Chapter Nine - Prison
Joseph was tiring, the fast pace was taking its toll on him. He was not conditioned to forced marches. Each time he slowed down the soldiers prodded him with their spears. Joseph was forced to keep up the gruelling pace. At last, the prison came into view. The sun was throwing its last rays on to the prison walls. The soldiers slackened their pace; they were glad they could get rid of the prisoner and head back to their barracks.
The sentries saw them coming, and opened a small door alongside the main prison doors. Joseph was marched into the prison and handed over to the prison guards. When Zanak was informed of Potiphar’s orders, he gave instructions to put the prisoner into solitary confinement, and chain his feet together. Joseph was marched inside the main wing of the prison; then downstairs into a small, foul smelling, and dark cell in the solitary confinement section.
Joseph surveyed his surroundings; it was dark, cold and smelled awful. A very faint gleam of light filtered under the door, from the lamp in the corridor. The floor was hard and cold. The contrast between this cell and Potiphar’s house was so marked. Joseph was miserable. The small wounds made by the spears were aching. The cold seemed to be seeping into them and made them ache more. The chains were cutting into his ankles. He found it hard to find a comfortable position. Although, he was very tired he could not sleep, his thoughts were troubled. He tried praying, but, did not derive any comfort. The mental anguish and the aching wounds, combined to drive sleep from him.
Joseph heard voices, he had not slept; he did not know how many hours had passed. Suddenly, the door swung open and a guard pushed food and water into the cell; then quickly closed the door. Although the light from the corridor lamp was dim, it hurt Joseph’s eyes. He squinted momentarily; then waited for his eyes to adjust to the gloom again. He could see the food silhouetted in the feeble light showing under the door. Joseph was hungry and thirsty.
He dragged himself over to the food and ate ravenously; then he drank the water. He felt a bit better. The spear wounds were hurting and the chains around his ankles were cutting into him. He found it hard to believe that he was actually in prison. Worse, he had done nothing wrong to deserve this treatment.
‘Why, has God allowed this to happen to me?’ Joseph was despondent, his aches and pains did not contribute to any feeling of well-being.
Joseph’s eyes became accustomed to the gloom in the cell. He was in a very small cell; there was no provision for any form of ablutions. He barely had enough room to stretch himself out full length on the floor. He was very tired, he desperately needed to sleep. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep again. Gradually he dozed off. His mind drifted from one incident to the other. He tossed and turned, he relived the events leading up to his imprisonment.
Fatigue finally overcame the feverish activity of his mind; ever so slowly, he lapsed into a deep sleep. Joseph slept a long time; he did not even hear the door open. The guard looked at the prisoner, heard the deep breathing and realised that he was in a deep sleep. He picked up the food utensils and closed the door. He reported to Zanak that the prisoner was sleeping.
Potiphar awoke early; he had a sleepless night. Esna, on the contrary, had slept well and was still asleep. Potiphar spent the night wondering what sort of punishment was suitable for Joseph. He decided that killing him was too quick, he wanted Joseph to suffer. ‘I will let him rot in prison.’ The decision made, Potiphar dressed and had breakfast. He could not wait to instruct Zanak to leave Joseph in prison. Potiphar had made his decision, but, it brought him no happiness. Somehow, he had an awful feeling that his life would never be the same again.
Zanak was given Potiphar’s instructions. The prisoner was to remain in prison until Potiphar ordered his release. Zanak knew that Potiphar had no intentions of releasing the prisoner. His curiosity was aroused. He wondered what sort of man, his latest prisoner was. He went down into the solitary confinement section and told the guard to open the door of Joseph’s cell. The door swung open.
“Hold your lamp close to the prisoner’s face.”
Zanak was surprised to see a well bred young man. He certainly did not look the criminal type; however Zanak was used to seeing all types pass through his prison. Pharaoh put all his political prisoners in this prison.
