JOSEPH IN PRISON

By way of punishment for having traduced his ten brethren
before his father, Joseph had to languish for ten years
in the prison to which the wiles of traducers had in turn
condemned him.[136] But, on the other hand, as he had sanctified
the Name of God before the world by his chastity and
his steadfastness, he was rewarded. The letter He, which
occurs twice in the Name of God, was added to his name.
He had been called Joseph, but now he was called also
Jehoseph.[137]

Though he was bound in prison, Joseph was not yet safe
from the machinations of his mistress, whose passion for
him was in no wise lessened. In truth it was she that had
induced her husband to change his intention regarding Joseph;
she urged him to imprison the slave rather than kill
him, for she hoped that as a prisoner he could be made
amenable to her wishes more easily. She spake to her husband,
saying: "Do not destroy thy property. Cast the slave
in prison and keep him there until thou canst sell him, and
receive back the money thou didst pay out for him."[138] Thus
she had the opportunity of visiting Joseph in his cell and
trying to persuade him to do her will. She would say,
"This and that outrage have I executed against thee, but, as
thou livest, I will put yet other outrages upon thee if thou
dost not obey me." But Joseph replied, "The Lord executeth
judgment for the oppressed."