic oils were added to the water. Later, delicate perfumes were gently massaged into her skin. She looked at her wedding garments which had been specially made for this great occasion. Pharaoh, himself, had arranged for the Royal Seamstresses to make the garments.
Asenath looked at herself in the polished copper mirrors held by her maidens. She was pleased with her appearance. She felt good within herself, it showed in her face. Her face glowed with health and vitality. Her joy enhanced her beautiful face. She was ready to meet her bridegroom. She told Asenaken that she was ready to go.
Potipherah was waiting for them. Pharaoh sent three Grand Palanquins to Potipherah's new mansion in Zoan to convey the wedding party to the wedding. Asenath and Potipherah sat in one, and Asenaken and their maidens in the other two. The Palanquin bearers lifted up the palanquins, placed the poles on their shoulders, and then carried the palanquins to the Palace. Soldiers escorted them, with a squad in front, one squad on each side, and another squad at the rear.
The procession moved slowly to the Palace. People lined the road to catch a glimpse of the Grand Vizier’s bride. They were happy; Pharaoh had declared a holiday in Zoan. Crowds followed the procession to the Palace entrance. The procession moved into the Palace. The palanquin bearers deposited their palanquins on the floor of the Grand Foyer. Courtiers moved in to escort the wedding party into the State room.
A quiet hush fell on the scene. The Temple Priests began to chant to Re, asking for blessings on the ceremony. Joseph could feel nervous tension mounting inside him. The priests commenced the wedding rituals. Potipherah and Asenaken were escorted into the State room. Asenath was carried in with great pomp and ceremony. A light veil was over her face.
Joseph was struck with her beauty! Even the veil could not mask it. 'Today, she is looking incredibly beautiful!’ Asenath smiled at him through her veil.
Potipherah began the main wedding ritual, calling on the gods to prosper them and bless them with children. The ritual was long and tedious, but, Joseph and Asenath did not notice.
A State procession now took place to the Temple of the Sun God. Pharaoh and Queen Nefterin led the Grand Procession. The Grand Procession moved out of the Palace grounds. Regiments of soldiers marched in front followed by squads of chariots; then a band of Pharaoh’s Court musicians, followed by Pharaoh’s Royal Guards. Next in order were Pharaoh and Queen Nefterin in their Grand Royal Palanquin.
The Grand Vizier and his bride in their Palanquin came next. They were followed by Potipherah and Asenaken who were given places of honour as the bride’s parents; then all the Princes and nobles of Egypt with their wives. The remainder of Pharaoh’s Court followed them. Bands of musicians and performers were interspersed among the palanquins. Squads of foot soldiers, with spears, lined the route. The rear of the procession was taken up with more regiments of soldiers. It was a great display of Egyptian pomp and glory.
Egypt was celebrating! The populace was in a joyful mood. This was a great occasion for all of Egypt to celebrate. The procession wound its way slowly to the Temple of the Sun God. The wedding party went inside to pay their respects to the gods. When that part of the proceedings was concluded, the procession went back to the Palace by another route.
Soon the festivities would start. The Palace grounds had been set up to cater for the crowds. A plethora of tables were set up, laden with food and wine. The Egyptians were an orderly people, and each person would be served a portion of the food and wine.
The procession stopped in front of the Palace. Pharaoh gave the order for the festivities to begin. A great shout of appreciation went up for Pharaoh! The people crowded in for the refreshments. The soldiers on guard lined them up in an orderly fashion. The wedding party moved to the Great Banquet Hall where a great feast had been prepared. Joseph and Asenath were seated next to Pharaoh and Queen Nefterin.
Asenath was awed by the experience! Joseph sensed this and squeezed her hand in encouragement.
Jugglers, acrobats and dancers performed. Foods of all descriptions were brought out on great platters for all to eat. Fine wines were in abundance. This was certainly a magnificent banquet. Joseph and Asenath were treated like a king and queen.
The whole Palace was celebrating. All the servants took their turns in eating and drinking, but, they were careful not to go to excess. It would not do to incur Pharaoh’s wrath; they remembered what had happened to the former chief baker.
Joseph being a light drinker was pleased to see that Asenath was also a light drinker. Heavy drinking at banquets and events was an Egyptian trait. Joseph felt good, the food and wine were excellent. The atmosphere was charged with excitement. A jubilant and joyous mood pervaded the Banquet Hall.
