Chapter Four - Journey to Egypt
The days dragged on, the caravan came down from the mountain country and headed along the sea coast trade route towards the wilderness separating Canaan from Egypt. Joseph was losing all hope of rescue. The country they were in was completely unfamiliar to him. ‘Even if I can escape I don’t know where I am.’ The sun seemed to be hotter as they moved towards the wilderness. The Ishmeelites had traversed this trade route to Egypt many times.
Joseph was perplexed, he had prayed that God would deliver him, and nothing had happened. He recalled the many times that God had delivered his father and grandparents out of trouble. 'Why doesn’t God deliver me from these Ishmeelites?’ Joseph’s faith was sorely tried each day. 'Why does God leave me in the hands of these Ishmeelites?’ Joseph continued to pray each day, but, it seemed as if God was not listening. Joseph’s faith was severely tried. No matter how fervently he prayed there were no signs of being rescued.
The camel’s gait slowed when the caravan entered the wilderness; the rest of the trip into Egypt would be across desert country. Joseph had had little conversation with the Ishmeelites; to them he was just another piece of merchandise to be looked after until it was sold. Joseph, however, listened intently to their conversations when he had the opportunity. He knew they were on the last, and worst, part of the journey. He had almost given up praying to God, but, he reasoned with himself that the Ishmeelites could have treated him a lot worse, and God was still able to deliver him, even from Egypt.
Sand, sand and more sand! It stretched into the distance as far as the eye could see. The camels plodded slowly and steadily on, this was familiar terrain to them. They could go for many days without water in the desert conditions. The camels moved steadily and gracefully in the sandy terrain. The Ishmeelites knew how far it was to the next oasis and were not concerned by the conditions; but crossing a desert wilderness was a new experience for Joseph.
He had heard of the vastness and now he was experiencing it for himself. For the first time he was glad to be on a camel. He did not like the idea of walking all day through the desert sands. Joseph was amazed at the desert; extremely hot during the day, and yet so cold at night. This was the third day they had been in the wilderness. Joseph noticed a hot breeze was beginning to blow. It seemed to be getting stronger all the time. The Ishmeelites were signalling to each other.
The wind was blowing sand about; it was getting difficult to see. The Ishmeelites moved the camels to the side of a large sand dune and made them squat down. The wind was howling now and blowing fiercely! Sand was blowing into their eyes and nostrils. One of the Ishmeelites released Joseph from his camel; untied his hands and motioned to him, to wrap his clothes about his face, and sit with his back to the camel.
Joseph was only too glad to obey! The wind’s ferocity was increasing, the shrieking sound was unnerving. 'How long will this last?’ Sand was getting into his clothing, penetrating under his garments and irritating his skin. The wind continued unabated for hours, Joseph longed for a drink of water. Sand was piling up around the camel. Joseph’s feet were completely covered in sand.
He could feel sand piled up on his shoulders and between his back and the camel. 'If this is what a sandstorm is like? I hope I never have to go through another one. How much longer can this go on? When is it going to stop?’ Joseph was very uncomfortable, the rope around his legs made movement awkward, and breathing through the fabric was difficult. The hot wind seemed to be coming from a furnace. Joseph reflected on the irony of the situation.
‘Here’s the perfect opportunity to escape, but where? I can’t even see the next camel! And where can I go? I would die here in the wilderness without food and water.’
Joseph sat hunched against the camel; the wind had been blowing for hours. The shrieking noise was playing on his nerves. 'How much longer will this last?’ Joseph felt the fury of the wind and recognised the power of God in nature. Joseph began to pray; as he prayed the wind slowly abated. After Joseph had been praying for a while he noticed the wind was waning. ‘God has heard my prayer.’ Joseph was encouraged; God had answered his prayer. 'I wonder why He does not deliver me from these Ishmeelites.’
The wind continued to drop, the shrieking stopped. Joseph could make out the line of camels again. He dug the sand away from his feet, shook the sand from his shoulders and stretched his weary body. It was good to move about. The Ishmeelites were also stirring themselves and were digging themselves from the sand. The wind was just a gentle breeze now and Joseph was able to uncover his face and breathe deeply. He was relieved that the sandstorm was over.
On the side facing the wind, the camel was half buried in sand. The Ishmeelites were all busy digging the camels out of the sand. Joseph’s legs were tied and he was unable to get to the other side of the camel. However, the big Ishmeelite came along and dug out the camel that Joseph was riding. He tied Joseph’s wrists together then placed Joseph back on the camel. The camel rose up and was ready to continue the journey.
