December 18, 2025 • 19 mins
# 54 - Joseph: The Ruler - In this episode of The Chosen People, Joseph’s rise from prisoner to ruler reveals the power of humility, wisdom, and divine purpose. Witness how God’s favor transforms a Hebrew slave into Egypt’s savior during years of abundance and famine."
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Episode 54 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 23:12, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people. Pharaoh woke with a roar,
leaping from his bed, his chest heaving, eyes wide with terror.
His attendant burst through the door.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
My Lord, are you're okay? I've heard screams, these.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Dreams torturing me. He means something, I know it.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
When I was in prisoned, there was a man, a
young man, and a Hebrew of all people.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Joseph came before the throne and bowed his knee. Pharaoh
stood and stepped down to him. He paced around him,
gripping his scepter tightly.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
So you are the Hebrew called Joseph. I hear mufty
things about your Hebrew.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Is it true that you are able to interpret dreams?
Joseph smirked. He could feel a tug on his soul
like a gentle God guided Joseph into truth and revealed
to him the meaning of these dreams.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Egypt will experience a time of flourishing like never before.
The land will give birth to new life, and your
people will be fed. However, this prosperity will come to
an end. Seven sickly cows and the seven scorched heads
of grain. They represent seven years of devastation. After seven
(01:27):
years of plenty seven years of famine will strike the
land like a wildfire. This as the warning God has
given to you. With this knowledge comes a great deal
of responsibility. It will come to pass, and if Egypt
is not ready, the entire world will perish.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Pharaoh was silent for a long while. Joseph watched his
brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the
need to shift his feet. He was uncomfortable with waiting.
Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's
rise out of the pit being even.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Shorter than the last. God has been gracious to you, Pharaoh, However,
every moment is precious. You should appoint a governor wise
and discerning enough to care for your resources. Appoint commissioners
under him to oversee the land. Every year of harvest,
(02:29):
take one fifth of the goods and store it away
over the next seven years. You can store the grain
and other goods safely. Then when the famine hits, you
can use what is stored up to feed your people.
The same commissioners you appoint can be in charge of
distributing the resources according to the need.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Pharaoh was silent for a long while, Joseph watched his
brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the
need to shar his feet. He was uncomfortable with the waiting.
Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's
rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last?
(03:12):
Pharaoh turned his eyes to his officials, then darted them
back at Joseph.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
I am the image of Rah, the morning and the
evening star. I am born of the Nile, from the
deserts to the deep forests. And here you stand before me,
a Hebrew boy, telling me how to govern. Do you
take me for a squabbling child that I would heed
your words?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Of course, not, Great Pharaoh, I know you are a
wise man, one who knows that divine guidance must be
met with immediate action. Only weak men are threatened by wisdom. You,
Lord Pharaoh, are a great man, able to receive wisdom
when it's handed to you.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Pharaoh's rougher near leaked a slight content Grin stood again
and tapped his scepter on the ground as he paced.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Where would we find such a man to oversee this plan?
Where can we find a man able to oversee developments?
Where will we possibly find a man to relate to
the workers, let alone a man who was attuned to
the God who has given us this warning.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
The room chuckled. Pharaoh stopped and looked down at Joseph.
Joseph wasn't accustomed to men towering over him.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
This governor you suggest I appoint must be a man
of vision. He must know the plans of this God
and be willing to listen to him for guidance.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Pharaoh took his scepter and stretched it out towards Joseph.
Joseph flinched for a moment and closed his eyes. Then
he felt the scepter rest lightly on his shoulder. The
sun broke through the opening of the palace. The light
bounced off the ivory pillars, and golden throne colors splashed
(05:01):
in a thousand different directions. As Pharaoh stood over Joseph
with his scepter on his shoulder, Pharaoh made a bold
proclamation in the presence of his counsel.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Since God has made all this known to you, there
is no one else I would desire for the position.
