JOSEPH BROUGHT TO EGYPT
39 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
vs 1 After the interlude of chapter 38, a brief review of Josephs status is given. The additional information of Joseph being placed in the house of Potiphar is supplied.
vs 2 Why is Joseph here? Is it because of his brothers evil plot? Perhaps, but nothing will subvert the will of God. Potiphar's household will be blessed because of Josephs presence.
vs 3 Joseph must have been quite the witness of his God. The blessing that Potiphar enjoyed may have been miraculous in nature, because of Potiphars conclusion that "the Lord was with him".
vs 4 Joseph, being the first born of Jacobs favored wife, may have enjoyed the training in Jacobs house to take over as head of the family when Jacob passed. This could help explain how Joseph was prepared to take on the responsibility of Potiphars house.
vs 5 No matter how much knowledge, wealth, or power one has, if God is against you, you will fail. Throughout the story of Joseph, he seems to remain in the will of God.
vs 6 Potiphar and Joseph have built a strong enough relationship that Potiphar places his trust in Joseph. Likewise Joseph and God have built a strong enough relationship that whatever circumstances he finds himself, he has faith in God to care for him.
vs 2 Why is Joseph here? Is it because of his brothers evil plot? Perhaps, but nothing will subvert the will of God. Potiphar's household will be blessed because of Josephs presence.
vs 3 Joseph must have been quite the witness of his God. The blessing that Potiphar enjoyed may have been miraculous in nature, because of Potiphars conclusion that "the Lord was with him".
vs 4 Joseph, being the first born of Jacobs favored wife, may have enjoyed the training in Jacobs house to take over as head of the family when Jacob passed. This could help explain how Joseph was prepared to take on the responsibility of Potiphars house.
vs 5 No matter how much knowledge, wealth, or power one has, if God is against you, you will fail. Throughout the story of Joseph, he seems to remain in the will of God.
vs 6 Potiphar and Joseph have built a strong enough relationship that Potiphar places his trust in Joseph. Likewise Joseph and God have built a strong enough relationship that whatever circumstances he finds himself, he has faith in God to care for him.
- Faith:
- Definition: Faith primarily refers to a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, often without empirical evidence. It’s more about spiritual assurance and conviction.
- Biblical Perspective: In Scripture, faith is defined as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith involves trusting in something you cannot explicitly prove. It’s inseparable from trust; it’s the confidence that God can and will do what He says in His Word. Faith includes both intellectual assent to something and trust in it1.
- Example: Imagine a trust-fall exercise. You have faith that your friends will catch you even though your back is turned to them. The act of falling is trust. You demonstrate the faith you have in your friends.
- Trust:
- Definition: Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. It’s usually built over time through experience and evidence.
- Action-Oriented: Trust is a verb—it’s something you do or act upon. It’s a willful choice and a deliberate action. Unlike faith, trust is never guaranteed; it requires ongoing commitment2.
- Example: When you trust someone, you rely on their character, abilities, and promises. It’s like sitting in a chair—you believe it’s designed to support you, and you demonstrate that belief by actually sitting in it.
TEMPTED
7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 there is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
vs 7 Joseph is running the household while Potiphar is at work. Potiphars wife is attracted to the good looking Joseph. What is a woman to do when her husband is gone all day and all she has to look at is a Hebrew servant. She wants him, and she is persistent. The word for lie with me is harsh, equivalent to "F" me. She is not looking for a commitment or another husband. This would be quite the temptation for many young men. Satan is well aware of the weakness's of men, and like Potiphars wife, he is persistent in his attempts to thwart Gods will, and destroy the witness of those that believe in Him.
vs 8 Joseph cites both relationships as reasons that he cannot submit to her desires. Women of ancient Egypt enjoyed more autonomy than most other societies of the time. Although this would have been considered adultery, she obviously was ok with that.
vs 9 It appears that when her attempts to lure him into her bed base on his own lustfulness were unsuccessful, she may have tried to exert authority over him. Potiphar has placed him second in command of the house. In ancient Egyptian society, the role that Joseph was fulfilling was traditionally the wife's. By placing Joseph in this role Potiphar likely relieved his wife not only of the responsibility, but also the authority. If Joseph was to satisfy his lust he would be betraying both relationships, Potiphars and Gods.
vs 10 Many of us are worn down by the persistent cries of someone to just give in and do their will. Joseph remained true to his conscience and the will of God.
vs 8 Joseph cites both relationships as reasons that he cannot submit to her desires. Women of ancient Egypt enjoyed more autonomy than most other societies of the time. Although this would have been considered adultery, she obviously was ok with that.
vs 9 It appears that when her attempts to lure him into her bed base on his own lustfulness were unsuccessful, she may have tried to exert authority over him. Potiphar has placed him second in command of the house. In ancient Egyptian society, the role that Joseph was fulfilling was traditionally the wife's. By placing Joseph in this role Potiphar likely relieved his wife not only of the responsibility, but also the authority. If Joseph was to satisfy his lust he would be betraying both relationships, Potiphars and Gods.
vs 10 Many of us are worn down by the persistent cries of someone to just give in and do their will. Joseph remained true to his conscience and the will of God.