Joseph was uncomfortable; sand had worked its way through his clothing and was irritating his skin. He wished he could have a wash and get rid of the sand; but, that was impossible, under the present circumstances. The Ishmeelites were ready to move on, the camels were lined up again and the caravan moved on.
Joseph was glad that the Ishmeelites were experienced travellers and knew what to do in bad weather. The caravan moved slowly across the desert, it would soon be night. Joseph was looking forward to a good sleep.
Joseph stretched himself out on the floor of the tent. The Ishmeelites untied his hands and legs. They were not worried about him trying to escape in the wilderness at night. Joseph managed to get rid of some sand from his clothing and was feeling more comfortable. It was good to get the ropes off; he massaged his wrists and legs. Food and water were brought to him. Joseph drank thirstily, then sat down and ate the food.
Joseph thought about the events of the day. God had answered his prayers about the sandstorm. ‘It was when I realised that God was in command of the weather, that He answered my prayer to stop the sandstorm. When I acknowledged that God was in command, He responded to me. I am too busy telling God what to do; not wanting to see what He wants me to do.’ Joseph pondered a bit more; when he had allowed God take charge of the situation, then the Ishmeelites had relaxed their security.
The caravan was nearing an oasis; the tall date palms could be seen in the distance. The camels quickened their steps, they could smell water.
“What a beautiful sight!” exclaimed Joseph.
The lush green of the palm trees set against the blue of the sky; the clear sparkling waters glistening under the tall trees and the cool shady areas seemed to beckon weary travellers to come and relax from the heat. Joseph looked around, the Ishmeelites had smiling faces. It was time to relax and replenish their water supplies. The camels could drink their fill in readiness for the next stage of the journey.
The caravan filed into the oasis, the camels were unpacked and allowed to drink, meanwhile, the Ishmeelites set up camp. Joseph was ordered to help. The tents went up quickly; then the water containers were replenished. The Ishmeelites told Joseph to relax in the shade until it was time to eat. The whole company, camels included, found a place in the shade and enjoyed the coolness.
‘This is more like it.’ Joseph savoured the delicious coolness under the palm trees. He could feel the weariness oozing from his body. Just to be out of the heat was a relief in itself, and the refreshing coolness of the shade was invigorating. For the first time, on the journey, Joseph felt at peace with the world about him.
After his meal was finished, Joseph asked permission to wash himself in the water. The Ishmeelites granted him permission and Joseph was soon splashing himself with the cool waters. The cool, clear waters were invigorating, and with the sand and grime washed off, Joseph felt like a new man. He went back to his spot in the shade, lay down and went to sleep. The Ishmeelites also spent time relaxing; so
me of them went to sleep, the rest stayed awake on guard. The day passed peacefully and preparations were made for a meal.
Joseph ate hungrily. As he ate he watched the sun going down over the horizon. The golden gleams of the sun’s rays were reflected on the still waters of the oasis. The rays turned slowly reddish as the sun slipped out of view. Joseph was enthralled! One of the Ishmeelites approached him and he was ordered into a tent; his sleep that night was peaceful and relaxed.
Next morning the caravan moved off early. Joseph felt more at ease, the Ishmeelites were kinder in their dealings with him. They sensed that he was not going to try to run away in the wilderness. He was no longer tied to the camel, although they kept a continual watch on him. Joseph felt better; the stop at the oasis had given him renewed strength. His faith in God had also been strengthened.
God had not forgotten him; however he was still puzzled as to why God did not deliver him from the Ishmeelites. Joseph’s thoughts turned to his father and his brother Benjamin. It seemed that years had gone by since he last saw them. ‘I wonder what my brothers will tell Father, when I do not return with them.’ Joseph was sad, it seemed as though he might not ever see his family again. 'Why has this happened to me? The Ishmeelites would get more money from Father if they knew who I am, but how can I establish my identity out here in the wilderness? It seems futile to even attempt it; the Ishmeelites hardly speak to me, except to tell me what to do. We are too close to Egypt for them to turn back. I should have thought of its sooner.’
The scorching heat of the desert sun was stifling. The pitiless sun beat down on the caravan as it moved closer to its destination. Joseph marvelled at these men who were prepared to travel in such conditions, year in and year out. ‘It can’t be just for the money, they must enjoy this sort of life. I certainly would not like it.’ Joseph’s thoughts turned to his immediate future. They were getting close to the Egyptian border.
‘Slavery!’ The thought sent a shudder through his body. 'How could God allow such a thing to happen to me?’ Joseph was convinced that God would not allow him to be sold into slavery; into shame and degradation. The very thought was repulsive! Joseph was filled with a sense of foreboding. He was completely unaware that his brothers had planned to kill him; and that Reuben’s restraining influence had saved his life. He was unaware that God had also used the Ishmeelites to save his life.