You shall be in charge of my palace, my resources,
and all my people. They shall be tools in your
hands guided by your God, so that our great nation
will survive. Only with respect to the throne, will I
(05:34):
be greater than you. I hereby declare that you are
to rule my kingdom with complete authority. All shall praise you.
Even the sun and moon shall know your name. And bow.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Joseph bowed his head in complete dismay, his heart nearly
pounding right out of his chest. It was an honor
too tremendous for words. As a young boy, this position
would have inflated his ego. Yet there was a different heart.
God had put in Joseph years of slavery and imprisonment
(06:10):
had dug a deep wall of humility within him. He
looked up at Pharaoh and gladly accepted his new position
with gratitude.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
You are gracious, Pharaoh, and I will labor for the
prosperity of your kingdom.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
The entire court erupted in applause. Pharaoh removed his signet ring,
holding it up to the sun. The band, pure gold
and arrayed with finely cut diamonds, held the seal of
Pharaoh carved into sapphire. Joseph watched it gleam in the sunlight.
Pharaoh took Joseph's hand and placed the signet ring on
(06:47):
his finger. Two of Pharaoh's servants entered carrying a bright
linen garment, pure white with streaks of gold, blue, and green.
They draped it around Joseph's back. The linen was soft
and cool to the touch. Joseph looked at the sleeves
and began to tremble. The last time he wore a
(07:09):
garment of such value, it had been torn from him.
Memories of his brothers flashed before his eyes, the scars
of betrayals to laky. Joseph looked up to see Potiphar
standing beside Pharaoh. He reached into his pocket and pulled
out the same gold chain Joseph once wore when he
oversaw Potiphar's house. Joseph's eyes brightened at the sight. Potiphar
(07:34):
placed the gold chain around his neck and bowed. All
but Pharaoh in the throne room followed suit, bending their
knees in reverence.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Was this the dream you gave me all those years ago?
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Though this was not the full realization of his dream,
it was the beginning of a triumphant act of God
through his hands, the divine rescue mission on the move
Pharaoh took Joseph by the shoulder and led him out
on to the balcony. The bright sun scattered its light
across the horizon, illuminating the vast kingdom of Egypt in
(08:13):
all its majesty. Joseph saw the entirety of the land
for the first time. Pharaoh stretched out his arms, his
voice filled with pride and command.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
I am the rising Sun of this land. My power
is known and feared even beyond its borders. See to
it that you bear my name well, and you take
care of this land and the way your guard has commanded.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Joseph looked out at the vast kingdom, feeling the weight
of his new responsibilities. Yet he knew this was his purpose.
All the madness, betrayal, and heartache he endured had led
him to this moment.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Ready, my chariots, bring the entire kingdom out into the street.
They are to meet their new ruler.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
You honor me, Pharaoh, I.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Honor the prosperity of this kingdom. If what you say
truly comes to pass, which I feel in my bones
to be true, then the honour will go to your
guard as well.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Pharaoh and Joseph, escorted by Potiphar and his guards made
their way to the outer courtyard. It was lush with
gardens and pools of water and other worldly sight to
Joseph after five years in a prison cell. Awaiting them
were two chariots adorned in gold, bronze, and precious jewels.
(09:43):
Pure bred Egyptian horses, magnificent creatures that held themselves with
regal pride, pulled the chariots. Pharaoh's chariot was drawn by
white horses, while Joseph's was drawn by dark ones, their
legs as sturdy as tree trunks. Pharaoh's golden chariot reflected
the glimmering sun as they rode through the city streets.
(10:07):
People bowed before them, cheering and praising. Joseph smiled and waved,
his new garment flowing in the wind. He looked above,
recognizing the true source of his authority. Pharaoh and Joseph
arrived at the city center, surrounded by a sea of people.
