1 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.
2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.
3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.
4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.
5 And from the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field.
6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. And Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.”
8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge.
9 There is no one greater in this house than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.
11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house,
12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.
13 And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house,
14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.
15 And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house,
16 And she laid up his garment by her until his master came home,
17 And she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me.
18 But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.
19 As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled.
20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison.
21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.
23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.
The True Meaning of Genesis 39
This chapter of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He recounts the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, and the trials he faced in Egypt. Joseph’s journey takes an unexpected turn as he is sold into slavery and ends up in the household of Potiphar, a high-ranking official in Pharaoh’s court in this passage. Despite the challenges he faces, Joseph’s unwavering faith and integrity shine through, leading to his rapid rise to a position of great responsibility. However, this newfound success also brings temptation, as Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness Joseph’s steadfast commitment to his principles, even in the face of adversity. His story serves as a powerful testament to the blessings that can come from remaining true to one’s beliefs, as echoed in the words of Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.”
Genesis 39:1-6
Several important sections in Genesis 39:1-6 are worth breaking down for deeper understanding. Let’s look at each of these in detail:
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“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there.” This section sets the stage for Joseph’s journey into Egypt, where he is sold into slavery to Potiphar. Joseph’s story is one of resilience and faith, as he finds himself in a foreign land, separated from his family.
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“The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God, and as a result, God blessed him and gave him success in all that he did. This verse serves as a reminder that God’s presence and favor are not dependent on our circumstances but on our faith and obedience. This theme of God’s presence and blessing is consistent throughout the Bible, as seen in verses like Psalm 23:1-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-13.
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“And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.” Potiphar recognized that God’s hand was upon Joseph and that he was prospering because of it. This highlights the importance of being a faithful and diligent servant, as others should be able to see God’s hand at work in our lives through our actions and character.
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“So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.” Joseph’s faithfulness and integrity ultimately led to him being promoted to a position of authority in Potiphar’s household. This demonstrates the biblical principle that those who are faithful in little will be entrusted with much (Luke 16:10).
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“So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field.” The impact of Joseph’s presence in Potiphar’s household was so significant that not only was Joseph blessed, but Potiphar’s entire household experienced blessings as well. This serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God’s presence in the lives of His faithful servants. The story of Joseph in Genesis 39:1-6 teaches us valuable lessons about faithfulness, integrity, and the impact of God’s presence in our lives. Joseph’s unwavering faith and righteousness in the face of adversity resulted in blessings not only for himself but for those around him. This narrative underscores the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s plan, and living a life that reflects His character, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It encourages us to remember that God is always with us, guiding and blessing us as we remain faithful to Him.
Genesis 39:7-12
Joseph faces a significant test of his character and integrity in the passage of Genesis 39:7-12. Let’s break down this section to explore its profound messages. Joseph catches the eye of Potiphar’s wife in verse 7. This introduces a dynamic that will test Joseph’s faithfulness, morality, and ultimately his integrity. Potiphar’s wife is portrayed as someone who tries to seduce Joseph while her husband is away. This highlights the temptation Joseph is facing, revealing the moral dilemma he must navigate. Joseph resists as Potiphar’s wife persistently urges him to be with her. Joseph’s response in verse 8 is admirable and reveals his loyalty not only to Potiphar but ultimately to God. He refuses her advances by pointing out that he would be betraying Potiphar’s trust and sinning against God. This underscores Joseph’s commitment to righteousness despite the circumstances he finds himself in.
Joseph’s decision to flee from the situation in verse 12, leaving his garment behind, showcases his devotion to God’s commandments and his unwillingness to compromise his principles. This act of leaving his cloak behind can be seen as a symbol of Joseph shedding the temptation that could tarnish his reputation and his relationship with God.
The narrative of Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife serves as a powerful example of how individuals can remain steadfast in their faith and moral values even in the face of intense temptation. Joseph’s unwavering commitment to integrity, even at great personal cost, demonstrates the importance of righteousness and obedience to God’s commandments.
This story of Joseph also foreshadows the parallel of his experiences to those of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph resisted temptation and remained faithful to God, Jesus was also tempted but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Joseph’s steadfastness in the face of temptation serves as a model for believers to emulate, showcasing the rewards of remaining true to God’s teachings even in challenging circumstances.
