Chapter Six - Potiphar’s House
Potiphar called Gebel and said to him, “Gebel do you think Joseph is bright enough to learn to read and write?”
Gebel replied, “He has picked up our language quickly, Master. I think he could be taught.”
Potiphar was pleased, “Gebel you are getting on in years, and I want you to train Joseph as a possible replacement for you in the future.”
Gebel said, “Master that is a splendid idea, the lad seems to be a very responsible type of person.”
Potiphar pondered for a moment, “Gebel, Joseph is not to know why he is learning to read and write. Is that understood?”
Gebel understood perfectly, he had been with Potiphar for many years and often knew his master’s thoughts.
“Gebel, I will leave it to you to re-arrange Joseph’s work to give him more time to learn.”
Gebel thought for a while, “Master, I could put him in the laundry. He could learn to run the laundry. He already knows how the kitchen is run.”
“That sounds good Gebel. Start him in the laundry, tomorrow.”
After the evening meal, Potiphar said to Esna, “Esna, I am putting Joseph in the laundry tomorrow; I want him to learn to read and write. He needs a position with a bit more free time, so he can study.”
“Oh Potiphar, what a wonderful idea, he seems very bright.”
Esna was pleased; Joseph had become one of her favourite servants. Joseph was well liked among the kitchen staff, he did his job without grumbling, and he did it well. Esna kept an eye on Joseph; she could see he had potential.
Next morning Joseph woke as usual and went about his normal duties. After breakfast Gebel came to him and said, “Joseph, today I want you to go to the laundry.”
Joseph was quite surprised. “Gebel, why do I have to go to the laundry, have I done something wrong?”
Gebel laughed, “No, Joseph you have not done anything wrong. The Master wants to see if you can learn to read and write Egyptian; you need work that gives you time to study.”
Joseph was relieved! “Gebel, does the Mistress know about this, I would not like to upset her.”
Gebel said, “Mistress Esna already knows, she is in favour of it.”
Joseph was pleased that he was going to learn to read and write Egyptian. Gebel took Joseph out to the laundry and explained what went on. He would have to learn all the tasks, so he knew what to do in case there were any problems. It would be Joseph’s responsibility from now on to see that the laundry ran smoothly.
Joseph soon settled into the laundry routines. He found the days passed swiftly; but learning to read and write was a slow process, it would take years. He also had to learn all the hieroglyphics symbols. Joseph had not realised that it would take so long. On top of the study he also had the responsibility of the laundry each day. Problems cropped up when he least expected them. The Master and Mistress had to have their clothing on time, without fail. Especially the Master, his military uniforms had to be ready at all times.
Joseph adapted to the laundry routines quite well, and he had a good relationship with the laundry servants. They found Joseph easy to work with; he could do any of the tasks himself and understood their problems. As a result, Joseph found that they responded well to his requests.
‘Study, study and more study!’Joseph wondered if he would ever finish. He was getting more adept at reading, but, writing was much harder. 'So many symbols to learn and Gebel is talking about teaching me mathematics.’ Gebel also taught him about Egyptian history, and Egyptian religion, and how they tied in with the daily life of the nation. Joseph could see why he had been put in the laundry; ‘There is no way I could do all this study in the kitchen job.' Hard as it was, Joseph knew that his Master had faith in him, so he slogged on.
God had been good to him in Egypt. He had a good master and the opportunity to learn to read and write Egyptian. His job in the laundry was much easier than the kitchen. 'All this learning must be for a reason.’
The days came and went, Joseph continued his studies. He found that writing was a lot easier now, and reading was not difficult. Mathematics was harder to grasp. Gebel told him it would all fall into place, one day.
Potiphar was pleased with Joseph’s progress, Joseph was learning mathematics and he was also getting a good grounding in Egyptian history and religion. Gebel was full of praise for his pupil; however Joseph was not aware of it. Potiphar had noticed how well the laundry was running under Joseph’s guidance. 'I wonder why Joseph is so good at what he does.’ He decided to have a chat to Joseph. He told Gebel to have Joseph see him than night after the evening meal.
Joseph finished his meal; Gebel came to him and told him that Potiphar wanted to see him at once. 'What have I done wrong, that the Master should send for me?’
“Joseph, come closer. I have been watching you for some time now and I am pleased at the way you are progressing in your studies. One thing I have noticed, above all else, is that whatever task you put your hand to on a job it seems to run better. I want to know if there is something special, you have that nobody else seems to have.”
Joseph breathed a sigh of relief! He thought he had done something wrong. He said to Potiphar, “Master, I am nobody special. The God whom I serve is the One who enables me to do my tasks.”
Potiphar said, “Who is this God, whom you serve?”
Joseph said, “The God whom I serve, is the Most High God, the Possessor of Heaven and Earth.”
Potiphar was impressed. “You serve only one God, we Egyptians serve many gods.”
Joseph replied, “The God that I serve is the Creator of all things and there is no God like Him.”
Potiphar said, “Well, he certainly seems to be looking after you.”
Joseph was glad that he had the opportunity to speak to his Master about his God.
Potiphar said, “Joseph, on your way out find Gebel for me and ask him to come and see me.”
