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Reinterpretations of Fascinating Secondary Characters from the Book of Genesis by Mesu Andrews

Author Mesu Andrews introduces a principal character and three subsidiary figures in her fictional series Egyptian Chronicles.

Author Mesu Andrews introduces a significant protagonist and three supporting characters in her...
Author Mesu Andrews introduces a significant protagonist and three supporting characters in her captivating Egyptian Chronicles series.

Reinterpretations of Fascinating Secondary Characters from the Book of Genesis by Mesu Andrews

In the intriguing Egyptian Chronicles series, author Mesu Andrews breathes life into the minor characters of the Old Testament's Book of Genesis. The main man is Joseph, while the supporting cast includes Potiphar, Potiphar's wife, and Asenath, Joseph's better half. These characters play crucial roles in Joseph's journey, yet the Bible provides only scant details about them.

I simply couldn't get enough of the first book in this thrilling series, Potiphar's Wife. Andrews does a fantastic job of:

  • Weaving Potiphar's and his wife's tales, offering a glimpse into their tumultuous marriage.
  • Pulling us behind the scenes of the dysfunctional couple's relationship.
  • Keeping us engrossed with vivid depictions of the intriguing bond between Joseph, Potiphar, and his wife.
  • Introducing an intriguing character named Ahira, a dear friend to both Potiphar's wife and Joseph.

The second book in the series, Feast and Famine, was equally captivating:

  • Introduces the fascinating character of Asenath, the one who ultimately becomes Joseph's wife. Andrews delves into Asenath's family background and the complicated relationships within her family before her union with Joseph.
  • Explains the reason Joseph is forced to marry Asenath over Ahira.
  • Takes us through the rocky beginnings of their marriage and its eventual maturation into a satisfying relationship.
  • Continues Potiphar's story, unveiling some intriguing revelations about his past and family relationships.

Test your Old Testament knowledge with this quiz!

  1. Potiphar's position in Egypt was that of a: a. Captain of the King's Guard b. King's cupbearer c. General in the Egyptian King's army.
  2. In Potiphar's household, who did Joseph assist? a. Potiphar with his personal grooming. b. He oversaw all household operations. c. He served as the cook.
  3. What accusation did Potiphar's wife make against Joseph? a. Theft b. Misconduct toward her. c. Attempted murder.
  4. What was Potiphar's wife's name? a. The Bible does not mention her. b. Amunet c. Bahiti
  5. How did Potiphar react to the accusation? a. He dismissed Joseph. b. He found his wife's accusations unfounded. c. He imprisoned Joseph.
  6. Who was Asenath's father? a. Potiphar b. Potiphera, the Egyptian High Priest c. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.
  7. What were the names of Joseph and Asenath's two sons? a. Ephraim and Manasseh b. Reuben and Simeon c. Judah and Joseph

Potiphar's Wife

Potiphar's Wife

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

In Feast or Famine

In Feast or Famine

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

Answers to the Quiz

  1. A
  2. B
  3. B
  4. A
  5. C
  6. B
  7. A
Other Inspirational Fiction by Mesu Andrews

The Pharaoh's Daughter

The Pharaoh's Daughter

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

In the Shadow of Jezebel

In the Shadow of Jezebel

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

Love Amid the Ashes

Love Amid the Ashes

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

Isaiah's Daughter

Isaiah's Daughter

By Andrews, Mesu, 1963-

Explore more titles by Mesu Andrews

Enrichment Data:

Overall:

Mesu Andrews' Egyptian Chronicles series skillfully integrates Bible and history, giving depth to characters from the Joseph story and exploring their faith journeys. This enrichment data delves into Potiphar, Potiphar's wife, and Asenath to offer more insight into these characters in Andrews' series.

Potiphar

Background and Role:Potiphar is an elite Egyptian official, a captain of Pharaoh's guards, and holds great power over Joseph following Joseph's enslavement in Egypt. In Mesu Andrews' series, Potiphar is portrayed as a man torn between his duty to Pharaoh and the intrigue of his household, while his relationship with his wife and Joseph drives much of the series' dramatic tension.

Potiphar's Wife

Background and Name:Andrews names Potiphar's wife Zuleika in her series, although the Bible never mentions her name.

Character Development:Zuleika is depicted as a young woman with strong desires and insecurities, shaped by her upbringing and personal experiences. Her story serves as a counterpoint to Joseph's and offers themes ranging from temptation and accusation to transformation, ultimately revealing a complex and more human side to a character traditionally considered merely as a seductress.

Asenath

Background and Role:Asenath is the daughter of the high priest of Heliopolis (On) and is destined to marry Joseph in the Old Testament. Andrews creates a rich background for Asenath, exploring her fifteen-year experience as a priestess in Ra's temple before her union with Joseph. Asenath's character arcs from a dutiful temple girl to a powerful matriarch who adapts to trials and embraces the faith Joseph introduces to her.

  • The books "Potiphar's Wife" and "Feast or Famine" by Mesu Andrews delve into the backgrounds and relationships of supporting characters in her Egyptian Chronicles series, with a focus on Potiphar's wife and Asenath.
  • With vivid depictions and captivating storytelling, the books introduce intriguing characters like Ahira in "Potiphar's Wife" and explore the complicated relationships within Asenath's family before her union with Joseph in "Feast or Famine."

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