Several hours later, Joseph woke up. He wondered if it was day or night. It was all the same in this part of the prison. No daylight ever reached the solitary confinement section. The chains on his ankles were abrasive and hurting his ankles. He rubbed the skin very gently; he realised that he would have to be careful with his movements. The metal chains were roughly made; any sudden movements would cause skin abrasions.
At least his hands were free. Joseph rubbed his arms and legs. He would have to force himself to exercise, but, he had hardly any room to move about. Joseph felt dirty and tired; he could feel the stubble on his chin. He wondered if they would allow him to wash himself.
Zanak wanted to question the new prisoner, he asked the guards to see if the prisoner was awake.
Joseph heard footsteps, a small panel in the door slid to one side. A face peered at him; Joseph looked up at the face.They guard could see that the prisoner was awake. He reported to Zanak.
“Open the door!” said Zanak.
Joseph blinked in the light.
“What is your name?” Zanak asked in a curt voice.
“My name is Joseph.”
“Do you know why you are in prison?”
“I have not done anything wrong, my Master has put me in prison, but, I am innocent of any charges.”
Zanak laughed! “They all say that! You are in prison for attempted rape. You attempted to rape your Master’s wife.”
‘So that was it!’ He looked the Warden in the eyes and said, “I am innocent, my Master’s wife tried to seduce me and I ran away.”
Zanak laughed again. “Do you expect anyone to believe you? You left your robe in her bedroom.”
“The Mistress grabbed my robe as I ran away; it came off in her hand.”
Zanak thought that was hilarious, he roared with laughter.
Joseph felt very uncomfortable. He spoke calmly, “That is the truth of the matter; the Most High God is my witness.”
“The Who! What! Is your witness?”
“The Most High God, the Possessor of Heaven and Earth.”
Joseph’s calm gaze and steady reply unnerved Zanak. It was his turn to feel uncomfortable. There was something different about this prisoner, he conceded.
“Put him back into the cell.”
The guard pushed Joseph back into the cell and locked the door. Zanak went away a thoughtful man.
Joseph felt better; the exchange of words with the Warden had lifted his spirit. At least, he knew what story the Mistress had concocted; but Joseph had to make the best of his situation. ‘Master Potiphar might still decide to execute me. 'Joseph realised that his situation was precarious. He felt the need to pray. He prayed long and earnestly. When he stopped praying his mind was more peaceful. God was in command; if God was allowing this to happen, then He would see Joseph through this calamity. Joseph relaxed; he sat on the cell floor, in a contemplative mood.
Several days passed, Joseph grew accustomed to life in solitary confinement. Zanak kept an eye on his latest prisoner. He was impressed by his attitude and calmness. He had seen men go mad in those cells. The prisoner was polite, and even thanked the guard when he was brought food and water.
The guards were amazed at this prisoner; he gave you the impression that you were doing him a favour. Most prisoners were angry, or sullen, or malicious. This fellow greeted you pleasantly. It was quite a change to have a pleasant prisoner around.
Zanak had been considering an idea for a few days. Potiphar had not specifically stated that Joseph was to be kept in solitary confinement. Zanak decided to put Joseph in the main prison. If he behaved himself he would leave him there. Zanak went to see Joseph.
“Joseph, I have decided to take you to a c
ell in the main prison. If you behave yourself, I will consider letting you stay in the main prison.”
Joseph was relieved. He would be glad to get out of this foul smelling cell. Zanak and one of the guards marched him upstairs to the main prison.
Joseph breathed the fresher air. ‘At least I will be able to see other people moving around.' The cell was larger; he was able to move around better, and he had a mat for a bed. He took a deep breath; the air here was much fresher. Joseph silently thanked God for taking him out of that terrible place downstairs.