Elevated on a platform between two large statues of Rah,
(10:31):
Pharaoh invited Joseph to stand beside him and proclaimed his
authority to the people.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
I am Pharaoh. Hear my decree, for I speak for
Rah before me is your new governor, one who hears
from the gods. No man or woman will take a
step without this man's command. He has been sent by
his God to save our people from famine and despair. I,
(11:00):
as your powerful and mighty ruler, hereby grant him all
authority to rule the land. His words will be like
my words to you.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Pharaoh then took his scepter and placed it on Joseph's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
From this day forth, your name will no longer be Joseph.
This is your nation, These are your people, and I
am your Pharaoh. I now rename you Zafanath Panaea, which
means God speaks and he lives.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
The entire crowd erupted and praise. They chanted his new name,
Zaffarath Panaea. Zaffarath Panaeia, Zaffanath Panaea. Joseph looked at them
with a gaze of compassion. He knew that God had
called him to be a rescuer and redeemer for them.
(11:57):
Famine was coming, and soon they would or be hungry.
He had to act quickly. Joseph began immediately. He gathered
trusted advisers of the land, men with humility, intact. Together,
they were able to construct storehouses large enough to contain
seven years worth of grain. He built relationships with the
(12:21):
farmers on the outskirts of the region. He pardoned with
them to expand Egypt's cropping capabilities. For seven years, Joseph
toiled the land with his fellow Egyptians. Although he was
their ruler, he was admired for his ability to be
among the people working alongside them. They dug trenches for irrigation,
(12:42):
bred more cattle for cured meat, and with every harvest
they saved one fifth to be stored for the famine.
Excellence followed Joseph with every step. The favor of God
was upon him in all things, and in all things
Joseph sought to give God all the glory honor. And
Joseph looked out to the horizon from his balcony. The
(13:04):
land was flourishing, with fields of grain, fresh water, and
happy people. His heart was warm with satisfaction in knowing
he was accomplishing the purposes of God. He remembered when
he first came to Egypt, when he was seventeen, It
was a whole different world to him and filled with dangers. Now,
(13:25):
a young man of thirteen. Joseph looked upon the land
as his home. The sunset painted the horizon with shades
of gold and red. Joseph breathed in deeply and allowed
the gentle wind to caress his face. He closed his
eyes and sighed a breath of praise to his God.
(13:46):
He looked back into his woom. Lying in bed asleep
was his wife, as in Arth. Pharaoh had arranged their
marriage when he had first begun. Joseph slipped into bed
with her, and the two of them embraced. Joseph for
years had longed to be with his family in Canaan. However,
(14:06):
now lying beside his wife, he felt that Egypt was
now his true home and it was time to start
his own family. Six years of plenty had passed and
the storehouses Joseph built were overflowing with golden grain. The
ground was fertile and produced more crops than expected. As
(14:29):
the years of abundance came to a close, Joseph and
as Anath were blessed with pregnancy. As an Arth labored
into the night with Joseph attentive and close by her side.
Hours later, Joseph's son was born. He held the boy
in his arms. Overwhelmed with immeasurable joy, Joseph gazed into
(14:53):
his son's eyes and whispered a prayer to God.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
O Lord, you've blessed me. You've caused me to forget
all the hardships and afflictions from my former home.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
He held up his son, eyes beaming with pride and hope.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
I shall name you Manassa, which means forgetfulness, for through
you God has made me forget all the troubles of
my past.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Joseph and Asnath smiled at their son. He was a
symbol of Joseph's favor in the land. As the seven
years of plenty finally drew to a close, Joseph was
given another son. He named him Ephrail, which meant fruitfulness,
because God had caused Joseph to be fruitful in the
(15:40):
entire land of Egypt. Joseph overlooked the land of Egypt
from the same balcony. His wife and Manassa stood next
to him, and Ephraeum slept soundly in his arms. The
red sun dropped in the distance, and a scorching evening
wind came galloping in from the hills. Joseph could sense
(16:01):
the air losing its moisture. The winds were abrasive. They
had a malicious quality to them. Joseph knew the time
had come for the famine, just as God had warned.
