Chapter Seven - Promotion
“Master Potiphar! Master Potiphar! Come quickly!”
Potiphar woke up and sprang to his feet. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s Gebel, I went to wake him, he is just lying there; I think he is dead.” The servant girl was very distressed.
Potiphar moved swiftly to Gebel's room in the servant quarters. Gebel was still and cold with the colour drained from his flesh. Potiphar could not detect any sign of life.
‘Gebel is dead. He has been a faithful steward of my household for many years. Esna will be upset.' He pulled a covering over Gebel’s face and turned to the maid.
“Gebel is dead; there is nothing that anybody can do for him. He has departed from this life. Tell the other servants to stay out of his room.”
The maid ran out to spread the news.
Potiphar walked slowly back to his bedroom. Esna was sitting up waiting for him.
“What was all the commotion about, Potiphar?”
“Gebel is dead!”
“Oh no!” The colour drained from Esna’s face.
“Yes, he died in his sleep. I will make arrangements for the embalmers to come and embalm him. He deserves a good journey into the next world.”
Esna was saddened by the news. ‘Gebel has not been sick, his death is very sudden. I will miss the kind old man; he was in Potiphar’s service long before we were married.’
Potiphar and Esna were silent. They looked at each other. Their faces showed the grief they were feeling. There would be a period of mourning; even though Gebel was their servant, he had been close to both of them.
Potiphar turned to Esna, “I will have to go in as usual to Pharaoh’s Court. I will make the necessary arrangements. Pharaoh will understand.”
Esna was thoughtful, “Do you have in anyone in mind to take over Gebel’s duties?
“Yes, Joseph is very capable. I have been training him to assume greater responsibility. I will go and speak to him immediately.”
Joseph wondered what had happened, he heard someone calling out. He tried to pinpoint where the noise was coming from. It seemed to be near the Master’s bedroom. ‘Oh well, I will find out soon enough.’
The maid who had raised the alarm came along and informed him that Gebel was dead. Joseph was stunned! Gebel had not been sick. Joseph became nostalgic about the kind old man who had such an influence in his life.
He felt a deep sense of grief. He had come to respect Gebel, not only for his position, but, also for his honesty and integrity. He would miss his wisdom and advice. Joseph went back to the kitchen. Potiphar found him near the kitchen.
“Joseph, have you heard that Gebel has died?”
“Yes, Master Potiphar, it does not seem possible, he was not sick.”
“Joseph I want to talk with you privately. Come with me.”
Joseph followed Potiphar into one of the rooms in Potiphar’s private suite.
“Joseph, I am appointing you my Chief Steward. I want you to take over Gebel’s duties. Some of the duties are connected with my private affairs, I will show you in due course, what they are. For the moment, you will supervise all the servants. Unless myself, or, Esna instructs otherwise they will take their orders from you.”
Joseph was astonished! Neither, Potiphar or Gebel had ever given him any reason to believe that he would take over from Gebel. “Master Potiphar, I am only young. Are you sure that I can handle such great responsibility?”
“Joseph, I have been training you for this job for several years, without your knowledge. Admittedly, I did not think that you would have to take over so soon. Nevertheless, you are the man for the job.”
Joseph found it hard to believe. Potiphar had a busy schedule that day; he dismissed Joseph and went to put his uniform on. Joseph went to the kitchen and informed the servants that Potiphar had put him in charge of the house. He arranged a meal schedule for the day and went to find Mistress Esna.
“Mistress Esna, is there anything specific you want me to do?”
Esna was thoughtful for a moment. “Joseph, I want you to look after the embalmers when they arrive. Potiphar will arrange for them to come as soon as possible.”
“I understand Mistress Esna; I will see that they are given whatever they need.”
Esna dismissed Joseph. Today, she just wanted to be alone. Joseph was sad as he went about his duties. There was an unusual silence in the house today. The servants all respected Gebel, some of them had worked with him for many years. Their silence was the outward sign of their grief. Gebel did not have any family, he had never married. Potiphar’s household had been the closest thing to a family in Gebel’s life.
Potiphar managed to speak briefly to Pharaoh about the death of his steward; Pharaoh was sympathetic. Later, Potiphar instructed one of his officers to send the embalmers to the prison, where he would see them. The officer hurried off to carry out his orders. A short while later; Potiphar went to do his daily check at the prison.
Zanak, the Warden greeted Potiphar. Potiphar inquired, “Have the embalmers arrived?”
“Yes, they are waiting to see you.”
