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."