Genesis Bible Study: Genesis 39

Genesis 39

Joseph in Potiphars House - Growing Spiritually, the Hard Way!

⁽¹⁾Now when Joseph arrived in Egypt with the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar*, a member** of the personal staff of Pharaoh***, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was the captain of the palace guard****.

*Potiphar pronounced "pot'ifur". Egyptian for "the one whom Ra (the sun-god) gave."

**member of the personal staff of Pharaoh - an "officer" of Pharoah, Hebrew = "saris" which means "eunuch". If he were, in fact, castrated, his wife's attempts to seduce Joseph make more sense. Same Hebrew word is used of the baker and the wine taster in chapter 40.

***Pharaoh: The term Pharaoh is derived from the Ancient Egyptian words Pr-Aa meaning "Great House." Originally a term for the royal palace, this word came into vogue to refer to the king. (Widipedia)

****guard: executioners. Literally, "chief of the slaughterers" or "chief of the cooks".

⁽²⁾The LORD* was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home** of his Egyptian*** master.

*LORD: Jehovah God (Yahweh) is the unseen force directing Joseph's life. Were we in Joseph's shoes, we'd probably be pretty ticked off with God: Why was I almost killed by my brothers? Why was I taken from my home and father and sold as a slave in Egypt? And things get even worse - ending up being falsely accused and tossed into prison! Why this? Why that? Where is God - doesn't He love me anymore? What did I do to deserve this? We need to understand that if we are in God's will and have turned our lives over to Him, He is directing our lives for our ultimate good, even when it sure doesn't seem so! - See Romans 8:28. God can be "with us" even in the worst circumstances.

**In the home: He was a domestic servant, not a field hand - a highly trusted position.

***Egyptian: There seems to be an emphasis that Potiphar is an Egyptian (verses 1, 2 and 4). Possibly, this was during the reign of the Hyskos people, who were Semitic, and ruled 1674-1548 B.C. They were later expelled and the Egyptians regained control - which may be why a later Pharaoh did not know about Joseph or what he'd done for Egypt. Possibly, Potiphar was one of only a few Egyptians who were allowed to remain in a high position. Joseph rose to the top, but it took 11 years to happen. Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold into slavery (Genesis 37:2). He was 30 when Pharaoh promoted him (Genesis 41:46), and had been in prison for two years before that (Genesis 41:1). Though changed in condition, Joseph was not changed in spirit; though stripped of the splendid coat that had adorned his person, he had not lost the moral graces that distinguished his character; though separated from his father on earth, he still lived in communion with his Father in heaven; though in the house of an idolater, he continued a worshipper of the true God. Instead of complaining that God was unjust to him, that his lot so far away from home was utterly hopeless, Joseph put his whole power into the work that he had to do, and so we are not surprised to read that 'the Lord was with Joseph.'" - ScriptureStudies.com: www.scripturestudies.com/Vol5/E3/e3_ot.html

⁽³⁾Potiphar noticed* this and realized that the LORD** was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.

*noticed: How did Potiphar notice?

**LORD: Joseph was a witness of Jehovah in Egypt - Joseph has apparently attributed his success to God before Potiphar.

Matthew 25:21: The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'

Ephesians 6:6-7: Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Colossians 3:23-24: Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.

⁽⁴⁾So Joseph naturally became quite a favorite with him. Potiphar soon put Joseph in charge of his entire household and entrusted him with all his business dealings.

⁽⁵⁾From the day Joseph was put in charge, the LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished.

Joseph's attitude was a testimony to those around him, and made quite an impression on Potiphar. This same thing happened when Jacob worked for Laban - Genesis 30:27. Hopefully, we have the same impact on those around us.

⁽⁶⁾So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't have a worry in the world, except to decide what he wanted to eat! Now Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man.

⁽⁷⁾And about this time, Potiphar's wife began to desire him and invited him to sleep with her.

Who's stirring up Potiphar's wife to lust after Joseph and why?

⁽⁸⁾But Joseph refused*. "Look," he told her, "my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.

*Joseph refused: What a contrast to his brothers - especially Judah with Tamar!