“I will see them now. Bring them in.”
The two men were brought to Potiphar. Potiphar told them to go to his house and embalm Gebel’s body in readiness for his burial. The men promised to begin that very day. Potiphar was grateful. The embalmers left to carry out their business. Potiphar was relieved that the embalmers would start today.
Joseph instructed one of the male servants to watch for the embalmers and to let him know as soon as they arrived. Potiphar’s servants moved quietly around the house, still coming to terms with Gebel’s death.
Joseph felt a deep sense of loss, he would miss old Gebel. ‘What could have caused his death? Gebel was not complaining about being sick, or, in pain. Perhaps it was just old age?’
Joseph made the normal arrangements for the midday meal. Esna was not hungry. Most of the servants were not hungry; some were too upset to eat. It was a sad day in Potiphar’s household. Joseph wished the embalmers would come and prepare Gebel’s body.
“Joseph, the embalmers have arrived.”
“Good! Show them in.”
The embalmers were brought to Joseph. He showed them the room where Gebel’s body lay; and told them to ask if they needed anything. The embalmers wrapped Gebel’s body in a shroud and took it away for embalming. Their profession was ancient, shrouded in mystery; handed down from father to son, their skills were preserved from generation to generation. They were outcasts in the social structure, but, an ever present necessity in the Egyptian way of life. The strong smell of ointment and spices marked them out in any company of people.
People shunned them; the presence of death seemed to accompany them. As a result their services were costly. Egyptians who were wealthy payed large sums of money to have their dead loved ones embalmed. Potiphar was very wealthy; they would be able to charge him a high fee for their services.
When the embalmers left, Joseph told one of Esna’s maids to let Esna know that the embalmers had taken away Gebel’s body. Esna was relieved. She was glad that Potiphar and Joseph were handling this matter. Esna could not bear to be near a dead body. She was terrified of death. Esna preferred to remember Gebel the way he was in this life. When the embalming process was finished, Potiphar would arrange the burial service with the Temple priests.
Joseph was still coming to grips with the fact that he was now in charge of Potiphar’s household. He could not stop thinking about Gebel; it did not seem possible that he was dead. ‘Yesterday, Gebel went about his duties as normal, he had not complained of any pain or illness. It seems like a bad dream. Gebel will not be around for advice when I run into problems. Yes, I will certainly miss old Gebel.’
Potiphar arrived home earlier than usual. “Esna, did the embalmers come today?”
“Yes Potiphar I asked Joseph to attend to them.”
“They said they would come sometime today, I a
m relieved that they were able to come quickly.”
Potiphar comforted Esna for a while; then went to look for Joseph.
“Joseph, come with me.” Joseph followed Potiphar into his private suite.
Potiphar motioned to Joseph to sit down. “Joseph, this has all been sudden, I realise that you were probably fond of Gebel. When the mourning period is over, I want you to move into Gebel’s room. I need to know how much you know about my affairs.Can you tell me what Gebel has taught you so far.”
“Master Potiphar, Gebel was a good teacher. He taught me to keep the records for the stores and granaries. He did not show me anything about your private affairs.”
“Yes, I feel certain that Gebel would have instructed you well in all the important areas of record keeping.You know Gebel and I have been assessing your progress all along. He was always satisfied with the high standard of your work. I am sure that you will soon settle into the head steward’s position.”
It dawned on Joseph that Potiphar had been keeping a close eye on him, ever since he had brought him home from the slave market.
“Master Potiphar, I will do my best to serve you and Mistress Esna, as well as Gebel served you both.”
Potiphar was satisfied. He was sure that Joseph would handle his affairs just as capably as Gebel had done.
“Tomorrow, Joseph I will begin to show you my private affairs. See me as soon as I have had breakfast.” Potiphar then dismissed Joseph.
Joseph walked back to the kitchen. Potiphar went to see Esna again. It was a sad day for them. Esna was glad that Potiphar had come back. She needed his support at the moment. Potiphar went to Esna and held her closely; she felt comforted. They held each other silently for several minutes, each occupied with their own thoughts.
Potiphar broke the silence, “Esna, I have spoken to Joseph about his new responsibilities; tomorrow I will begin to show him our private affairs.”
“Potiphar I’m sure that Joseph will turn out to be a very good steward. He has always been a good house boy.”
“I told Joseph that he could move into Gebel’s room after the mourning period is over.” The mention of Gebel’s name made them silent again.
