Even tales that seem straightforward often have shadowy corners, and the story of Asenath, Joseph's wife, is no exception.
We all remember the story of Joseph, right? Sold into slavery in Egypt, rising to power, and eventually reuniting with his family. He marries Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, and they have children. But what about the circumstances surrounding that marriage?
According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, things weren't quite so simple. It seems that some of Joseph's brothers, particularly Dan and Gad, harbored resentment towards him. Why? They felt threatened, perhaps fearing that Joseph's elevated status would diminish their own. These were the sons of the handmaids, so perhaps they felt especially vulnerable.
So, Dan and Gad hatched a plan. A pretty nasty one, if I'm being honest. They advised one of Pharaoh’s sons to ambush Asenath as she traveled home. The goal? To seize her. To take her as his own. Naphtali and Asher, also sons of the handmaids, weren’t too keen on this violent scheme, but Dan and Gad pressured them, arguing that they, as sons of the handmaids, needed to stick together against any perceived threat from Joseph.
Imagine the scene: Asenath, with her entourage of six hundred attendants, making her way home, only to be attacked by fifty archers lying in wait. The vanguard is cut down, and Asenath is forced to flee. Just when she thinks she might escape, she's confronted by the Pharaoh's son and his men on horseback.
But here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. Benjamin, Joseph's youngest brother, who was traveling with Asenath in the same chariot, steps up. Despite his youth, he's described as exceedingly courageous. He leaps from the chariot, gathers pebbles – yes, pebbles! – and starts hurling them at the son of Pharaoh. And wouldn't you know it, he strikes him on the forehead, inflicting a serious wound. Talk about a David and Goliath moment! The charioteer joins in, pelting the mounted men with stones, felling forty-eight of them.
It's almost comical, isn't it? This ragtag defense against a seemingly insurmountable force. But the danger isn't over yet.
Just then, the sons of Leah arrive – Levi, guided by his prophetic spirit, had foreseen the attack and rallied his five brothers to come to Asenath's aid. They engage the ambushers, cutting them down. But still the danger persists!
The sons of the handmaids, spurred on by their initial plan, draw their swords, intending to kill Asenath and Benjamin and then disappear into the woods. But then, something miraculous happens. As Asenath cries out to God for help, the swords simply fall from the hands of her attackers. They recognize that divine power is on Asenath's side.
Terrified, they fall at her feet, begging for mercy. Asenath, showing incredible compassion, tells them to hide until the wrath of the sons of Leah cools down, assuring them that her brothers are God-fearing men.
What are we to make of this dramatic tale? It's a far cry from the simple love story we might expect. It highlights the complex relationships within Jacob's family, the simmering resentments, and the ever-present possibility of violence. It also underscores the power of faith and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that even in the midst of conflict, compassion and forgiveness can prevail.