Asenath was happy; she could hardly believe that she was now married to the Grand Vizier of Egypt. Thirty days ago, she was just a priest’s daughter. Now, she was one of the most powerful women in Egypt. She glanced at Joseph, he was so handsome. 'I will be the envy of many women.' She looked at her mother. Asenaken was so proud of her daughter; Asenath looked so beautiful and happy.
The festivities went on well into the evening hours. Pharaoh was happy. He knew that Asenath was the right choice for Zaphnath-Paaneah. He decided it was time for the Grand Vizier and his bride to be alone together. He signalled to Joseph that it was a good time to leave the festivities. Joseph was very pleased; he nodded his assent. Pharaoh announced that the Grand Vizier and his new wife were leaving the Banqueting Hall. A great cheer went up! The festivities would continue all night.
Joseph led Asenath into their private suite. They were both tired. Their servants were waiting for them. Asenath’s maidens helped her undress and prepared her for the nuptial night. Joseph’s servants helped him prepare also. Then the servants all quietly slipped away to the festivities leaving them alone.
Asenath went into the main bedroom and waited for Joseph. She did not have long to wait; Joseph had been waiting in another room. When he heard her maids retire he knew Asenath would go to their bedroom and wait for him.
He slipped quietly into the room. She gave him a warm smile, they were alone at last. Joseph was overcome with her beauty, her body was exquisitely proportioned. He took her in his arms and kissed her. She responded warmly. Asenath was nervous, but, that disappeared with his kiss.
Joseph spoke softly to her, “Asenath, my precious one, there is something I want to tell you. My real name is Joseph. Zaphnath-Paane
ah is a name that Pharaoh has given to me for official occasions.”
Asenath looked at him. The name Joseph had a nice sound to it.
“I would like you to call me Joseph in private. You must call me Zaphnath-Paaneah on public occasions. Will you do this for me?”
Asenath nodded in agreement. “Joseph, I like the sound of your name. Of course, I will call you Joseph.”
Joseph was pleased, he kissed her again. It was good to hold her in his arms. They could feel the emotional tension drain out of them. He carried her to their bed and blew out the lamps.
Joseph as usual woke early. Asenath was sleeping quietly at his side. During the night they had discovered the joys of the marriage union. He silently thanked God for giving him such a fine wife. Asenath stirred and woke up. She smiled at him and kissed him. She was so happy. She had never dreamed that she would marry such a splendid man. Joseph gazed lovingly at her; she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again.
She spoke to him, “Joseph, what have you planned for today?” Joseph smiled and said, “Today, we are boating on the river.” Asenath was pleased; a slow tranquil boat trip was an excellent idea.
“Well, how do you like being the wife of the Grand Vizier?”Asenath replied, “I am getting used to the idea, it will take me a while to adjust.”
Joseph said, “I am still getting used to being the Grand Vizier, we will adjust together.” She laughed at him. He liked the sound of her laughter, it was infectious. He laughed with her.
Pharaoh had assigned them one of the Royal boats for a week. At night the servants slept ashore, leaving Joseph and Asenath alone on the boat. During that week, they really began to get to know each other.
Asenath discovered that Joseph was a deeply religious man. She observed him praying to his God each day, and noticed the unswerving confidence he had in his God. She learned that he had been sold into slavery by his brothers. She learned of his education in Potiphar’s house, and how Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. Then the awful years he spent in prison and the marvellous pardon from prison to become Grand Vizier of Egypt. She was beginning to understand that behind his likeableness he had an iron will. Whatever he resolved to do, he would carry it through. She was determined to help him put away the bitterness of those years.
Asenath was the only daughter of Potipherah and Asenaken, their youngest child. Potipherah was a fairly well-to-do priest. His family had a long tradition; they had been in the priesthood for centuries. Their two sons, Iskanoph and Nophken, had dutifully gone into the priesthood; and had taken part in the wedding ceremony. They were extremely proud of their sister. Potiphar and Asenaken dearly loved their daughter, yet, Asenath had not been spoiled by their indulgences. She had blossomed into a well balanced, sensible young woman.
Joseph and Asenath spent many happy hours together on the Royal Boat. At times they would have the boat pull in to the shore, and they would go and explore points of interest. A squad of soldiers would follow them at a discreet distance.
Then they would embark again, and head further up the river. The days were full of fun and carefree. Joseph did not have to think about affairs of State until his return.
