Chapter Five - Sold as a Slave
Potiphar guided his chariot home from Pharaoh’s Palace. As Captain of Pharaoh’s Royal Guards he held a very high position at Pharaoh’s Court. His home was located in the wealthy part of Zoan. He drove around the back to his stables and handed his chariot over to his head groomsman, Gimbal.
Potiphar was glad to be home, Pharaoh had given him a busy day. Potiphar’s wife Esna greeted him. Esna instructed one of her house servants to serve the evening meal. She was a strikingly beautiful woman; a lot younger than her husband. He was captivated by her and lavished gifts on her. Potiphar cast an appreciative eye over her well proportioned figure and gave her a kiss. He could tell that she had something on her mind; she had that anticipative look in her brown eyes.
“Potiphar, we really must get another house boy, we don’t have enough servants in the house. I need another one to help keep the place tidy.”
Potiphar replied, “Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure, do you think I would ask for another servant, if I did not need one?”
Potiphar gave it some thought, he couldn’t see the need for another house boy, but, then he was not here often enough during the day to verify if that was indeed the case.
“Well, if you say we need another one; I will get one for you.”
“Potiphar, can you get me one, tomorrow?”
Potiphar was a bit taken aback. “So soon!”
“Yes!” she replied.
“I will think about it.”
One of the servants informed them that their meal was ready. They walked into the dining area for their meal. Esna was pleased; her latest whim was to be fulfilled. 'I will make sure that Potiphar comes home tomorrow with a new house boy.' That night, she was especially nice to Potiphar. She had already arranged for his favourite dish to be served at the evening meal. That usually put him in a good mood. She was very attentive to him during the meal and put him in a relaxed frame of mind.
Potiphar was lapping up the attention; he knew Esna was doing it so he would think favourably about a new house boy. Esna made certain it was a pleasant evening. Potiphar was feeling good, the wine had completely relaxed him and his wife was good company.
“Esna, I feel so relaxed.”
“Potiphar, it’s time we went to bed. Come on.”
Potiphar stirred himself and followed her to their bedroom.
‘Tonight, I will be especially nice to him, and tomorrow he will be sure to bring me home a new house boy.’
Potiphar woke up at his usual time. Esna lay at his side sleeping soundly. Potiphar felt good, Esna was in a loving mood during the night and they had spent precious moments together.
‘Today, I’ll go to the slave market and see if I can buy Esna a suitable slave to train as a house boy.’ He glanced lovingly at his wife then kissed her softly. She moved slightly at his touch. Potiphar rolled lightly out of the way and got up. Normally, she woke up at the same time as he did, this morning he let her sleep in. Potiphar was halfway through his breakfast, when Esna came in.
“I thought you would sleep in a bit longer.” he said.
“I woke up when I realised that you were not there.” Esna wanted to make sure that Potiphar remembered that she wanted another house boy.
“Esna, I have decided to go to the slave market, today, and see if there is a suitable slave we can buy.”
“Oh, Potiphar you are so good to me. I hope that you find me a good house boy.”
Potiphar smiled lovingly at Esna and said, “Well, it all depends on what is available at the market.” They finished their meal; Potiphar kissed Esna then went off to the Palace.
Potiphar was Captain of Pharaoh’s personal guards. The safety of Pharaoh and his family was Potiphar’s personal responsibility. He was held in high esteem by Pharaoh and his Court. Pharaoh’s personal and political prisoners also came under Potiphar’s jurisdiction. Pharaoh had given Potiphar houses and land as a reward for his services.
Potiphar was born of noble blood, and was a wealthy man before Pharaoh had endowed him with further wealth. He was well liked by the men who served under him; he was fair, but, firm in his dealings with the soldiers. Any breach of army regulations brought swift punishment on their heads. Yet, he was approachable if they had problems that he could help them with. Potiphar was well respected and feared throughout the length and breadth of Egypt.