Genesis 39:13-18
We witness a significant event in the life of Joseph, one of the most prominent figures in the Book of Genesis, in Genesis 39:13-18. This passage highlights Joseph’s unwavering moral integrity even in the face of immense temptation and unfair circumstances. Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph while her husband is away in this section. She repeatedly asks Joseph to lie with her, but he steadfastly refuses, recognizing that such an act would not only be a betrayal of Potiphar’s trust but also a sin against God. Despite her persistent advances, Joseph does not yield to temptation, demonstrating his commitment to righteousness and his faithfulness to both his earthly master and to God.
Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife’s advances is a powerful display of his moral character and unwavering faith. His refusal to give in to temptation serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of maintaining one’s integrity and commitment to God even in the most challenging circumstances. Joseph’s steadfastness in the face of temptation is reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced similar trials, such as Daniel, who remained faithful to God despite the threat of death in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10).
Furthermore, Joseph’s story is a foreshadowing of the ultimate example of moral integrity and faithfulness in Jesus Christ. Jesus in the New Testament faced temptation in the wilderness by Satan but remained resolute in his commitment to God’s will (Matthew 4:1-11). Like Joseph, Jesus’s refusal to succumb to temptation serves as a model for believers to follow in resisting sin and upholding the values of righteousness and holiness.
This passage also highlights the theme of unjust suffering, as Joseph’s righteous actions are met with false accusations from Potiphar’s wife. Despite his innocence, Joseph is falsely accused of attempted rape by Potiphar’s wife, leading to his unjust imprisonment. This unjust treatment of Joseph foreshadows the suffering of Jesus, who was also falsely accused and condemned before his crucifixion. Joseph’s unwavering trust in God’s providence and belief that God would ultimately deliver him from his trials is a testament to his faithfulness to God, even in the midst of unjust suffering and temptation. This part of Joseph’s story serves as a powerful reminder that God honors those who remain faithful to Him, even when faced with adversity and injustice, and that He is faithful to His promises to protect and deliver His children in times of trouble (Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 41:10).
Genesis 39:19-23
A crucial turning point in the narrative of Joseph’s life is seen in Genesis 39:19-23. Let’s break down this section into important sections:
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Joseph’s imprisonment: After being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife of attempting to seduce her, Joseph is thrown into prison. Joseph endures betrayal and suffering in this act of injustice. Despite his faithfulness and integrity, he finds himself in a dire situation. This highlights the theme of undeserved suffering, a concept that resonates with many throughout the Bible and in our lives today. It reminds us that even in the midst of unjust circumstances, God is still present and working His purpose in our lives.
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The Lord was with Joseph: Verse 21 states, “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.” This reassurance is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God’s presence is unwavering. Joseph’s faith and trust in God remained steadfast even as he faced adversity. This echoes a timeless message in the Bible that God’s love and faithfulness endure through all trials and tribulations. It also sets the stage for Joseph to rise to a position of power and influence later in the story.
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Favor and success even in prison: Despite being imprisoned, Joseph finds favor in the eyes of the keeper of the prison, who puts him in charge of all the other prisoners. This demonstrates Joseph’s resilience, integrity, and God-given gift of interpreting dreams, which plays a crucial role in his future rise to power in Egypt. This turn of events showcases God’s sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, as mentioned in Romans 8:28.
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Joseph’s continued faithfulness: Throughout this challenging period, Joseph remains faithful to God and carries out his duties with excellence. This highlights the importance of maintaining our integrity and faith even in the midst of adversity. Joseph’s example serves as an inspiration for us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him. Genesis 39:19-23 illustrates themes of injustice, faithfulness, God’s presence in adversity, and His ability to bring about His purposes despite difficult circumstances in Joseph’s story, making it a pivotal moment. Joseph’s journey from slavery to imprisonment sets the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt, showcasing God’s faithfulness and sovereignty throughout the narrative. We are encouraged to trust in God’s plan for our lives as we reflect on this passage, even when faced with trials and challenges, knowing that He is always with us.
After Genesis 39
The young man Joseph had been through much hardship, but his faith in the Lord remained steadfast. Though he was unjustly imprisoned, he continued to serve God with a pure heart. Little did he know that the Lord had a greater plan in store for him. The Almighty’s hand guided Joseph through the darkest of times, leading him to a destiny far beyond his wildest dreams as his story unfolds. For the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The power of faith and the providence of God will be revealed in ways that will astound us all as we witness the unfolding of Joseph’s remarkable journey by turning the page.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.