Joseph was 17 when, out of jealousy and hatred, his half brothers stripped him of his multi-colored tunic and sold him to the Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites were descendants of Abraham and Hagar, his wife’s Egyptian maid. They paid the brothers 20 sheckels of silver, but they knew a young, handsome man would bring a good price. Joseph’s father, Israel, had taught him about God since childhood. Joseph did not understand why he was sold into slavery, but he trusted the God of his fathers.
The caravan arrived in Egypt. A noisy crowd, looking for spices, merchandise, and jewelry, gathered whenever traders came to their village. Among the crowd, stood a rich and important officer of Pharaoh. Potiphar was also captain of the guard. Potiphar liked the rugged build and bright eyes of this young man and paid a hefty price for his new servant named Joseph. Joseph found favor with his master. Potiphar promoted him to overseer of his entire house. Joseph proved himself to be trustworthy, faithful and wise. Therefore, Joseph lived and worked in his master’s house. He ate his meals at Potiphar’s table along with Potiphar’s beautiful wife, and his mother. With Joseph in charge, Potiphar had no cares except his menu.
Before long, Potiphar’s wife, Hasina, cast lustful eyes to Joseph. Kasmut noticed. She raised an eyebrow, but said nothing to, or about, her daughter-in-law.
One day as Kasmut walked to her chambers, she over-heard Hasina say, “Lie with me.” She gasped when she heard Joseph answer, “My master has put everything in my care, except you. How can I do this great wickedness and sin against my God?”
All too often, Kasmut heard her brazen daughter-in-law try to seduce Joseph, but to no avail. Egyptians honor the marriage bed. How could she do such a thing! Kasmut fumed silently. Still, she marveled at the integrity of Joseph.
One day, Joseph came in to do his work. Kasmut stood discreetly in the passageway. Hasina said in a most seductive tone, “Lie with me.” But, Joseph fled out the door to the courtyard leaving his coat still clutched in Hasina’s hands. Hasina was filled with rage. Kasmut was filled with shock. Hasina screamed. The male workers rushed inside as Hasina recounted the incident of Joseph trying to have his way with her. “See! He left his coat and ran when I screamed.”
When Potiphar heard this, he was enraged, yet perplexed with Joseph’s behavior. But the evidence was clear. “Bring the man to me,” he demanded. “I trusted you with all I have and now this?” he snarled at Joseph. “What do you have to say for yourself?” Joseph, not wanting to dishonor is master’s wife, said nothing.
Potiphar could have had Joseph killed. Instead, he handed him over to the prison warden who was under the captain of the guard – namely Potiphar.
Thirteen years passed. Joseph was forgotten in prison. Let sleeping dogs lie, Kasmut sighed. Then, Pharaoh had a dream. Because Joseph had a reputation: the wise dream interpreter with integrity, he was summoned to Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted the dream correctly and was elevated to second in command over all the land.
Integrity wins! Joseph’s God is with him. Kasmut smiled within herself.