The Ishmeelites at the front of the caravan were pointing excitedly. In the distance another caravan could be seen coming towards them. The line of camels came slowly into view. The Ishmeelites were pleased, now they would have fresh news from Egypt. The two caravans converged on each other and the leaders of each group exchanged greetings and inquired about the likely sales’ prospects. They talked for some time and then rode back to their respective caravans.
The Ishmeelite leader seemed pleased. Obviously, trading conditions in Egypt were favourable. A group of the merchants gathered around him, to listen to the latest news. It was good news! The traders in the returning caravan had sold all their merchandise for a handsome profit. They had also bought some excellent quality merchandise for low prices and expected to make high profits on it, back home. The news put the Ishmeelites in a good humour.
“It should be a very profitable journey this time.” they said to each other. “Good profits will make it all worthwhile.”
Joseph noticed the Ishmeelites were pleased about the news from the other caravan. ‘It must be good news about trading conditions in Egypt.' Joseph had a bad feeling. ‘What’s going to happen to me? Will God deliver me? If he does, how will I get back to Hebron? If not, what sort of person will buy me?’ Joseph turned over the possibilities in his mind. It was nerve wracking this anguish over what would become of him.
Although he was dreading the end of the journey, Joseph wished it was over. The continual sight of sand, in all directions, as far as the eye could see, with the occasional mountain in the distance, was getting to Joseph. ‘It will be good to see a normal scene, with grass and trees, and feel grass under my feet. Just to be able to walk around on solid ground would be a welcome change. When will we get to Egypt? Surely, we must be close now.' Joseph's assumption was correct; the caravan was nearing the Egyptian border. The Ishmeelites tied his hands and legs again.
The outline of an Egyptian fort could be seen up ahead. The Egyptians had forts scattered along their eastern border. This one was especially important as it covered the main trade route into Egypt. The Egyptians had a full garrison of soldiers stationed here. The garrison had a dual role to fulfil. They were stationed here to keep peace on the border, and to inspect all incoming and outgoing traffic. It was a busy fort, with patrols up and down the border, plus, detailed inspections of the many traders who moved along the trade route. Smuggling was an ongoing problem; the soldiers were always on the lookout for contraband.
The caravan approached the fort. A squad of Egyptian soldiers came out of the fort to inspect the caravan. Joseph noticed that the soldiers were a tough looking lot. Life in the border forts was hard, the soldiers were always glad when their turn of duty was ended and they could get back to civilisation.
The leading camel came to a halt outside the mud brick fort. The leader of the Ishmeelites spoke to the squad leader in Egyptian. The Ishmeelites had been through this checkpoint many times before, and some of the soldiers knew them. Each camel was unpacked in turn, and the merchandise inspected. It was a slow process; it took them some time to reach Joseph’s camel. Joseph was taken off the camel by the Ishmeelites. The Egyptians asked some questions about him. The Ishmeelites informed them that Joseph was a slave they were going to sell at the slave market. The Egyptians accepted this without question; it was a common sight for them.
The Egyptians continued their inspection, and then gave the caravan permission to enter Egypt. The caravan moved on, Joseph looked around him; they were still in desert country. He had always thought that Egypt would be an incredibly lush, green country. He was quite disappointed! Somehow, he had always thought that the lushness would start as soon as you crossed the border. 'More of the same!’ It was an eerie feeling knowing that he was in Egypt. Joseph became despondent again; he could not see how he was ever going to escape.
The caravan continued steadily on towards Zoan, the capital of Egypt. Joseph noticed a lot more traffic as they moved closer to Zoan.The countryside began to change to a lush green. Joseph had never seen such lush, fertile country. His natural curiosity was aroused by the constant movement of traffic on the trade route. He saw soldiers, merchants, and government officials, dignitaries from other lands, also farmers and slaves. Joseph was fascinated by the passing parade.
He eagerly scanned each group or individual as they came to them. The journey to Pharaoh’s capital was filled with interest. He marvelled at the huge statues and buildings along the route. The time passed quickly; there was so much to capture his attention.
The Ishmeelites were looking pleased; they would reach the capital tomorrow. When Joseph overheard this he was very dejected. ‘Tomorrow!’ His interest in his surroundings ceased and he became depressed.
The Ishmeelites made camp for the night. Joseph was as usual trussed up, but, his hands were untied so that he could eat. After his meal, his hands were tied again and an Ishmeelite was assigned to watch that he did not escape from the tent. Joseph’s dejection showed in his face and in his movements. All hope of being rescued was abandoned. It seemed inevitable that he would be sold as a slave. Joseph was perplexed! ‘Why has God allowed this to happen to me?’ The thought kept turning over in his mind.