⁽⁹⁾No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin* against God."

*sin against God: Joseph's refusal is based not just on man's laws and morals, but God's. Joseph was more concerned with pleasing God than he was with pleasing man. After David's sin was revealed he said in Psalm 51:4: Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

⁽¹⁰⁾She kept putting pressure on him day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible.

Potiphar's wife was extremely persistent in her attempt to seduce Joseph. She probably considered her husband's slaves to be her property too. Resisting such temptation had to have been hard for Joseph. Such temptation is the real test of morality. Many refrain from sin merely due to lack of opportunity. The real test of virtue is resistance to real temptation. Could you have resisted this woman who went after Joseph every chance she had.

⁽¹¹⁾One day, however, no one else was around when he was doing his work inside the house.

Knowing how Potiphar's wife was behaving, would you have entered the house with no other man around? I think I would have made sure others were around before I entered the house! Potiphar's wife knew Joseph was avoiding her, so she came up with a plan to entrap him. She probably made certain none of the men of the house was inside.

⁽¹²⁾She came and grabbed him by his shirt*, demanding, "Sleep with me!" Joseph tore himself away, but as he did, his shirt* came off. She was left holding it as he ran from the house.

*shirt: Hebrew "beged", a long cloak or robe. Second time Joseph loses his cloak or robe!

⁽¹³⁾When she saw that she had his shirt and that he had fled,

⁽¹⁴⁾she began screaming. Soon all the men around the place came running. "My husband* has brought this Hebrew slave here to insult us!" she sobbed. "He tried to rape me, but I screamed.

*My husband: She's blaming Potiphar for her supposedly being attacked. Sounds like Adam blaming God about Eve's being deceived by Satan (Genesis 3:12 - the woman You gave me)!

⁽¹⁵⁾When he heard my loud cries, he ran and left his shirt behind with me."

⁽¹⁶⁾She kept the shirt with her, and when her husband came home that night,

⁽¹⁷⁾she told him her story. "That Hebrew slave you've had around here tried to make a fool of me," she said.

⁽¹⁸⁾"I was saved only by my screams*. He ran** out, leaving his shirt behind!"

*screams: According to Deuteronomy 22:23-27, an engaged girl threatened with rape was required to scream.

**ran: 2 Timothy 2:22: Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Joseph has probably run to his own apartment or room and prayed because he knew this wasn't going to turn out well.

⁽¹⁹⁾After hearing his wife's story, Potiphar was furious*!

*furious: Doesn't say with whom he's furious. He has probably had similar problems with his wife in the past and is upset with Joseph, with his wife and with the whole situation.

⁽²⁰⁾He took Joseph and threw him into the prison* where the king's prisoners were held.

*prison: Psalm 105:17-19: Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave. There in prison, they bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his word, the LORD tested Joseph's character.

Normally, such a slave would have been summarily executed! As a slave, he has no rights - no trial is necessary. Remember that Potiphar is in charge of this prison and he's the chief executioner!

⁽²¹⁾But the LORD was with Joseph there, too*, and he granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer.

*too: Psalm 139:7-10: I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead (Hebrew - to Sheol), you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

Was God with Joseph when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison? Did God turn his back for a moment, and right at that time Potiphar’s wife stepped in and assaulted Joseph? No. Joseph needs to go to prison. God’s purposes for Joseph require that he spend years in prison. God is with Joseph – He sends him to prison.

⁽²²⁾Before long, the jailer put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison.

Probably, word of Joseph's skills preceeded him - possibly relayed to the jailer by Potiphar. God is preparing and training Joseph for great things and His purposes.

If God blessed Joseph in the pit, if He blessed Joseph the slave, we are not be surprised to see Him bless Joseph in prison. None of these terrible circumstances derailed God's plan for Joseph's life. The dominating theme is Joseph succeeded because of the blessing of God.

⁽²³⁾The chief jailer had no more worries after that, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him, making everything run smoothly and successfully.

Joseph went from favorite son to slave to chief steward then to prisoner. Later, from prisoner to number 2 in the kingdom. How could God allow Joseph to be thrown into prison?