Joseph had been in his new cell for a few days. It was a definite improvement on the cell in solitary confinement. He felt as though he was now part of prison life. He was given permission to wash himself regularly. Through the opening in his cell door he could watch the guards moving around. Some of the guards were quite friendly to him. Joseph did his best to be friendly towards the guards. The guards could see the Joseph was genuine, and that he was not trying to ingratiate himself with them. They had never come across a prisoner like Joseph.
Zanak was pleased that Joseph was behaving himself. Zanak wondered if he could put Joseph to better use. Obviously, Potiphar had no further interest in Joseph. He had not even bothered to check up on him. If Joseph was to spend the rest of his days in prison, he might as well do something useful. Zanak went to see Joseph.
“Joseph, you have been behaving yourself, since you have been in prison. I am going to give you an opportunity to earn yourself some better conditions. In exchange for me taking the chains off your legs, you will help the guards with meals and other work.”
Joseph readily agreed with the Warden. Zanak told the guard to take the chains off. Joseph stretched his legs then took a few steps. ‘What a relief!’ Joseph was pleased. 'It's good to get rid of these terrible chains. I’ll get more exercise; and it will be good to do some work. It will make the days seem more worthwhile.’
Joseph said to Zanak, “When do you want me to start?”
“A guard will come and get you before the next meal. You will carry the meals to the other prisoners.”
Zanak departed with the guard. Joseph could hardly believe it. He walked about his cell, it felt good. He thanked God for His goodness to him. He did not like being in the prison, but, he was realistic enough to see that he was free from being tempted by Esna.
Several days passed by, Zanak was satisfied that Joseph was doing the right thing by him. He was also interested to note that the whole tone of the prison was improving since Joseph had begun to serve the other prisoners. There was less tension; even the guards could sense a difference. It certainly made a pleasant change to be greeted in a friendly manner.
Joseph had the knack of putting people at ease. He seemed to be genuinely interested in each person he came across. Zanak began to wonder if Joseph really was guilty of attempted rape. He could not imagine Joseph even thinking of doing such a thing.
The days and months came and went. Zanak gradually gave him more responsibility. When Zanak found out that Joseph had been in charge of Potiphar’s kitchen, he put Joseph in charge of the prison kitchen. Joseph was very busy, and he had many an opportunity to show his faith in God. Everyone in the prison could see that there was something different about Joseph. Although, he was a prisoner he was respected by both the guards and the prisoners.
Zanak could see that Joseph had a natural gift for organisation. He gave more and more responsibility into Joseph’s hands. Joseph cooperated closely with the guards, they came to realise that whatever they gave him to do would be done well.
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Several years passed, Zanak had put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. Whatever needed to be done, he simply gave the matter over to Joseph and forgot about it. Joseph would attend to the matter promptly. Zanak came to trust in Joseph’s judgement and left the care of the prisoners completely in Joseph’s hands.
Joseph in return, always did the right thing by Zanak and the guards. He had almost forgotten his life in Potiphar’s house. Life in prison was bearable, but, it would be good to be able to get out into the sunshine and see the outside world again. Joseph often wondered why God did not arrange for him to be taken out of prison. He had not done anything to deserve imprisonment. That was the hard part, knowing you were innocent of the charge against you.
It was a severe test of his faith; however, Joseph did not succumb. ‘If God is allowing this to happen, then somehow it must be necessary for me.’ He could not fathom God’s purpose at all, yet by faith he sensed it would ultimately be for his good. Zanak looked after him. He ate well and was clothed decently. His cell was in the best position; he could at least look out on the outside world and see the sunshine and blue sky.
The captain of the guards was calling for him. “Oznak, I am in here.”Joseph wondered what he wanted him for.
“Joseph, Pharaoh has sentenced two of his chamberlains to prison. I want you to personally look after them.”
“Certainly Oznak, where have you put them?”
“They are in the same cell; in the main cell block.”
Joseph followed Oznak to the cell were the prisoners were. He looked closely at them. They were still dressed in their court clothes. They looked sullen and angry. He turned to Oznak.