He led his family inside and shut the doors. The
wind began picking up speed. It would not cease for
weeks after destroying everything in its wake. Weeks had passed,
(16:25):
and the once flourishing land had been blighted with sand,
storms and locusts. The harsh sun beat down endlessly, with
no clouds or rain to quench the dry ground. The
people grew irritable and hungry. Farmers lamented the loss of
their land, and herders mourned the deaths of their flocks.
(16:45):
Egypt and all the land surrounding it was under the
intense wrath of nature. Joseph had prepared for famine, but
he did not expect it to go so bad so quickly.
It did not take long for the people to cry
out for food and water. They appealed to Pharaoh, begging
for bread to fill their bellies. Pharaoh simply smiled and nodded.
(17:08):
He knew that Joseph had been diligent and wise for
the past seven years. They had grown close and Pharaoh
trusted Joseph completely. Joseph sent out a decree to all
the inhabitants of Egypt.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
By the mercy of God and the wisdom of Pharaoh,
all citizens will be given enough grain to feed their families.
Each week, they shall come before the storehouses to collect
what they need. Our officials and guards will ensure that
no one cheats or steals.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
With that degree, families from across the nation journeyed weakly
to the storehouses. They filled their sacks with grain and
brought them back to their homes. Joseph smiled at the
success of his storehouses. At the rate they were going,
they would have enough grain to last them more than
seven years. However, the lighted wind cast its billowing wrath
(18:02):
beyond Egypt. Far away, in the land of Canaan, the
household of Jacob was suffering. The twelve Sons of Israel
labored to no avail. They had run out of grain
for bread, and their animals were dying by the day.
They were in need of rescue. They were in need
of salvation, so they turned their faces towards Egypt, hearing
(18:26):
rumors of a hero called Zapfhanaf Panaya. Hopefully he was
the redeemer they needed. This Prey dog comproduction is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
(18:48):
Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltefianu. Characters
are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron's Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan,
Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and
Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato,
(19:14):
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Previously on the chosen people. Pharaoh woke with a roar,
leaping from his bed, his chest heaving, eyes wide with terror.
His attendant burst through the door.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
My Lord, are you're okay? I've heard screams, these.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Dreams torturing me. He means something, I know it.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
When I was in prisoned, there was a man, a
young man, and a Hebrew of all people.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Joseph came before the throne and bowed his knee. Pharaoh
stood and stepped down to him. He paced around him,
gripping his scepter tightly.
Speaker 3 (00:42):
So you are the Hebrew called Joseph. I hear mufty
things about your Hebrew.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Is it true that you are able to interpret dreams?
Joseph smirked. He could feel a tug on his soul
like a gentle God guided Joseph into truth and revealed
to him the meaning of these dreams.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Egypt will experience a time of flourishing like never before.
The land will give birth to new life, and your
people will be fed. However, this prosperity will come to
an end. Seven sickly cows and the seven scorched heads
of grain. They represent seven years of devastation. After seven
(01:27):
years of plenty seven years of famine will strike the
land like a wildfire. This as the warning God has
given to you. With this knowledge comes a great deal
of responsibility. It will come to pass, and if Egypt
is not ready, the entire world will perish.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Pharaoh was silent for a long while. Joseph watched his
brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the
need to shift his feet. He was uncomfortable with waiting.
Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's
rise out of the pit being even.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Shorter than the last. God has been gracious to you, Pharaoh, However,
every moment is precious. You should appoint a governor wise
and discerning enough to care for your resources. Appoint commissioners
under him to oversee the land. Every year of harvest,
(02:29):
take one fifth of the goods and store it away
over the next seven years. You can store the grain
and other goods safely. Then when the famine hits, you
can use what is stored up to feed your people.