Gebel walked into the room, Potiphar said to him, “Gebel, I think it is time that we gave Joseph a bit more responsibility. Have you any suggestions?”
Gebel thought for a while, “He is picking up mathematics fairly well, perhaps Master he could try keeping the records of the stores and the granaries.”
Potiphar replied, “Can he do that as well as study and look after the laundry?”
“Oh yes, I will alter his study times, the record keeping will take the place of some study. The practical experience will be invaluable.”
Potiphar’s thoughts drifted back to the slave market and the thirty pieces of silver he had paid for Joseph. 'If those slave traders only knew the potential of this lad; they could have asked triple the price, and got it. Maybe, Joseph’s God is smiling on me too.’
Potiphar felt good! Ever since Joseph had arrived in his household, the atmosphere had been good. Esna was very happy with Joseph; she seemed to favour him a bit, but, not enough to upset the other servants.
Gebel went to Joseph and informed him that from now on he would get some practical training in mathematics. He would be responsible for recording the movement of stores and the grain in the granaries. Joseph was glad that he was going to put into practice some of the things he had learned. Next day, Gebel showed Joseph the household records for the stores and granaries. Gebel explained that the Egyptians were scrupulous at keeping records and the Egyptian Government recorded all of its transactions.
Joseph was impressed, he had not realised that the nation of Egypt was so organised. Gebel took painstaking care in showing Joseph how the records were kept. If any discrepancies or mistakes were found Gebel would be in serious trouble.
Joseph found that keeping the records was easy. As long as he double checked that his entries were correct, he had no problems. It was interesting work for him, calculating the amount of stores and how much grain was in the granaries. He was expected to notify Gebel when stores were getting low, so more stores could be obtained before they ran out.
---------------------------------------------------
A few years went by. Gebel had given Potiphar weekly updates on Joseph’s progress. Potiphar had a keen interest in Joseph’s progress. Joseph's studies were almost complete. He could read well and his writing standard was good. He still had some more to learn, but, most of his education was finished. Gebel began to spend time on the higher forms of mathematics, and concentrated on educating Joseph in the protocol and procedures of Egyptian court life. Gebel was amazed at the way in which Joseph soaked up the knowledge he was imparting to him.
Joseph had fitted into the student’s life easily, yet, his normal duties had not suffered as a consequence. His high working standards were acknowledged by all Potiphar’s servants. Potiphar and Esna knew that if they gave a job to Joseph it was carried out in an exemplary manner. There was no need to check up on him, the job was always done according to their instructions.
Potiphar called Gebel in for a discussion on Joseph. “Gebel, it’s time to give Joseph more responsibility in the household. Do you have any suggestions?”
Gebel thought for a while and then spoke. ”Joseph did his main training in the kitchen; why not put him in charge of the kitchen?”
Potiphar could see the logic in the suggestion. “Yes, I’m sure that would be a good move, I will put him in charge of the kitchen tomorrow.”Both men were pleased by the decision. Potiphar was eager to see how Joseph would handle the increased level of responsibility. Gebel was happy for Joseph, he was sure Joseph would welcome the opportunity.
Joseph was happy that the master was pleased with his work. ‘Tomorrow, I’ll be put in charge of the kitchen. Surely, God is blessing me in this place.' Joseph prayed silently and thanked God for His goodness to him.
Gebel was very pleased with the way Joseph had grasped all his studies. He had picked it up easily and quickly. Potiphar was delighted with Joseph’s high standard of learning; his formal education was nearly over. Potiphar looked forward to the benefits he would derive from Joseph’s education.
Next morning Joseph was happy! The years of hard study were behind him. ‘I can put it all too good use for the Master.’ Joseph woke early, dressed himself, and headed for the kitchen. Some of the servants were already there, preparing the meal for breakfast. Joseph checked on the menu; then he made sure that there was sufficient food for the meal. Satisfied, he went over the itinerary for that day. Mistress Esna had invited friends over for a sumptuous feast. Joseph went out to the store house and took a quick tally of the various stores.
Joseph prepared beef, lamb, goats and ducks, for the meat and poultry dishes; plus waterfowl and game birds for variety, also, onions and garlic to spice up these dishes. All to be served with cool, lettuce leaves. Special treats would be baked by the baker; dates, grapes, pomegranates and nuts as fill ins between courses; with fine wines made from dates, grapes or pomegranates to wash it all down. Plus, beer made from barley for those with a more common taste.
Gebel woke up, got dressed, and went to the kitchen to find Joseph. Joseph spotted him coming and went to greet him. They exchanged greetings. Gebel reminded Joseph about the guests that the Mistress had invited. Joseph told Gebel of his preparations for the banquet. Gebel was pleased for Joseph seemed to have the situation under control.
Gebel was content; he could now delegate some of his responsibilities to Joseph. ‘It will be good to move some of the burden on to Joseph’s young shoulders.’ Gebel was beginning to feel the weight of advancing years; it was good to have a younger person to ease the workload.
Esna woke up early and prepared herself for breakfast. She was thrilled that Joseph was back in the kitchen. She hurried out to see Joseph and gave him her instructions for the day.