As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless. Instead, he did his best with each situation God has placed him in. We should follow Joseph's example in the circumstances in which we find ourselves, because, if we've completely turned our lives over to Him, we are here because He wants us here, even when it doesn't seem pleasant.

During such times, we must like Joseph maintain our trust in God - that God is in control. This is a real test of our faith.

JOSEPH'S LIFE POINTS TO CHRIST:

Joseph was loved by his father, as Jesus was. (Genesis 37:28. Matthew 3:17 ).

Shepherds of their fathers' sheep - Genesis 37:2; John 10:11, 27

Robes taken from them - Genesis 37:23; John 19:23

Sent by father to brothers - Genesis 37:13-14; Hebrews 2:11

Hated by brothers - Genesis 37:4; John 7:5

Joseph was sold, like Jesus. (Genesis 37:28. Matthew 27:3 ). He for 20 pieces of silver, Jesus for 30 pieces.

Taken to Egypt - Genesis 37:25, 28; Matthew 2:14-15

Joseph became a servant, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:1. Philippians 2:7 ).

Joseph victoriously resisted temptation, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:8. Matthew 4:1-11 ).

Falsely accused - Genesis 29:16-18; Matthew 26:59-60

Joseph was a blessing to others, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:5. Ephesians 1:3 ).

Joseph was condemned and bound, like Jesus. (Genesis 39:20. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ).

2 prisoners, one saved, one lost - Genesis 40:2-3; Luke 23:32

Joseph was exalted as a prince and savior, like Jesus. (Genesis 41:41. Ephesians 1:22. Revelation 1:5 ).

Joseph was a provider of bread, like Jesus. (Genesis 41:48. John 6:48 ).

Joseph was revealed to his brethren, like Jesus. (Genesis 45:1-3. Acts 1:3 ).

Forgave wrongdoers - Genesis 45:1-15; Luke 23:34

Joseph was closest to Pharaoh, like Jesus to His Father. (Genesis 41:41. John 14:9. Matthew 28:18 ).

According to 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.. So there should be some personal lessons that we can apply to our own lives from this story of Joseph.

For me, I thought about my own life, which has been full of majestic mountain peaks and valleys of death, yet God has always been with me even in those "valley of the shadow of death". He assures me that "work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them". One Christian positive-thinking writer and mountain climber that I knew once said in a book he wrote (I don't remember his name) that whenever he reached a mountain peak, there was only one place to go afterward - back down.

A few lessons to think about:

The LORD was with Joseph and blessed him greatly: Joseph was successful spiritually. Even a spiritually successful person is not exempt from temptation and testing. We must always be on guard against the schemes of Satan.

The LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake: Even those outside the Lord can be blessed by simply having some contact with one who is in the Lord. The effective personable personal worker can be instrumental in leading many to Christ. The believing wife who is married to an unbeliever can have a profound influence for good on her husband (I Peter 3:1-2).

Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man: Traits that the world esteems can become stumbling blocks to those who possess them. For instance, the handsome young quarterback who is convinced that he is God's gift to womankind or the beautiful cheerleader who considers herself on a higher level than anyone else has a mixed-up view of priorities. It is obvious from the text that Joseph did not allow his good looks to cause him to stumble. If you are a person who has been blessed with an attractive appearance, thank God for it but don't stumble because of it. Always remain humble as our Lord was humble.

It would be a great sin against God: When we sin against our fellowman, we first do a disservice to God.

She kept putting pressure on him day after day: Potiphar's wife enticed Joseph not once, but rather "day after day". That means that she attempted to seduce him when he was weak as well as when he was strong. Some of life's strongest temptations are those which occur "day after day.".

he ran from the house: Joseph's response to his temptress' attempt to force herself upon him is impressive. One word describes that response - "ran". Joseph had a choice - he could either stay and attempt to justify himself that after all, it was her doings and he had no choice, or, run.

The overriding lesson to be learned is moral purity. Honor, glory, and praise to God for giving us this example of moral purity for men of all generations.