The same commissioners you appoint can be in charge of
distributing the resources according to the need.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Pharaoh was silent for a long while, Joseph watched his
brow rise and fall with intense contemplation. Joseph felt the
need to shar his feet. He was uncomfortable with the waiting.
Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's
rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last?
(03:12):
Pharaoh turned his eyes to his officials, then darted them
back at Joseph.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
I am the image of Rah, the morning and the
evening star. I am born of the Nile, from the
deserts to the deep forests. And here you stand before me,
a Hebrew boy, telling me how to govern. Do you
take me for a squabbling child that I would heed
your words?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Of course, not, Great Pharaoh, I know you are a
wise man, one who knows that divine guidance must be
met with immediate action. Only weak men are threatened by wisdom. You,
Lord Pharaoh, are a great man, able to receive wisdom
when it's handed to you.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Pharaoh's rougher near leaked a slight content Grin stood again
and tapped his scepter on the ground as he paced.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Where would we find such a man to oversee this plan?
Where can we find a man able to oversee developments?
Where will we possibly find a man to relate to
the workers, let alone a man who was attuned to
the God who has given us this warning.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
The room chuckled. Pharaoh stopped and looked down at Joseph.
Joseph wasn't accustomed to men towering over him.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
This governor you suggest I appoint must be a man
of vision. He must know the plans of this God
and be willing to listen to him for guidance.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Pharaoh took his scepter and stretched it out towards Joseph.
Joseph flinched for a moment and closed his eyes. Then
he felt the scepter rest lightly on his shoulder. The
sun broke through the opening of the palace. The light
bounced off the ivory pillars, and golden throne colors splashed
(05:01):
in a thousand different directions. As Pharaoh stood over Joseph
with his scepter on his shoulder, Pharaoh made a bold
proclamation in the presence of his counsel.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Since God has made all this known to you, there
is no one else I would desire for the position.
You shall be in charge of my palace, my resources,
and all my people. They shall be tools in your
hands guided by your God, so that our great nation
will survive. Only with respect to the throne, will I
(05:34):
be greater than you. I hereby declare that you are
to rule my kingdom with complete authority. All shall praise you.
Even the sun and moon shall know your name. And bow.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Joseph bowed his head in complete dismay, his heart nearly
pounding right out of his chest. It was an honor
too tremendous for words. As a young boy, this position
would have inflated his ego. Yet there was a different heart.
God had put in Joseph years of slavery and imprisonment
(06:10):
had dug a deep wall of humility within him. He
looked up at Pharaoh and gladly accepted his new position
with gratitude.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
You are gracious, Pharaoh, and I will labor for the
prosperity of your kingdom.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
The entire court erupted in applause. Pharaoh removed his signet ring,
holding it up to the sun. The band, pure gold
and arrayed with finely cut diamonds, held the seal of
Pharaoh carved into sapphire. Joseph watched it gleam in the sunlight.
Pharaoh took Joseph's hand and placed the signet ring on
(06:47):
his finger. Two of Pharaoh's servants entered carrying a bright
linen garment, pure white with streaks of gold, blue, and green.
They draped it around Joseph's back. The linen was soft
and cool to the touch. Joseph looked at the sleeves
and began to tremble. The last time he wore a
(07:09):
garment of such value, it had been torn from him.
Memories of his brothers flashed before his eyes, the scars
of betrayals to laky. Joseph looked up to see Potiphar
standing beside Pharaoh. He reached into his pocket and pulled
out the same gold chain Joseph once wore when he
oversaw Potiphar's house. Joseph's eyes brightened at the sight. Potiphar
(07:34):
placed the gold chain around his neck and bowed. All
but Pharaoh in the throne room followed suit, bending their
knees in reverence.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Was this the dream you gave me all those years ago?