“Joseph, are you aware that I am having guests over for a banquet today?”
“Yes, Mistress Esna, I have instructed the servants to prepare special dishes for them.”
He informed her of his menu choices.
“Good! I would also like some special fish dishes prepared, as they enjoy fish.”
“Is there anything else that they might like, Mistress Esna?”
“Yes Joseph, make sure that there is plenty of good wine to go with the meal.”
Esna was sure that Joseph would make certain that her visitors enjoyed their banquet.
Joseph instructed the chief cook to prepare some special fish dishes for the banquet. He went to the wine store to select good quality wine for the guests. He instructed one of the kitchen servants to carry the wine into the kitchen, just before the meal was ready.
The kitchen maids were clearing away breakfast. Joseph went to check the stores again. It was a good way to stop any petty thieving; also it kept him in touch with what was on hand. Today, was too important to have any slip ups.
Esna wanted to make a good impression on her friends. An excellent way would be to see that Joseph ensured that the banquet was a success. Esna was pleased Joseph had been promoted. Esna went to the kitchen for an inspection, the preparations were almost complete. The baker had excelled himself; his dainties were mouth watering. The fish dishes were superb; the chief cook certainly knew his business. She complimented them on a job well done.
“Where is Joseph?” she asked the chief cook.
“Joseph is outside checking on the stores, Mistress Esna.”
“Joseph, where are you?”
“Over here Mistress Esna, in the wheat granary.”
Esna walked over to the granary. “Joseph, I am pleased with the meal preparations. Make sure the dishes are served at the right time.” Esna walked back into the house.
Joseph emerged from the granary, he was happy that the meal preparations met with Mistress Edna's approval. He would do his best to ensure that the banquet was a success for her. He went into the kitchen to carry out final preparations. Joseph wondered who would be coming; the banquet was certainly on a grand scale.
Esna enjoyed being married to Potiphar; it gave her plenty of opportunities to mix with people from Pharaoh’s Court. Her marriage to Potiphar had brought her many benefits. The lifestyle suited her; Potiphar’s position at Court ensured that she mixed with the best of Egyptian society. His position in the Army meant that people treated them with respect. The gods had certainly been good to her.
Edna's guests were arriving. The news was conveyed to Joseph. He was not perturbed; everything would be ready at the required time. Esna sent for Joseph.
“Joseph, is everything ready?”
“Yes, Mistress Esna. When you are ready, I will commence serving the banquet.”
“Some of the guests have not arrived yet; please serve wine and light refreshments until they arrive.”
“At once, Mistress Esna.” Joseph moved swiftly to the kitchen and ordered the servants to serve wine and light refreshments. The other guests would be arriving soon. Joseph made a final check of the kitchen. Satisfied that all was ready, he relaxed a little.
“Joseph, you may serve the main courses, everyone has arrived.”
“At once, Mistress Esna.” Joseph gave the necessary orders, the serving maids brought out the delicious food for the guests. Joseph made sure that plenty of wine was on hand, some Egyptians were heavy drinkers.
Esna had planned some entertainment for her guests. She ordered the musicians to play, and the dancing girls to dance for her guests. Her guests seemed to be enjoying it all. Esna was pleased, she liked to entertain. It was a pity that Potiphar could not be here on this occasion; he usually enjoyed a good feast. Potiphar also liked to entertain, however, his military commitments did not afford him many opportunities to do so. Esna had guests over frequently; and she also spent a lot of time visiting her many friends.
The last of the guests were leaving, Joseph was glad it was over. He was happy with the part he had played. Esna praised him on a job well done.
“Joseph, I am happy with the way you handled the banquet.”
“Thank you, Mistress Esna. You know that I will a
lways do my best for you and the Master.”
Joseph was grateful that his efforts had not gone unnoticed. He had set a high standard; now, it was up to him to keep it up. He went to bed that night, satisfied that his first day in charge had turned out well. He thanked God for helping him through the day, and committed the days ahead to Him.
His thoughts turned to his father and Benjamin. It was such a long time since he had seen them. Sometimes, the longing was so strong he had to stop himself from crying. He wondered if his father was still alive. News from the land of Canaan was scarce, Canaan was not important in the eyes of the Egyptians. Joseph wondered if he would ever find out about his family.' God has given me a different life in Egypt, and I will have to make the best of it.' However, it was still hard to live with the treachery of his brothers. Joseph tried to put it from his mind. It was easy during the day, but, sometimes at night the thoughts kept coming back. He drifted off into a troubled sleep.
The days sped by, Potiphar and Esna were delighted with the way Joseph ran the kitchen. Gebel gradually placed more responsibility on Joseph. Joseph was unaware that Gebel was transferring a lot of his own duties to Joseph. Gebel was content; Joseph would make an excellent overseer for Potiphar in the future.
As Joseph grew older and matured, his organising abilities became more apparent. Gebel was amazed at the competent way in which Joseph did things. Teaching him to read and write had been the start of it all. Joseph had a keen mind and grasped the crux of any situation quickly.
‘Yes, Master Potiphar made an inspired choice, the day that he brought Joseph home from the slave market.’