After all the drama with his brothers, being sold into slavery, and landing in Egypt, Joseph finally caught a break. He rose through the ranks, becoming a powerful figure in Potiphar's household. He was living the good life! And he was grateful, truly. He thanked God, saying, "Blessed art Thou, O Lord, that Thou hast caused me to forget my father's house." He was finally free from the constant sibling rivalry, the envy that had plagued him back home. As Ginzberg tells us in Legends of the Jews, Joseph felt that "When I was in my father's house, and he gave me something pretty, my brethren begrudged me the present, and now, O Lord, I thank Thee that I live amid plenty."
He had everything he needed and more. So, what did he do? Well, he started taking care of himself, maybe a little too much. He started painting his eyes, dressing his hair just so, and perfecting his walk. He aimed to be elegant. Can you blame him? After everything he’d been through, a little self-care was probably in order.
But then, according to the legend, God spoke to him. Imagine that! God basically said, "Hey, Joseph, your father Jacob is back home mourning in sackcloth and ashes, still grieving your disappearance, and you’re over here eating, drinking, and styling your hair? Not a good look."
Ouch. Talk about a reality check.
And God warned him that, as a result of this behavior, He would "stir up thy mistress against thee, and thou shalt be embarrassed." According to Ginzberg, this was actually Joseph's secret wish! He wanted to prove his piety, just like his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been tested. He wanted to show that he was worthy.
So, Joseph's good fortune was about to be disrupted. All because he got a little too comfortable? Because he forgot, even for a moment, the suffering of others, especially his own family? It makes you think, doesn't it? Sometimes, the greatest tests come not when we're at our lowest, but when we're finally enjoying a moment of peace. How will we respond when that peace is challenged? How will we prove our own piety?