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Though this was not the full realization of his dream,
it was the beginning of a triumphant act of God
through his hands, the divine rescue mission on the move
Pharaoh took Joseph by the shoulder and led him out
on to the balcony. The bright sun scattered its light
across the horizon, illuminating the vast kingdom of Egypt in
(08:13):
all its majesty. Joseph saw the entirety of the land
for the first time. Pharaoh stretched out his arms, his
voice filled with pride and command.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
I am the rising Sun of this land. My power
is known and feared even beyond its borders. See to
it that you bear my name well, and you take
care of this land and the way your guard has commanded.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Joseph looked out at the vast kingdom, feeling the weight
of his new responsibilities. Yet he knew this was his purpose.
All the madness, betrayal, and heartache he endured had led
him to this moment.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Ready, my chariots, bring the entire kingdom out into the street.
They are to meet their new ruler.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
You honor me, Pharaoh, I.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Honor the prosperity of this kingdom. If what you say
truly comes to pass, which I feel in my bones
to be true, then the honour will go to your
guard as well.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
Pharaoh and Joseph, escorted by Potiphar and his guards made
their way to the outer courtyard. It was lush with
gardens and pools of water and other worldly sight to
Joseph after five years in a prison cell. Awaiting them
were two chariots adorned in gold, bronze, and precious jewels.
(09:43):
Pure bred Egyptian horses, magnificent creatures that held themselves with
regal pride, pulled the chariots. Pharaoh's chariot was drawn by
white horses, while Joseph's was drawn by dark ones, their
legs as sturdy as tree trunks. Pharaoh's golden chariot reflected
the glimmering sun as they rode through the city streets.
(10:07):
People bowed before them, cheering and praising. Joseph smiled and waved,
his new garment flowing in the wind. He looked above,
recognizing the true source of his authority. Pharaoh and Joseph
arrived at the city center, surrounded by a sea of people.
Elevated on a platform between two large statues of Rah,
(10:31):
Pharaoh invited Joseph to stand beside him and proclaimed his
authority to the people.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
I am Pharaoh. Hear my decree, for I speak for
Rah before me is your new governor, one who hears
from the gods. No man or woman will take a
step without this man's command. He has been sent by
his God to save our people from famine and despair. I,
(11:00):
as your powerful and mighty ruler, hereby grant him all
authority to rule the land. His words will be like
my words to you.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Pharaoh then took his scepter and placed it on Joseph's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
From this day forth, your name will no longer be Joseph.
This is your nation, These are your people, and I
am your Pharaoh. I now rename you Zafanath Panaea, which
means God speaks and he lives.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
The entire crowd erupted and praise. They chanted his new name,
Zaffarath Panaea. Zaffarath Panaeia, Zaffanath Panaea. Joseph looked at them
with a gaze of compassion. He knew that God had
called him to be a rescuer and redeemer for them.
(11:57):
Famine was coming, and soon they would or be hungry.
He had to act quickly. Joseph began immediately. He gathered
trusted advisers of the land, men with humility, intact. Together,
they were able to construct storehouses large enough to contain
seven years worth of grain. He built relationships with the
(12:21):
farmers on the outskirts of the region. He pardoned with
them to expand Egypt's cropping capabilities. For seven years, Joseph
toiled the land with his fellow Egyptians. Although he was
their ruler, he was admired for his ability to be
among the people working alongside them. They dug trenches for irrigation,
(12:42):
bred more cattle for cured meat, and with every harvest
they saved one fifth to be stored for the famine.
Excellence followed Joseph with every step. The favor of God
was upon him in all things, and in all things
Joseph sought to give God all the glory honor. And
Joseph looked out to the horizon from his balcony. The
(13:04):
land was flourishing, with fields of grain, fresh water, and
happy people. His heart was warm with satisfaction in knowing
he was accomplishing the purposes of God. He remembered when
he first came to Egypt, when he was seventeen, It
was a whole different world to him and filled with dangers. Now,
(13:25):
a young man of thirteen. Joseph looked upon the land
as his home. The sunset painted the horizon with shades
of gold and red. Joseph breathed in deeply and allowed
the gentle wind to caress his face. He closed his
eyes and sighed a breath of praise to his God.
