As we read in Legends of the Jews, a masterful retelling of Jewish lore by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, Joseph began to reap the rewards for his unwavering commitment to virtue. It's a powerful idea, isn't it? That our actions, our choices, ultimately shape our destiny. Ginzberg paints a vivid picture: "according to the measure of his merits God granted him reward."
Think about it: The mouth that refused temptation now receives the "kiss of homage" from the people. The neck that refused to bow to sin is adorned with a gold chain. The hands that avoided wrongdoing now wear Pharaoh's own signet ring. It's like a divine compensation, a beautiful mirroring of virtue rewarded.
And the ceremony! Pharaoh doesn't just promote Joseph; he installs him with solemn grandeur. He clothes him in princely garments, places a gold crown upon his head, and has him ride in the second chariot, right next to the king himself! Imagine the spectacle! Thousands of musicians, drawn swords gleaming in the air, twenty thousand grandees marching on either side. The women of the nobility, captivated by Joseph's beauty, shower him with jewels. Yet, Joseph keeps his gaze down, focused, and as a result, the text tells us, God protects him and his descendants from the ayin hara, the evil eye.
The air is thick with incense and spices as Joseph makes his way through the city. Heralds proclaim: "This is the man whom the king hath chosen to be the second after him!" The people prostrate themselves, shouting, "Long live the king, and long live the deputy of the king!" And Joseph, ever mindful of his source of strength, looks heavenward and proclaims, "The Lord raiseth up the poor out of the dust… blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee."
Pharaoh showers Joseph with gifts: fields, vineyards, silver, gold, precious stones. He even decrees that every Egyptian must give Joseph a gift, or face death! Can you imagine the sheer volume of riches pouring in? He receives a hundred slaves from Pharaoh and acquires many more, residing in a palace that took three years to build. The hall of state, his audience chamber, is particularly magnificent, boasting a throne inlaid with precious stones depicting the entire land of Egypt and the Nile.
And as Joseph's wealth grows, so does his wisdom. God adds to his knowledge so that all might love and honor him. Pharaoh even gives him a new name: Zaphenath-paneah. It's quite a title, isn't it? Ginzberg explains that this name translates roughly to "he who can reveal secret things with ease, and rejoiceth the heart of man therewith." But it's more than just a title. Each letter of the name is said to represent a different quality: Zofeh (seer), Podeh (redeemer), Nabi (prophet), and so on. It's like a microcosm of all the virtues and skills Joseph possesses.
Even Joseph's wife, Asenath, has a fascinating backstory. According to the narrative, Asenath was the daughter of Dinah (Jacob's daughter) and Hamor. Abandoned as a baby, she was rescued by Potiphar, who raised her as his own. The name "Asenath" itself, we're told, is also meaningful. Each letter hints at her history and her virtues.
The story even claims that Asenath, as an infant, saved Joseph's life by defending him against false accusations. And as a reward, God destined her to be the mother of his children. She bears him two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, during the seven years of plenty. The text emphasizes that Joseph, even in his position of power, remains chaste and dedicated to God, especially refraining from pleasure during the impending famine.
Before the famine even hits, Joseph proves his worth by leading an army to victory against the people of Tarshish, who had invaded the territory of the Ishmaelites. This victory solidifies his position as a capable and powerful leader.
Then come the seven years of plenty. Joseph, with foresight and wisdom, gathers up all the grain, storing it in cities throughout the land. He even takes precautions to prevent rot and mildew. The Egyptians, however, aren't so diligent. They try to save their own grain, but when the famine strikes, their stores are worthless.
The famine is sudden and severe. The people are desperate, driven to seek Joseph's help. He tells them to renounce their idols and acknowledge God, but they refuse. They turn to Pharaoh, who, in turn, sends them back to Joseph.
The Egyptians complain to Pharaoh, saying that Joseph demands they be circumcised before receiving food. Pharaoh, unwavering, tells them, "Go unto Joseph!" And they reply, "We come from Joseph, and he hath spoken roughly unto us, saying, Go hence and circumcise yourselves! We warned thee in the beginning that he is a Hebrew, and would treat us in such wise." Pharaoh, however, stands firm. He recognizes Joseph's wisdom and authority.
The story culminates in a powerful lesson about trust, faith, and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. Pharaoh, by consistently directing his people to Joseph, is rewarded with a long life and reign. But, as the story hints, this very success will eventually lead to arrogance and downfall.
The story of Joseph's rise to power is more than just a rags-to-riches tale. It's a testament to the power of virtue, the importance of faith, and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. It leaves you wondering, doesn't it? What virtues are we cultivating? What "gifts" are we being given that we can use to help others? And are we listening to the wisdom around us, even when it's challenging?