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Narrator
Pharaoh woke with a roar, leaping from his bed, his chest heaving, eyes wide with terror. His attendant burst through the door.
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My lord, are you okay?
Narrator
I heard screams. These dreams torturing me. They mean something.
Pharaoh
I know it.
Joseph
When I was in, there was a man. A young man and a Hebrew, of all people.
Narrator
Joseph came before the throne and bowed his knee. Pharaoh stood and stepped down to him. He paced around him, gripping his scepter tightly.
Pharaoh
So you are the Hebrew called Joseph. I hear lofty things about you, Hebrew. Is it true that you are able to interpret dreams?
Narrator
Joseph smirked. He could feel a tug on his soul like a gentle breeze. God guided Joseph into truth and revealed to him the meaning of these dreams.
Joseph
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. The seven scorched heads of grain. They represent seven years of devastation. After seven years of plenty, seven years of famine will strike the land like a wildfire. This is 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.
Narrator
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 the waiting. Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last?
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Joseph
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. 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.
Narrator
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 the waiting. Was Pharaoh going to listen to him? Or would Joseph's rise out of the pit be even shorter than the last? Pharaoh turned his eyes to his officials, then darted them back at Joseph.
Pharaoh
I am the image of Ra, 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?
Joseph
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.
Narrator
Pharaoh's rough veneer leaked a slight, content grin. He stood again and tapped his scepter on the ground as he paced.
Pharaoh
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 is attuned to the God who has given us this warning?
Narrator
The room chuckled. Pharaoh stopped and looked down at Joseph. Joseph wasn't accustomed to men towering over him.
Pharaoh
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.
Narrator
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 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.
Pharaoh
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. There 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 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.
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And bow.
Narrator
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 had dug a deep wall of humility within him. He looked up at Pharaoh and gladly accepted his new position with gratitude.
Joseph
You are gracious, Pharaoh, and I will labor for the prosperity of your kingdom.
Narrator
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 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 bare 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 garment of such value, it had been torn from him. Memories of his brothers flashed before his eyes, the scars of betrayal still aching. 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 placed the gold chain around his neck and bowed. All but Pharaoh in the throne room followed suit, bending their knees in reverence.
Joseph
Was this the dream you gave me all those years ago?
Narrator
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 was on the move. Pharaoh took Joseph by the shoulder and led him out onto the balcony. The bright sun scattered its light across the horizon, illuminating the vast kingdom of Egypt in 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.
Pharaoh
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 in the way your God has commanded.
Narrator
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.
Pharaoh
Ready my chariots. Bring the entire kingdom out into the streets. They are to meet their new ruler.
Joseph
You honor me, Pharaoh.
Pharaoh
I honor the prosperity of this kingdom. If what you say truly comes to pass, which I feel in my bones to be called true, then the honor will go to your God as well.
Narrator
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. An otherworldly sight to Joseph after five years in a prison cell. Awaiting them were two chariots adorned in gold, bronze and precious jewels. Purebred 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. 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 Ra. Pharaoh invited Joseph to stand beside him and proclaimed his authority to the people.
Pharaoh
I am Pharaoh. Hear my decree, for I speak for Ra. 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, as your powerful and mighty ruler, hereby grant him all authority to rule the land. His words will be like my words to you.
Narrator
Pharaoh then took his scepter and placed it on Joseph's shoulder.
Pharaoh
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 Zaphenath Panea, which means God speaks and he lives.
Narrator
The entire crowd erupted in praise. They chanted his new name. Zaphanath Panea. Zaphanath Panea. Zaphanath Panea. Joseph looked at them with a gaze of compassion. He knew that God had called him to be a rescuer and redeemer for them. Famine was coming and soon they would all be hungry. He had to act quickly. Joseph began immediately. He gathered trusted advisors of the land, Men with humility and tact. Together they were able to construct storehouses large enough to contain seven years worth of grain. He built relationships with the farmers on the outskirts of the region. He partnered 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, 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 praise Joseph looked out to the horizon from his balcony. The 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 17. It was a whole different world to him and filled with dangers. Now a young man of 30, 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 him. He closed his eyes and sighed a breath of praise to his God. He looked back into his room. Lying in bed asleep was his wife, Azenath. 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, now lying beside his wife, he felt that Egypt was now his true home and it was time to start his own family.
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Narrator
That's MortonBuildings.com 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 the years of abundance came to a close, Joseph and Azenath were blessed with pregnancy. Azenath laboured 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 his son's eyes and whispered a prayer to God.