They were falling deeper in love as the days passed. Each one marvelled that they had each other, but soon the day came that they had to retrace their steps. Joseph gave the order to turn the boat around and head back to Zoan. The return journey did not take as long, they did not stop to explore.
The boat trip was excellent, but, it was good to be back in their suite in the Palace. Tomorrow, Joseph would report to Pharaoh and recommence his duties. They spent the rest of the day in their suite enjoying their last free day together. Joseph was mentally gearing up for his return to duty. They went back over their boat trip, recalling the many happy incidents that had occurred along the way. That night they were especially close. Tomorrow, Joseph would be fully occupied with affairs of State.
Asenath would commence learning how to be the wife of the Grand Vizier. Queen Nefterin would take Asenath under her wing and teach her the protocols needed for each occasion.
Pharaoh greeted Joseph; he was pleased to see him. He could see that marriage agreed with Joseph. Joseph bowed to Pharaoh. Pharaoh told Joseph it was time for him to go out and see the land of Egypt for himself. Joseph was pleased, he told Pharaoh that he wanted to do that, and assess Egypt’s storage capacities.
It was Pharaoh’s turn to be pleased. They discussed his trip at length. Joseph went away to make preparations for his extensive journey throughout the length and breadth of Egypt. He had already worked out who he wanted on his assessment team.
Joseph sent for each person on his list individually, and told them what part they would play in this fact finding exercise. They were pleased to be chosen by the Grand Vizier for such an important trip. The next day Pharaoh and Joseph spent the entire morning together planning the trip. Joseph would meet many dignitaries for the first time. It was important to him and to Pharaoh that he was briefed on each of the dignitaries.
Asenath was not happy that Joseph was leaving her so soon. She would miss him while he was away; however she would be kept busy with Queen Nefterin. Queen Nefterin was a good teacher, but, very strict.
Asenath really had to keep her mind on what she was doing. She knew that she had to be groomed in this way. There would be many State occasions and functions to attend as the wife of the Grand Vizier. She resolved to do her best for Joseph’s sake.
Joseph assembled his team for a briefing. There were military men, scribes, mathematicians, builders and various government officials. He stressed the importance of this fact-finding tour. It was their job to assess how well Egypt could cope with the famine. They would be responsible for assessing if each area had enough storage capacity for the abundant harvests expected in the seven good years. If not, they would have to determine how much extra storage capacity would be required. As each man listened, he realised his own role in this huge undertaking. Collectively, they would have to come up with a plan that would see Egypt through seven years of severe famine.
Joseph would work mainly from a boat on the river. His top men would also use boats. The remainder of the party would travel on horseback along the riverbank. They would use the river as a base and traverse the rest of the country on horseback.
Except for the Delta region, most of the agricultural land was on fairly narrow strips along the river’s edge; crisscrossing most of Egypt would be alleviated. As the main cities and towns were at various sites along the river; Joseph should not have to travel far from the river Nile to meet dignitaries. Joseph was pleased with his overall plan. The big job would be collating all the information and assessing it for further action.
Joseph reported to Pharaoh that all was in readiness for the trip away. Pharaoh was pleased; the trip would serve two purposes. They would assess Egypt’s capacity for grain storage, and Zaphnath-Paaneah would be introduced to the rest of Egypt. Joseph suggested that his task force should have two days off with their families and then set out.
Pharaoh was agreeable as they would be away for many days. Joseph sent a message to all members of the task force, to have two days off and report early the day of embarkation. The news was received with thanksgiving. They spent the rest of the day loading the stores and materials needed for their large undertaking.
Joseph was glad he could spend two days at home with Asenath. She was pleased when he told her that night. Asenath was happy that Joseph had arranged a short time together.
He would be away so long; she dreaded the thought of the separation. She had just gotten used to being married and now Joseph had to go off on this important trip.
However, she was a sensible person and realised that the future of Egypt was at stake. She made sure that Joseph got all the attention he deserved during his short respite. Joseph was pleased that Asenath was taking things so well. He was beginning to appreciate the excellence of Pharaoh’s choice for his wife.
Their love
continued to grow; the enforced separation would be hard to bear. Joseph was amazed at how quickly they had become used to each other’s company. He would sorely miss his new wife. Joseph was beginning to comprehend God’s wonderful provision of marriage for all races. The love and comfort of a good wife was beyond comparison. Marriage was one institution that all races supported; the sovereignty of God in causing it to be passed on from one generation to another was awe inspiring. Joseph had never been so happy in his life. The long hard years were being assuaged with the love and companionship of his lovely Asenath. Joseph’s heart welled up in gratitude to God.