Joseph was pre-occupied as he went about his duties, his promotion seemed unreal. The servants were quiet; it did not seem possible that Gebel was dead. The evening meal was a silent affair, nobody felt like talking. The reality of Gebel’s death hung over them like a dark sombre cloud. This was the time of mourning; it would last for many days. Gebel’s body would be embalmed and laid to rest with the things that he would need in the next life.
When his body was ready for burial, it would be loaded on a funeral barge and taken across the river to the burial grounds. Professional mourners would wail and lament as the funeral party accompanied the barge. The Temple priests would carry out the funeral rites.
Joseph had never witnessed an Egyptian funeral; seventy days of mourning seemed excessive to him. The Hebrew mourning period only lasted for seven days.
The Egyptians placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of being ready for the next life. They believed that the god Osiris, ruled in the kingdom of the dead; and that the ruling Pharaoh was the incarnation of Osiris’ son Horus. Osiris was also the god of vegetation; the annual rising and flooding of the great River linked him with the rebirth of life.
Therefore, Pharaoh ruled the land of the living and Osiris ruled in the realm of the afterlife. Pharaoh was worshipped as a god. The welfare of Egypt was directly linked to Pharaoh’s well-being. Pharaoh as a god-king was an important part of his subjects’ lives.
Joseph was pleased when the mourning period was over. It had been a strain on him. He could not understand why these Egyptians mourned over their dead for such a long time.
Joseph moved into Gebel’s room. He settled in easily into the head steward’s role. Potiphar seemed to be pleased with him. Joseph liked being in charge of Potiphar’s household. Mistress Esna was easy to work for; she usually left the running of the house to him. Potiphar had shown Joseph all he needed to know about his private affairs. Potiphar had given Joseph a free hand in the running of his household. God was with Joseph in all that he did, and Potiphar’s household was prospering as a result.
Potiphar observed that Joseph’s God was blessing his house because Joseph was there. Potiphar left more and more of his affairs in Joseph’s capable hands. Gebel had been an excellent steward; however, Joseph was shaping up even better. Potiphar and Esna were both impressed with Joseph’s abilities; they were subconsciously giving over the complete running of the house to Joseph.
Joseph enjoyed his new responsibilities, he got along well with all the servants; and they found him a fair, but, firm supervisor. Plenty of laughter echoed through the house, especially when the Master and Mistress were not around.
Esna had more time to visit her friends; Joseph always had the house in immaculate condition. She would give Joseph his instructions for the day, and they would be faithfully carried out. She just wished that Pharaoh would give Potiphar more time at home. Pharaoh kept sending him on assignments. Esna did not like it. She threw herself into her social life to compensate for Potiphar’s frequent absences.
She missed Potiphar. He doted on her and she lapped up the attention he lavished on her. There was nothing either of them could do about the situation. Pharaoh was absolute ruler! Whatever Pharaoh said, was carried out; refusal could mean instant death, or, incarceration in prison for an indefinite period of time. Only Pharaoh’s closest advisers dare query him on any matter. Potiphar was often selected to carry out assignments for Pharaoh, but, he was certainly not in the inner circle of Pharaoh’s advisers.
Potiphar was pleased Pharaoh chose him for assignments; however, he wished they did not keep him away from home so much. He missed Esna. She was such good company. He had never regretted choosing her as his wife. He dare not ask Pharaoh for more time at home, Pharaoh would be very displeased. It was a great honour to be chosen for Pharaoh’s assignments.
Pharaoh would be insulted if Potiphar asked for more leave. Potiphar resigned himself to the situation. There was nothing Esna or he could do about it. Potiphar hoped the situation would return to normal soon. Life had been a lot easier before all these assignments.
The days and months flew by. Several years had passed since Gebel had died. Potiphar and Esna did not see much of each other, Pharaoh kept Potiphar very busy. Potiphar had reached the stage where he left all his household affairs in Joseph hands. Under Joseph his possessions had increased and Potiphar was getting a name for shrewd business dealing. Joseph was responsible for Potiphar buying more land. Potiphar was not even sure anymore of exactly what he owned. Joseph’s God had blessed Potiphar since Joseph had been put in charge of his household. Larger storehouses and granaries were built to cope with the increased grain harvest. Potiphar’s wealth was steadily increasing.
Esna was experiencing the benefits that increased wealth brought her way. Like Potiphar she left the daily affairs completely in Joseph’s hands. Her life was a whirl of social activities, with banquet after banquet, event after event. Esna thrived on all the excitement. She had adjusted herself to Potiphar’s frequent absences and filled the void with her social life. Deep down she missed Potiphar, but, she thrust her feelings aside, she could not change the circumstances. The social whirl was becoming an addiction for her.