Potiphar had been granted permission from Pharaoh to take some time off his official duties during the afternoon, to visit a slave market. He stepped into his chariot, and followed by a squad of foot soldiers set off to the market. People made way for him; it was not a pleasant experience to get in the way of an Egyptian army officer. The ride out to the market was slow and leisurely, the soldiers clearing the way. People moved quickly out of their path. The foot soldiers were thankful that Potiphar was not in a hurry; otherwise they would have to run to keep pace with him.
Potiphar was hoping that the trip was not in vain, it was difficult to obtain good slaves. Most slaves were surly and had to be punished often to make them work. ‘Perhaps I can pick up a youth, who can be trained to accept some responsibility at a later stage. Full grown, mature slaves are generally harder to train as they can be rebellious and have to be forced to work. Yes, a youth will be a better proposition.’
Joseph woke up feeling tired and stiff. He began to pray; again he asked God that if he was to be sold, that, God would see that he was given to a fair master. The Ishmeelites brought him some food and water. They checked him over to ensure that they would get a good price. Satisfied, they led him back to the slave market.
The morning’s trading was a repeat of the previous day; plenty of lookers offering low prices, plenty of inspections, but, no takers. The Ishmeelites were a bit concerned; they thought their slave would have been sold by now. Their attention was drawn to a commotion at the market entrance. An Egyptian officer with a squad of soldiers had arrived. The people moved hastily out of their way. The officer stepped down from his chariot and walked purposely through the market. When the traders realised he was there to inspect slaves they smiled at each other, this one was rich.
Potiphar decided to inspect all the youths, and then make a decision. Some of them he gave a cursory inspection, they were not suitable at all. He moved slowly around the market. A couple of youths might be suitable; he would keep them in mind. Potiphar had long-term prospects in mind, and he wanted to make sure that he got the right slave. Potiphar sent his soldiers around to inspect the markets.
Joseph watched the Egyptian officer move around the market. He was obviously going to buy a slave. He looked as though he was a high ranking officer; he had that sort of bearing. Joseph wondered what sort of person he might be. The officer was apparently looking at young slaves. The Ishmeelites noticed that he was looking at young slaves, and hoped that they would get a chance to show him their slave.
The word was passed along; it was Potiphar, Captain of Pharaoh’s Royal Guards. The Ishmeelites were even more pleased, he was obviously very rich. Potiphar was not impressed at what he had seen so far. There were a couple of slaves he had noticed earlier, but, neither one really appealed to him. He moved closer to Joseph’s stall. Potiphar looked about him; there were not many stalls left. It did not look very promising. He looked at the stalls ahead, only one appeared to have any youths. He walked past the other stalls and moved to the stall Joseph was in.
Joseph watched the Egyptian officer approach the stall. The Ishmeelites were excited, but, their faces did not show it. They bowed to Potiphar. Potiphar looked keenly at Joseph as he approached him. This slave showed signs of a good upbringing, even the dismal surroundings of a slave market could not hide it. Potiphar’s hopes soared. He approached Joseph and looked him in the eye. Joseph looked calmly back into the eyes of the Egyptian officer.
‘He certainly has a penetrating look’, thought Joseph.
Potiphar searched Joseph’s face, the youth looked in
telligent, he was calm and poised; his bearing was dignified and self possessed. 'Not the usual sort to find in a slave market’, Potiphar thought to himself. He looked again into Josephs eyes, Joseph looked back with a clear, steady gaze.
Potiphar then looked at Joseph’s body and noted that he had no blemishes other than rope marks. Potiphar felt Joseph’s muscles to check his muscle tone. Satisfied that he had found what he was looking for, he turned to the Ishmeelites and said, “I will give you twenty pieces of silver for the slave.”
The leader of the Ishmeelites said, “Lord Potiphar, the offer is so little for such a fine slave.”
The Ishmeelites sensed that the Egyptian was really interested in their slave; his offer was the highest so far. “Lord Potiphar the slave is worth at least forty pieces of silver.”