The big day arrived; Asenath gave Joseph, a tearful farewell. Joseph’s boat pulled out from its mooring place. Pharaoh and the rest of his Court were there to see them off. Pharaoh was confident that Zaphnath-Paaneah’s plan would do the job for him. Joseph was filled with a sense of the tremendous responsibility. God gave him a feeling of peace. Joseph relaxed, all would be well.
The flotilla moved slowly out into the main channel and headed south, up river. As the prevailing winds were from the north, they could use the boats’ sails. Coming back would be harder as the boats would have to be rowed.
Pharaoh’s capital Zoan was located in the north eastern part of the Delta. The Delta area was the most fertile area of Egypt. Joseph’s first priority was to assess the Delta’s storage capacities. The main party of his task force followed on horseback along the riverbank.
In the Delta area three main branches of the river Nile were recognised; The Western River, the Great River and the Waters of Re. Smaller tributaries split off from these main branches. The mighty river flowed from several mouths into the Great Sea. They would have to sail up and down the main tributaries.
The Egyptian economy was dependent on the river Nile for its agricultural and fishing industries. Annual floods brought silt from countries further south, down river towards the Delta. During the flooding water was transferred, via barrages, sideways into large shallow basins. As the water in the basins evaporated, seed was planted in the wet soil. The moisture and the sun’s rays allowed the seed to sprout and the plants to grow. As the waters in these basins dried up, a network of irrigation canals was used to water the crops. Water was also stored in large, deeper basins for irrigation purposes.
The annual flood levels were direct indicators of the economy for the year. River level gauges were set at various points along the river. The gauges gave an early indication of the level of flooding expected further downstream, and thus the future state of the economy.
Too much water and the flooding devastated vast areas; not enough flooding meant poor crops and hardship.
Joseph’s days were extremely busy, meeting dignitaries, attending official functions, working with his task force, assessing the collated information and making decisions on further storage requirements. At night he was pleased to lie down and sleep. The work was tiring, but, he found it rewarding. He was finding out, first hand, the enormity of the task. The scribes were kept busy recording all the data obtained. The Delta region was crisscrossed and carefully documented. A large portion of Egypt’s crops were grown in this region. Joseph was impressed with the incredibly lush countryside.
However, he was reminded that huge flooding took place here in the bad years. Pharaoh’s herds were grazed in the Delta area. Joseph took the opportunity to check on Pharaoh’s stock, so he could give a report to Pharaoh.
When Joseph was satisfied that they had enough information on the Delta region, he decided it was time to head back to Zoan for a well earned rest; before heading south to cover the rest of Egypt and its territories. He gave the order to return to Zoan. His task force members were elated! It had taken a couple of months to fully assess the Delta region.
It was good to head home again; even if it was just for a short break to rest, and then set out again for an even longer time away. Joseph’s boat pulled out into the main stream of the Western tributary and headed back to Zoan. Joseph’s thoughts turned to Asenath.
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The outline of the city could be seen on the horizon. Joseph was informed that Zoan could be seen in the distance. He went outside to look at the city skyline. Soon he would be with Asenath. Joseph gazed at the city skyline for a few minutes; then went back inside to his work. Pharaoh would be expecting a report from him. Joseph had spent the return journey studying information from the trip. Adequate storage was the main problem in most areas. The present granaries were not sufficient for the huge crops expected.
A reception committee awaited them. Joseph was immediately escorted to see Pharaoh. Pharaoh was pleased to see him. “Zaphnath-Paaneah, I missed you. Was your journey prosperous?”
Joseph bowed to Pharaoh replied, “My lord Pharaoh, my journey was prosperous. I will give you a detailed report when you are ready for it.”
Pharaoh told Joseph to see him shortly in the private audience chamber. Joseph went to his private suite. He needed to freshen up. Asenath was waiting for him; she rushed into his arms and kissed him excitedly.
Joseph could feel her excitement; he kissed her warmly and then spoke, “Asenath, my love I have missed you so much. I cannot stay with you now, I have to freshen up and give Pharaoh, a detailed report of my trip. I will see you tonight.”