Joseph was in a reflective mood. His present circumstances were very good. The Master and the Mistress trusted him implicitly; he had the complete run of the house. The other servants were good; there were no troublemakers among them. He missed his father and Benjamin. At times he would think about them and wonder how they were getting on. Thinking about them always brought back the pain of his brothers’ betrayal. ‘At least here I am in peaceful circumstances; I do not have to cope with my brothers’ hatred. God has given me a good master. These years in Egypt could have been a lot worse.’
His mind went back over the long journey to
Egypt and the circumstances that had brought him into Potiphar’s house. He still did not understand why God had not seen fit to rescue him from the Ishmeelites. ‘I can thank God for putting me in such a good position with Master Potiphar. Who knows where I might have ended up? I wonder if I will ever see Father and Benjamin again. It certainly does not seem possible.’
Joseph’s attention was brought back to the present by the arrival of Esna. She had just come into the house and was asking for him.
“Joseph! Where are you?”
“I am coming Mistress Esna.” He hurried out to greet her.
“Joseph, I am going to spend a few days with friends. I want you to look after the house for me in my absence. Potiphar is still away on business for Pharaoh, although he could come home any day.”
Joseph was honoured; this was the first time that he had been called on to look after their affairs with both of them away at the same time.
“Certainly, Mistress Esna, you know I will do my best for you.”
Esna knew that she could rely on Joseph, he was so efficient. It had not escaped her notice that he had developed into a handsome, likeable young man. He certainly was an asset to Potiphar and herself. Esna went off to finalise the arrangements for her visit to her friends. Joseph went back to his work. The goodness of his God occupied his thoughts as he worked carefully and skilfully on the work at hand. ‘Surely, the God of my father's has blessed me in this house. Here am I a slave with the responsibility of this great house in my hands.’
Joseph often wondered why God had allowed him to be sold as a slave; and yet, He had blessed him with so much in Potiphar’s house. 'Some day, perhaps, I will understand why I am in this situation.’
Potiphar was itching to get home. He was tired of Pharaoh’s constant assignments. ‘I am getting too old to enjoy this type of work.’ His thoughts turned to home. He was sorry that he could not be home more often. Esna was not happy about his continual trips away from Zoan. She seemed to be filling in her time with continual banquets.
Potiphar hoped that Pharaoh would give him more time back in Zoan, at least that way he would be home at night. His relationship with Esna was becoming strained. He knew he could not approach Pharaoh; if he caught Pharaoh in a bad mood, Pharaoh was just as likely to demote him, or, put him in prison for a while to teach him a lesson.
‘I seem to be stuck in this situation. At least my affairs are in good hands with Joseph. He has turned out to be a real blessing to Esna and myself. Two more days! I can report back to Pharaoh and maybe get some leave. I hope that Esna will be pleased to see me.’ The two days seemed to drag on, interminably. Finally, Potiphar headed back to Zoan. He reported immediately to Pharaoh. Pharaoh was pleased with Potiphar’s report.
“Potiphar, I have kept you away from home and your beautiful wife, far too long. Take a week off and spend the time at home. Report to me as usual after you resume your duties.”
Potiphar was elated! “Thank you, Pharaoh you are most gracious.”
“You deserve some time off, Potiphar I appreciate your loyalty and your service. Now, finish up quickly and go home.”
People fled before his chariot as he moved quickly through the streets of Zoan. ‘I hope Esna is home, I am sure she will welcome the time we can have together.’ Potiphar was feeling good! Soon he would be home again in the arms of his wife.
Potiphar guided his chariot through the entrance and walked briskly inside.
“Esna, where are you? I am home.”
Joseph heard Potiphar calling out for Esna, and came quickly to greet him.
“Master Potiphar, it is good to see you back home. Mistress Esna is not at home, she is spending a few days away with your friends Amenmope and Harrup.”
Potiphar was disappointed! He was looking forward to spending the whole week with Esna.
“I was hoping that she would be home, Joseph. Pharaoh has given me leave from duty for one week.”
“Mistress Esna left yesterday. Perhaps, you could dispatch a messenger to ask her to return. I believe that they were taking a trip up the river.”
“Do you think the messenger will catch them in time?”
“I am not sure; I think that they would have left this morning. A man on horseback should have no difficulty overtaking them, today.”