“Forty pieces of silver!" he said scornfully. "Even a full grown slave is not worth that much, twenty pieces of silver is plenty for a youth.”
The Ishmeelite was an old hand at bartering. “This slave is worth much more, observe his bearing. He has obviously had a good upbringing and can be trained as a scribe, or, something similar. Twenty pieces of silver is far too little for such a prize.”
Potiphar could see he would have to offer more. “Twenty five pieces of silver is my final offer, take it or leave it.”
The Ishmeelite knew he was on the right track. The Egyptian was prepared to go higher. “Lord Potiphar, we paid more money than you offer for this prize slave. We have fed and nurtured him; we cannot accept the loss, we must look for another buyer.”
Potiphar thought for a moment, ‘Is this slave worth more than twenty five pieces of silver?’He looked intently at Joseph, examining him carefully. The Ishmeelite realised Potiphar was weighing up, whether, the slave was worth extra money or not.
“Lord Potiphar, the slave is worth, forty pieces of silver; however, if we can make a sale, I will sell him for thirty five pieces of silver.”
Potiphar could see that there was room for more bargaining. “Twenty five pieces of silver is more than enough for a youth.”
The Ishmeelite replied, “Lord Potiphar, this fine example is worth, much more. You can see his worth. A fine officer like you can discern that he is worth more.”
Potiphar said, “The youth is not worth thirty five pieces of silver, I can pick up an adult slave for thirty pieces of silver.”
The Ishmeelite realised that Potiphar would not go much above twenty five pieces of silver, he began to compromise. “Lord Potiphar, this slave is worth at least the price of an adult slave, I will consider selling him to you for thirty pieces of silver.”
Potiphar thought hard, he did not want to waste any more time; he had been here long enough. 'I will try one more offer, if that does not work, I will pay the thirty pieces of silver.’
“I will give you twenty eight pieces of silver for the slave,”
The Ishmeelite paused for a moment, ‘Should I take the offer or try for thirty pieces of silver? I can always drop back to the twenty eight pieces of silver.’
“Lord Potiphar I have already dropped ten pieces of silver off the price. Thirty pieces of silver is my price.”
Potiphar pretended to think long and hard, “Well, if you will not sell him for less, I will pay you thirty pieces of silver for the slave.”
The Ishmeelite was elated, although his face did not show it, he said, “Lord Potiphar, you obviously know a good bargain when you see it.”
Potiphar counted out thirty pieces of silver to the Ishmeelite, then, signalled to the soldiers to come and collect Joseph. The Ishmeelites bowed even deeper to Potiphar. They were very pleased that they had made ten pieces of silver out of the slave. The traders, they had met on the way to Egypt were right, handsome profits could be made at this time. The Ishmeelites could now concentrate on their other merchandise.
Joseph could hardly believe it; the Egyptian officer had actually paid thirty pieces of silver for him; so he must be very rich. The soldiers placed Joseph in their midst, and marched him out of the market.
Potiphar was pleased that he had picked up what on the surface seemed to be a good slave. 'This should make Esna happy.' Potiphar stepped into his chariot and headed towards home. The soldiers marched briskly after him. Joseph was forced to keep up with them. People moved quickly out of Potiphar’s way. Potiphar’s thoughts were about his new slave. ‘I will make sure that the lad learns Egyptian, and if possible he can also learn to read and write. Initially, he will be trained as a house boy, but, if he shows signs of ability, then he will be given further responsibilities.’
Joseph wondered what sort of man his new master Potiphar would turn out to be. 'He is obviously a high ranking soldier in Pharaoh’s army. I wonder what sort of house he lives in. I wonder what sort of work, he will make me do?’ Joseph was glad he had not been sold to any of the other buyers, they were rough people. 'Well, I asked God to see that I was given to a fair master; so far it appears that way. The Egyptian seems to be a fair man.’