“Oznak, why are they here? “
“They disobeyed Pharaoh and he became very angry. He decided some time in prison would teach them a lesson. He could have just as easily had them executed. That is why it is important that you look after them. Pharaoh could change his mind at any time and release them. He might even give them their jobs back. Zanak is relying on you to look after them”
Joseph marvelled that these men had actually disobeyed Pharaoh. Joseph asked Oznak to open the cell door. He went in and spoke to the prisoners.
“I am Joseph; I have been assigned to look after you while you are in prison.”
The two men looked at him. They were not interested in anybody at the moment. They were smarting from the humility of being placed in prison. They still had not figured out how Pharaoh had found out that they were deceiving him.
Joseph spoke again, “If there is any way I can be of assistance to you, ask for me.”
They stared at him silently then deliberately ignored him. Joseph looked at Oznak. Oznak shrugged his shoulders. Joseph turned around and walked out of the cell.
Oznak said, “Don’t worry, they will settle down in a few days.” Oznak walked away, Joseph went about his normal duties.
The new prisoners were not very cooperative. Joseph found out from Zanak that one was Pharaoh’s chief butler and the other was his chief baker. He wondered what they had done to make Pharaoh angry. Joseph was friendly and courteous to both men. Their animosity towards him quietened down after a few days and they came to realise that Joseph was genuinely interested in them. He did not intrude on their privacy, and they respected him for it. The days quickly passed and it appeared that Pharaoh had forgotten them. Joseph relaxed more as the days went by. If Pharaoh had forgotten them, then he would not have to pay such close attention to them.
Zanak called Joseph in and told him to treat the two prisoners in the normal manner from now on. He left Zanak and went to the kitchen to check on the meals. Zanak was pleased that Joseph had come his way. He did not have to worry about any of the prisoners anymore. Once they were handed over to Joseph, any problems were soon resolved. The prison ran smoothly; Joseph seemed to anticipate and head off problems before they got out of hand. The guards trusted him and usually cooperated with his suggestions.
Joseph still treated the chief butler and chief baker with courtesy, but, did not give them any special privileges. They realised that he was under orders and did not complain to him. They had gotten used to prison life. The contrast between prison, and the privileges they received as Pharaoh’s servants, only accentuated their folly in trying to fool Pharaoh. They had plenty of time to bemoan their foolishness. Pharaoh was just as likel
y to leave them in prison until they died.
They often spoke to each other about the good times they had at Pharaoh’s court. They had been in positions of authority and respect; but here they were incarcerated in this prison, the gods only knew for how long. Each man had been at the very top of his respective profession. They cursed themselves for throwing it all away.
The months glided swiftly by, Joseph had gained the respect of the butler Zophek and the baker Zanaken. They often chatted to him; he was cheerful and friendly. Joseph was interested in their tales of life at Pharaoh’s court. Each of them had a great store of stories and anecdotes. Joseph would try to picture in his mind’s eye, something of the pomp and glory of Pharaoh, and the Egyptian empire. He wondered what it would be like to actually be there. These men had factual, intimate connections with Pharaoh and his Court.
Joseph woke up this particular day, and as usual spent time in prayer to God. After prayer, he felt peaceful and happy. God would help him to resolve any problems that came along. He waited for the guard to come and unlock his cell, then he went down to the kitchen to organise the morning meal. When the meal was under way; he went as usual from cell to cell to check on the prisoners. Everything was normal until he came to the butler and baker. Joseph looked in on them and noticed each had a perplexed, sad expression on his face.
He asked the guard to open the cell so he could speak to them. The butler and the baker heard the cell door being open and looked up. Joseph walked into the cell.
“Why do you look so sad, today?”
Zophek said, “Each of us has dreamed a dream, and there is no one to tell us what they mean.”
Joseph looked earnestly at each one and said, “Doesn’t the interpretations of dreams belong to God? Please, tell me the dreams.”