The priests formed a most influential and powerful segment of Egyptian society. No Pharaoh ever succeeded in permanently breaking their power, and very few dared to arouse their hatred or even lose their good will. More than half of all the wealth of Egypt was in the hands of the priests. They were tax-exempt throughout Egypt’s ancient history. Even the Hyksos kings did not openly fight the priesthood, though in general they did not worship the national gods. Joseph, who personally did not sympathize with the Egyptian priests, was wise enough not to interfere with the long-established priestly privileges, which guaranteed their support at public expense.