Asenath was momentarily disappointed, however, she realised that Pharaoh would be waiting to hear Joseph’s report. She called Okan and told him to quickly prepare a bath for Joseph. Okan hurried out to give the servants the message. Joseph was pleased to bathe and change his garments. He hurried to Pharaoh’s private audience chamber. Pharaoh had not arrived so Joseph had time to go over his report.
Pharaoh entered the chamber, Joseph bowed to him. Pharaoh walked to his throne and sat down. Joseph collected his data and sat next to Pharaoh. They discussed the various aspects of his journey. One fact was clear; they would have to build bigger granaries to store all the grain. Pharaoh decided it would be better to defer the rest of the journeys until they worked out how much extra storage was required in the Delta region.
The Royal builders would be instructed to draw up plans for new granaries; according to Joseph’s recommendations. The work would commence while the task force was busy in the south of Egypt. Pharaoh asked Joseph to work out his recommendations during the next week and discuss what was needed with the Royal builders.
Pharaoh dismissed Joseph and returned to the Throne room. He summoned the Royal builders to be brought to him. Pharaoh told them the situation and instructed them to see Zaphnath-Paaneah in one week’s time. The Royal builders were excited, for this was a far reaching undertaking. The Royal builders needed to make selections from the types of materials available in the Delta region. Plans could then be drawn up. A very large work force would be needed.
Joseph asked his task force leaders to report to him in the morning. They would have plenty of decisions to make in the next week. He was pleased with progress to date. Tomorrow, they would study the overview of the Delta region. Joseph had formulated plans and he wanted to discuss their ramifications before implementing them. As the day was nearly over, Joseph signalled to one of his servants to pick up his data and follow him. His thoughts then turned to Asenath. He walked to his private suite. Asenath was waiting for him; she had arranged a sumptuous meal for his homecoming.
It was good to be home! Asenath was bubbling over with excitement. Joseph would be home for the rest of the week. She would have him to herself every night this week. They were light-hearted and happy. God was good to them. Joseph excused himself after the meal as he needed to arrange his data for the morning. He promised Asenath that he would be with her in an hour or so. Asenath did not mind, Joseph was home. Joseph went quickly and efficiently through his information, sorting it into the required order. ‘Tomorrow will be an important day.’ He prayed earnestly for wisdom to make the right decisions.
Next morning Joseph went early to his private office in the Palace. He arranged
to use the main audience room for his discussions. The task force leaders filed into the room and bowed to him. Joseph motioned to them to be seated. He explained that Pharaoh had decided that they should begin building extra granaries in the Delta region, as soon as possible. Today, he wanted to look at the total picture in the Delta and decide the location and size for every granary that was needed.
The rest of the week they would spend working out the details. He told them the Royal builders would meet with him at the end of the week. The discussions commenced, Joseph went through his data in the order he had prepared. Soon, an overall need was specified. The task force members allocated where the granary sites would be.
The actual size of the granaries would be decided tomorrow. The rest of that day, they kept the Royal scribes busy documenting the site data. The following day, they assembled again. A lot of discussion ensued about the size of each granary however a careful decision was made in each case. The results were documented by the scribes. He was sure that by the end of the week he could give the Royal Builders the information they required. The task force had given him their recommendations on the best type of building for each location.
Pharaoh was kept up to date on their progress; Joseph gave him a quick briefing at the end of each daily session. Pharaoh was very pleased with Joseph. His assessment of him was correct; this was the man to lead Egypt through the perilous times ahead.
The Royal builders were pleased with Zaphnath-Paaneah’s plans. They made some suggestions which would be included in those plans. They were eager to start the huge undertaking. It was Joseph’s turn to be pleased. He informed Pharaoh that all was in readiness. Joseph instructed the Royal builders to commence the project. He was relieved that the Delta area was catered for. Now, he had to plan the next stage of his fact finding tour.
The areas to the South would be easier to assess. The fertile land was on fairly narrow strips along the river banks. He was looking forward to seeing the great cities in the South. Egypt's prosperity had depended on those great cities in former years.
Joseph decided that three days would be sufficient time for the task force to prepare for the next stage. He issued instructions to be ready to leave in four days time. Pharaoh spent time over the next three days briefing Joseph about the various dignitaries he wanted him to meet. Joseph needed to spend time in each of the cities and use them as his headquarters. Pharaoh expected him to take time to get to know the powerful princes in the South. Their support was vital to Egypt’s internal stability. Joseph again realised his position carried an enormous need for tact and diplomacy. He hoped that he would be equal to the task.