“Joseph, I would go myself, but, I have been away from home for a long time and I just want to relax for a while. I will send a messenger at once. Send Gimbal to me immediately.”
Joseph went out to the stables and sent Gimbal the head groomsman in to Potiphar. Potiphar gave Gimbal his orders. Gimbal hurried out to the stables, selected a good fast horse and rode swiftly away. Potiphar hoped that Gimbal would catch up with them before nightfall.
Esna was enjoying the leisurely trip on Amenmope's boat. They had started out later than expected. The sail glistened in the sunlight as the boat moved steadily upriver. Amenmope's party had eaten a delicious meal at midday. The canopy overhead provided cool relief from the blazing sun. Harrup's hand maidens were kept busy fanning them with palm fronds. Esna could feel herself unwinding. Her own hand maidens made sure that she was comfortable. Her maidens would alternate with Harrup's maidens in fanning them. This part of the river was a hive of activity. Craft of all shapes and sizes were going to and fro. Esna had been on lots of cruises up and down the river, she always enjoyed them.
Their attention was drawn to a man on horseback, who was riding along the riverbank looking carefully at each privately owned vessel.
“There is something familiar about that man.”, Esna said to Harrup.
Esna sat up and peered at him. Suddenly, he began to wave and shouted, “Mistress Esna is that you?”
Esna stood up in surprise, it was Gimbal!
She said to Amenmope, “Amenmope that is our head groomsman Gimbal I wonder what he is doing here.”
Esna waved to Gimbal.
“Amenemope can we pull over to the bank and find out why he is here?”
Amenemope gave orders to his crew to row over to the bank. Gimbal watched the boat moving towards him. He stopped and waited for it to pull into the riverbank. The boat glided into the bank, the crew skilfully stopping directly alongside Gimbal.
“Gimbal, what are you doing here? Is there something wrong at home?”
“No, Mistress Esna there is nothing wrong. Master Potiphar is home on leave for one week and he sent me to ask you to return home.”
Esna was astonished! Pharaoh had actually given Potiphar a whole week off.
Amenemope spoke to Esna, “Esna we can moor here, Gimbal can hurry back to Potiphar for transport for you and your maidens. It will be good for him to have you home.”
Esna thought carefully for a few moments; then spoke to Gimbal.
“Gimbal ride as quickly as you can to Potiphar and tell him to send the carriage for us. If you are fast enough, we may get home before sunset.”
Gimbal slapped the horse hard and raced quickly away. He was happy; he had caught up to them much faster than he thought he would. 'They must have been delayed this morning.’
Potiphar could hardly believe his good fortune; the gods must be smiling on him. He decided that the carriage would be too slow. 'I will send three chariots. Two will convey Esna and her maidens and the other will carry some soldiers who will act as an escort.’
Potiphar sent Gimbal up to the barracks with a message for the Captain.
The Captain quickly ordered three of his chariots to follow Gimbal. They set off at a fast pace after Gimbal.
Esna and the others were surprised to see three chariots accompanying Gimbal.
“Mistress Esna, Master Potiphar decided a carriage would be too slow. He has arranged for you and your maidens to ride in two chariots and the other will act as an escort.”
Esna thanked Amenemope and Harrup for their hospitality and apologised for leaving them so soon.
“Esna, go home to your husband. Give him our greetings.” said Amenemope.
T
hey watched Esna and her maidens step on to the chariots. Then Esna waved to them and the chariots moved off at a brisk pace. Amenemope gave the order for the crew to shove off and the boat glided smoothly out into the river.
The soldiers’ faces were beaming, this was the type of duty, they did not mind. Riding escort on beautiful women was a pleasant diversion from normal duties.
Esna was not pleased at Potiphar’s choice of transport. Chariots had no suspension to smooth out the bumps; also, they had to stand up for the ride. The only good feature was their speed, at this pace they would be home before sunset.
Esna’s hand maidens thought it was exciting. They would have a lot to tell the other maidens when they arrived home. They were enjoying the ride and the attention. The maid in Esna’s chariot found it difficult to keep Esna shielded from the hot sun.
Potiphar was becoming impatient, surely they would arrive soon. The sun was very low in the sky. He sent one of the stable hands to watch for them and to report to him as soon as he saw them coming. Joseph had a meal ready for Esna and her maidens. They would be famished.
Potiphar was relieved; he could see his stable hand, hurrying back. 'They must be coming.' Sure enough, the chariots came into view. Gimbal was riding out in front. Potiphar was pleased with Gimbal, ‘He has done an excellent job today.’