(13:46):
He looked back into his woom. Lying in bed asleep
was his wife, as in Arth. Pharaoh had arranged their
marriage when he had first begun. Joseph slipped into bed
with her, and the two of them embraced. Joseph for
years had longed to be with his family in Canaan. However,
(14:06):
now lying beside his wife, he felt that Egypt was
now his true home and it was time to start
his own family. Six years of plenty had passed and
the storehouses Joseph built were overflowing with golden grain. The
ground was fertile and produced more crops than expected. As
(14:29):
the years of abundance came to a close, Joseph and
as Anath were blessed with pregnancy. As an Arth labored
into the night with Joseph attentive and close by her side.
Hours later, Joseph's son was born. He held the boy
in his arms. Overwhelmed with immeasurable joy, Joseph gazed into
(14:53):
his son's eyes and whispered a prayer to God.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
O Lord, you've blessed me. You've caused me to forget
all the hardships and afflictions from my former home.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
He held up his son, eyes beaming with pride and hope.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
I shall name you Manassa, which means forgetfulness, for through
you God has made me forget all the troubles of
my past.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
Joseph and Asnath smiled at their son. He was a
symbol of Joseph's favor in the land. As the seven
years of plenty finally drew to a close, Joseph was
given another son. He named him Ephrail, which meant fruitfulness,
because God had caused Joseph to be fruitful in the
(15:40):
entire land of Egypt. Joseph overlooked the land of Egypt
from the same balcony. His wife and Manassa stood next
to him, and Ephraeum slept soundly in his arms. The
red sun dropped in the distance, and a scorching evening
wind came galloping in from the hills. Joseph could sense
(16:01):
the air losing its moisture. The winds were abrasive. They
had a malicious quality to them. Joseph knew the time
had come for the famine, just as God had warned.
He led his family inside and shut the doors. The
wind began picking up speed. It would not cease for
weeks after destroying everything in its wake. Weeks had passed,
(16:25):
and the once flourishing land had been blighted with sand,
storms and locusts. The harsh sun beat down endlessly, with
no clouds or rain to quench the dry ground. The
people grew irritable and hungry. Farmers lamented the loss of
their land, and herders mourned the deaths of their flocks.
(16:45):
Egypt and all the land surrounding it was under the
intense wrath of nature. Joseph had prepared for famine, but
he did not expect it to go so bad so quickly.
It did not take long for the people to cry
out for food and water. They appealed to Pharaoh, begging
for bread to fill their bellies. Pharaoh simply smiled and nodded.
(17:08):
He knew that Joseph had been diligent and wise for
the past seven years. They had grown close and Pharaoh
trusted Joseph completely. Joseph sent out a decree to all
the inhabitants of Egypt.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
By the mercy of God and the wisdom of Pharaoh,
all citizens will be given enough grain to feed their families.
Each week, they shall come before the storehouses to collect
what they need. Our officials and guards will ensure that
no one cheats or steals.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
With that degree, families from across the nation journeyed weakly
to the storehouses. They filled their sacks with grain and
brought them back to their homes. Joseph smiled at the
success of his storehouses. At the rate they were going,
they would have enough grain to last them more than
seven years. However, the lighted wind cast its billowing wrath
(18:02):
beyond Egypt. Far away, in the land of Canaan, the
household of Jacob was suffering. The twelve Sons of Israel
labored to no avail. They had run out of grain
for bread, and their animals were dying by the day.
They were in need of rescue. They were in need
of salvation, so they turned their faces towards Egypt, hearing
(18:26):
rumors of a hero called Zapfhanaf Panaya. Hopefully he was
the redeemer they needed. This Prey dog comproduction is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
(18:48):
Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltefianu. Characters
are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron's Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan,
Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and
Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato,
(19:14):
bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey
dot com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available
on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If
you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,
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