TRAPPED
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 14 that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: 15 and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. 16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
vs 11 Joseph was just going about his business. He was running the household, this time he was alone in the house with Potiphars wife. The events to come would be hard to see coming. Potiphars wife really wants him, and is willing to try to force him. There are no witness's to this action. Mosaic law will require two witness's. Jesus will also be condemned without witness's.
vs 12 Joseph does the right thing, fleeing sometimes is the best action to take. Joseph is being assaulted and yet he will be the accused. Innocent man being convicted of the crime that was committed against him. This is the second time a coat is used as evidence.
vs 13 Perhaps she realizes that Joseph may try to explain what happened to her husband. She has evidence that she can use to protect herself if Joseph accuses her of attempted rape.
vs 14- 15 As soon as she realizes the potential danger she has placed herself in she calls in witness's that will help with her credibility. This is how lies are buoyed up. These witness's were witness to nothing, except her version of what happened. She also deploys the derogatory term for Josephs people. She dehumanizes him from Joseph the trusted to one of those people that are taking over our land, and all they want to do is to mock us.( to mock can have a sexual meaning). She is laying it on thick, she also blames her husband for bringing him into to house. Her accusation is against innocent people to cover her guilt. All of those that should have been protecting her were ineffective, and the only thing that saved her was herself by lifting up her voice.
vs 16 She has her story, her false witness's, and the evidence. The only thing left to do is to present her case to her husband.
vs 12 Joseph does the right thing, fleeing sometimes is the best action to take. Joseph is being assaulted and yet he will be the accused. Innocent man being convicted of the crime that was committed against him. This is the second time a coat is used as evidence.
vs 13 Perhaps she realizes that Joseph may try to explain what happened to her husband. She has evidence that she can use to protect herself if Joseph accuses her of attempted rape.
vs 14- 15 As soon as she realizes the potential danger she has placed herself in she calls in witness's that will help with her credibility. This is how lies are buoyed up. These witness's were witness to nothing, except her version of what happened. She also deploys the derogatory term for Josephs people. She dehumanizes him from Joseph the trusted to one of those people that are taking over our land, and all they want to do is to mock us.( to mock can have a sexual meaning). She is laying it on thick, she also blames her husband for bringing him into to house. Her accusation is against innocent people to cover her guilt. All of those that should have been protecting her were ineffective, and the only thing that saved her was herself by lifting up her voice.
vs 16 She has her story, her false witness's, and the evidence. The only thing left to do is to present her case to her husband.
TRUSTWORTHY
17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: 18 and it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. 19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.
21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.
vs 17 The words in which she will recall the events of the day to her husband will be a lie. She once again uses all her tactics to not only deflect from her guilt, but to project her actions onto the innocent. She calls him a Hebrew (an immigrant, not one like us, not one that should have been trusted). Potiphar allowed this to happen, more than that he should have foreseen it, therefore placing her at risk. He should have known that all these immigrants want to do is to rape helpless Egyptian women.
vs 18 Seeing as no one protected me, I had to save myself. I have the evidence of what happened. This is the second time that a coat was used as evidence falsely against Joseph.
vs 19 She does not miss an opportunity to blame Potiphar. The interesting part of this verse is what it does not say. It does not say who his wrath was kindled against. Potiphar may know she is lying, however he has been placed in a position in which he must punish Joseph.
vs 20 Potiphar likely had the option to have Joseph put to death, however he places him in the king's prison. This may be the second time that Joseph escapes death only to find himself bound.
vs 21 Although Satan is doing everything he can to destroy the seed of the women, God is still in control. Just as Satan thought by placing Christ on the cross was a victory, placing Joseph in the prison was the exact place Joseph had to be to deliver his family. Note that everyone Joseph comes into contact with cannot help but recognize God in his life. God has mercy on Joseph. God knows what Joseph is going through and has compassion on him.
vs 22 Joseph once again is in charge. He obviously is a talented administrator. He can fulfill the duties of his overseers better then they can.
vs 23 Everyone that blesses Joseph will be blessed. Reminds me of a promise made a long time ago.
vs 18 Seeing as no one protected me, I had to save myself. I have the evidence of what happened. This is the second time that a coat was used as evidence falsely against Joseph.
vs 19 She does not miss an opportunity to blame Potiphar. The interesting part of this verse is what it does not say. It does not say who his wrath was kindled against. Potiphar may know she is lying, however he has been placed in a position in which he must punish Joseph.
vs 20 Potiphar likely had the option to have Joseph put to death, however he places him in the king's prison. This may be the second time that Joseph escapes death only to find himself bound.
vs 21 Although Satan is doing everything he can to destroy the seed of the women, God is still in control. Just as Satan thought by placing Christ on the cross was a victory, placing Joseph in the prison was the exact place Joseph had to be to deliver his family. Note that everyone Joseph comes into contact with cannot help but recognize God in his life. God has mercy on Joseph. God knows what Joseph is going through and has compassion on him.
vs 22 Joseph once again is in charge. He obviously is a talented administrator. He can fulfill the duties of his overseers better then they can.
vs 23 Everyone that blesses Joseph will be blessed. Reminds me of a promise made a long time ago.