The Age of Joseph When He Married Asenath: An Examination of Biblical Chronology
Understanding the precise age at which Joseph married Asenath is a topic of interest among scholars and historians. The Bible, specifically Genesis, provides clues about Joseph's age at different stages of his life, including his marriage to Asenath, a priestess from the city of On.
Joseph's Early Life and Experiences
According to the biblical narrative, Joseph was sold into slavery at the ripe age of seventeen. His life took a dramatic turn when he was brought to Egypt, eventually finding himself imprisoned. After serving seven years of hard labor, he was released from prison by Pharaoh, who recognized his wisdom and appointed him as a highly trusted advisor. It was during this time, at the age of thirty, that Pharaoh bestowed upon Joseph his daughter, Asenath, as his wife.
The 30-Year Feudal Ceremony and Joseph's Rise
Genesis 41:45 and 46 provide a key piece of information: 'The Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah, and he assigned him to his daughter, Asenath, the wife of Potiphera, priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt.' This vividly paints a picture of the significant role Joseph played in Egypt, both in governance and in his personal life.
Joseph's Family in Egypt
While Joseph's marriage to Asenath took place around 1737 BC, the first signs of his family settling in Egypt began during the famine years. Genesis 46:20 mentions that Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born during the years of plenty prior to the famine. This detail provides a chronological marker, indicating that Joseph and Asenath had been together for at least eight to nine years before these sons were born, placing their marriage around 1737 BC.
Implications and Interpretations
The biblical account is somewhat condensed and open to interpretation. Some scholars suggest that Joseph could have been younger than thirty when he married Asenath, as the phrase 'Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh' might refer to his age at the time of his appointment as vice-regent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide an exact age for Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the available text points to 30 as a likely age. The detailed chronology in Genesis reveals a man of wisdom and trust, whose life turned from hardship to prosperity, culminating in a fulfilling marriage and family.