Potiphar had not slackened his pace, he wanted to get home and show off his new acquisition. The soldiers were glad they did not have to run. Potiphar turned off the main road and into the thoroughfare where he lived. A few minutes later he guided the chariot into the stables. Servants came running to meet him and took the chariot away. Joseph was marched to the back entrance of the living quarters. Potiphar dismissed the soldiers and ordered them to report back to their barracks.
Potiphar called his head steward Gebel and told him to fetch Esna. Gebel hurried inside. Esna was pleased! 'Potiphar has brought home a new house boy.' She picked up her polished copper mirror and made sure that she looked pretty for Potiphar. Satisfied, she walked out to meet Potiphar.
Potiphar greeted Esna, “Esna, I brought home a new house boy for you.”
She slipped her arm through his and turned to inspect her new house boy. He was quite handsome and looked intelligent. Esna was pleased with Potiphar.
Potiphar said, “Well, what do you think?”
She replied, “Yes, he looks like he will fit in nicely.”
Potiphar was relieved. He had made a good choice.
Esna spoke to Gebel, “Take the new slave and see that he bathes himself and give him some new clothes, then bring him to us.”
Potiphar and Esna walked into the house. Joseph was led away by some male servants; and taken to the servant quarters. Gebel, the head steward showed him where to bathe himself. Joseph was pleased to be able to wash himself and put on fresh clothes. He felt better and looked at his surroundings. The mansion was built of mud bricks. The floor was made of stone slabs. The place was very clean and tidy.
The head steward came back to fetch him. Joseph was led into the main living quarters. The main living area was decorated simply, but, with very expensive furnishings. He was impressed. The head steward went in to notify Potiphar that Joseph was outside. Potiphar told him to bring the new slave in. Joseph was brought into their presence.
Potiphar said to him in Egyptian, “What is your name lad?”
Some words of the Egyptian language were similar to Hebrew, so Joseph was able to work out that his new master wanted to know his name, “My name is Joseph.” he replied in Hebrew.
Potiphar understood that his name was Joseph. He said to him, “Joseph, you will be taught the Egyptian language. You will work in the house, as a house boy. Do you understand me?”
Joseph worked out that his new master wanted him to try and learn Egyptian and that he was to work in the house. He said in Hebrew, “I understand that you want me to learn Egyptian and that I will work in the house.”
Potiphar sensed that Joseph had understood him. Gebel took Joseph to the kitchen and showed him where he was to work. Joseph was put under the control of the head girl Zerefna. She put him to work cleaning in the kitchen. Potiphar called Gebel and told him to see that Joseph learned their language as soon as possible. Gebel told Potiphar that he would start the teaching sessions, the next day
.
Potiphar was keen to see how quickly Joseph could learn Egyptian.If he was as bright as he looked, it should not take him long to learn.
Potiphar turned to Esna and said, “I think he will pick up the language fairly easily.”
“Yes, Potiphar I think you have made a good choice for my new house boy. You really are good to me!” Potiphar was pleased that his wife agreed with his choice.
Joseph ate his evening meal with the kitchen servants. After the meal was over, and the washing up was completed Joseph was shown his bed mat, in the servants’ quarters. It had been a long day! Joseph was glad to get to bed. That night he thanked God for answering his prayers for a good master. He was still puzzled why God had not rescued him; so he prayed about it yet again. Feeling tired, he rolled on his side and went to sleep. His sleep that night was more restful.
Next day he started early; he was woken up before dawn to help prepare the morning meal. It looked like he would have to get used to long working days. The kitchen servants worked long hours. They had to prepare meals and clean up after every meal. Gebel came every day and gave Joseph lessons in Egyptian. Joseph learned quickly, he was anxious to learn the language; for he felt at a distinct disadvantage not knowing the language. Joseph sensed that God was blessing him in this place. So far, he had had hardly any problems. The problems that he did have were mainly related to language difficulties.
Time seemed to fly by. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months.