‘Why!Why!’ His sleep that night was disjointed. He tossed and turned, waking up at times in a cold sweat. The horror of what his brothers had done; tormented him. Their leering faces kept coming before him.Try as he might, he could not push the dream away into his subconscious mind.
The first tinge of morning light stole across the sky. The Ishmeelites on guard duty moved about the camp, waking everyone up. Joseph
was already awake, the recurring bad dreams, were too much for him. In the early hours of the morning, he could not cope with them anymore and stayed awake. Although, being awake was of little comfort, the very thought of slavery was abhorrent.
The camp was stirring; a short while later food and water were brought to him. Joseph did not feel hungry but forced the food down. The Ishmeelites broke camp and were soon on their way again. They reckoned on reaching the capital about midday. Joseph felt better once they were on their way. In the light and warmth of the day he was able to put his situation into a better perspective. The Ishmeelites could have treated him a lot worse than they had. Except for the restraints of being tied up and being constantly under surveillance, their treatment was not harsh.
‘If I am to be sold as a slave, then it would be sensible to ask God to see that I am sold to a fair master.' Joseph prayed silently to God and asked Him if it was His will not to rescue him at this time, to please ensure that he would be sold to a fair master. After he had prayed, Joseph could feel some of the tension draining away. 'If God is the possessor of Heaven and Earth, then surely He is in control of all things. God knows what lies ahead; I must learn to trust Him more. Whatever happens, God will be aware of it.’
The caravan was soon caught up in the traffic coming and going to Zoan. Joseph had never seen so many people going about their daily business. As they neared the approaches to the city, the thoroughfare widened to accommodate the busy throngs of people moving to and fro. The Ishmeelites tightened their security; Joseph‘s camel was now led by one of the Ishmeelites. Others moved closer to Joseph, in case he attempted to escape.
Joseph preferred to look at the people and the scenery; to take his mind off what lay ahead. The caravan’s movements were hindered by the constant stream of traffic. The city buildings could now be seen. Joseph was fascinated by the huge buildings, carved out of stone. To Joseph’s country eyes, the city was enormous; he had not imagined that it would be so huge.
Slowly, the caravan approached Zoan. The buildings were intricately carved, and painted in various colours, with statues in front of the buildings and statues along the main thoroughfares. Zoan was built on the banks of one of the main tributaries of the great River Nile. The city was lush and green, with myriads of palm trees adorning the roads and buildings. Joseph could see the great River shimmering in the sunlight. 'What a magnificent sight! The grandeur of the Egyptian empire is certainly no myth.’
The Ishmeelites guided their caravan towards the market area of the city. The market area was well away from the Palace and the Government buildings. It was also away from the residential areas of the nobility, the rich, and the famous. Joseph noticed the difference in the housing standards of the wealthy and the not so wealthy. The caravan approached its destination. The market area could now be seen and heard. The excited babble of voices, as people bought and sold merchandise, grew louder. Stalls were set up all over the market area. Joseph was amazed at the tremendous variety of goods on offer.
Over in one corner he could see the area where slaves were bought and sold. A cold shiver ran down his back! The Ishmeelites had decided among themselves to sell Joseph first, and later concentrate on selling the rest of their wares. The Ishmeelite leaders took Joseph towards the slave area; the others moved to the main selling area to set up their merchandise.
Joseph was led to the slave area; he steeled himself for the unknown. The leader of the Ishmeelites found a good place and began his sales pitch. Prospective buyers came along, felt Joseph’s muscles to see if he could do hard manual labour and looked at his teeth to see if he was in good health. Joseph felt like one of his father’s sheep. He was being inspected in a similar manner. He was not very impressed with the people who were buying slaves. Some were out to make a profit by reselling. The Ishmeelites were hoping to make a good profit on Joseph. Buyers came and went; the majority of them were looking for full grown men.
The Ishmeelites could afford to wait a few days, if necessary, to get a good price. Some prospective buyers had offered ridiculously low prices for Joseph and the Ishmeelites refused their offers. The sun was getting low in the sky; the Ishmeelites began to pack up for the day. Joseph was relieved! He was beginning to feel like a piece of meat at the butcher’s stall. The Ishmeelites led him out to their camping area and tied him very securely for the night.
There was added danger; thieves would sometimes try to steal their merchandise. Tonight they would double the guards. Soldiers patrolled the area at night, but, they could not be everywhere at once. The Ishmeelites had been robbed in the past. They would make sure that it did not happen again.
Joseph was given a meal and pushed into a tent. His body was sore from the rough inspections and he was tired. He had difficulty going off to sleep; and his sleep was light and fitful.