Joseph
O Lord, you have blessed me. You have caused me to forget all the hardships and afflictions from my former home.
Narrator
He held up his son, eyes beaming with pride and hope.
Joseph
I shall name you Manasseh, which means forgetfulness, for through you God has made me forget all the troubles of my past.
Narrator
Joseph and Azenath smiled at their son. He was a symbol of Joseph's favour in the land. As the seven years of plenty finally drew to a close, Joseph was given another son. He named him Ephraim, which meant fruitfulness because God had caused Joseph to be fruitful in the entire land of Egypt. Joseph overlooked the land of Egypt from the same balcony. His wife and Manasseh stood next to him, and Ephraim 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 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 and the once flourishing land had been blighted with sandstorms and locusts. The harsh sun beat down endlessly with no clouds or rain to quench the dry ground. The people grew irritable. Farmers lamented the loss of their land and herders mourned the deaths of their flocks. 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. 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.
Joseph
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 come collect what they need. Our officials and guards will ensure that no one cheats or steals.
Narrator
With that decree, families from across the nation journeyed weekly 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 blighted wind cast its billowing wrath 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 foot faces towards Egypt, hearing rumors of a hero called Zafanath Panaya. Hopefully, he was the redeemer they needed. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey.com productions on the Pray.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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What a matchup we got, y'.
Narrator
All.
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Pharaoh
It's holiday cheer arriving at Ulta Beauty.
Narrator
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Pharaoh
This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on.
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Narrator
Sunday mornings I've got my game down.
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Pharaoh
12 grams of protein.
Narrator
Now streaming, it's the new limited series Little Disasters.
Pharaoh
Happy families, Perfect marriage. What happened?
Joseph
And social services have been called in.
Narrator
I've known you for 10 years. How could you make that call?
Pharaoh
These rich families concealing things seems to come naturally.
Narrator
Starring Diane Kruger.
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You can't take our children and Joe Joyner.
Joseph
Parents can do some terrible things in moments of frustration.
Narrator
Little Disasters. All episodes now streaming on Paramount. Plus, this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Podcast: The Chosen People
Host/Narrator: Pray.com, narrated by Paul Coltofianu
Episode Date: December 18, 2025
Episode Theme: Joseph: The Ruler
This episode chronicles the powerful biblical arc of Joseph’s ascent from prison to the ruler of Egypt. Through dramatic storytelling, it explores themes of divine providence, humility, leadership, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The episode brings to life Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, his wise stewardship during Egypt’s years of plenty and famine, and the beginnings of his new identity as Zaphenath Panea, God’s chosen instrument to save many.
(01:34–08:13)
(05:13–07:41)
(07:41–10:50)
“Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one else I would desire for the position... Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. I hereby declare that you are to rule my kingdom with complete authority.” (Pharaoh, 08:13)
(10:50–14:37)
(14:37–20:16)
(20:16–22:36)
“By the mercy of God and the wisdom of Pharaoh, all citizens will be given enough grain to feed their families.” (Joseph, 22:20)
Joseph interpreting the dream:
“Egypt will experience a time of flourishing... However, this prosperity will come to an end. Seven sickly cows... represent seven years of devastation.” (Joseph, 02:08)
Pharaoh’s turning point:
“So you are the Hebrew called Joseph... Is it true that you are able to interpret dreams?” (Pharaoh, 01:44)
And, upon acceptance:
“Where would we find such a man to oversee this plan?... one who is attuned to the God who has given us this warning?” (Pharaoh, 07:05)
Elevation ceremony:
“Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. I hereby declare that you are to rule my kingdom with complete authority.” (Pharaoh, 08:13)
Joseph’s humility after being honored:
“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 had dug a deep wall of humility within him.” (Narrator, 08:49)
Receiving his Egyptian name:
“From this day forth... I now rename you Zaphenath Panea, which means God speaks and he lives.” (Pharaoh, 14:18)
On naming his sons:
Dramatic, reverent, cinematic—balancing biblical language with accessible dialogue and vivid narration. The story is portrayed with emotional depth and an emphasis on the transformative power of faith, humility, and careful stewardship.
This episode stands as a deeply engaging retelling of Joseph’s extraordinary transformation from slave to savior, blending biblical narrative with contemporary resonance. It leaves listeners anticipating the unfolding reunion between Joseph and his brothers, and invites contemplation on perseverance, faithfulness, and God’s providence in times of crisis.