Genesis Part 061
As we read this story, it is important to see that God is always with Joseph through the ups and downs of his becoming the second most powerful person in the nation of Egypt. It tells us that Joseph was successful because God was with him.
In Genesis 39:3, we see that even Potiphar noticed that the Lord was with Joseph, and it was through Him that everything Joseph did was prosperous. Jewish historian Josephus records that Potiphar taught Joseph and instructed him beyond what would have been common to a slave. In verse five, we see that Potiphar’s house and field are blessed and made to prosper by God due to Joseph’s presence.
The NKJV of verse six states that “Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.” The Hebrew phrase is: “yâpheh tô'ar yâpheh mar'eh.” This exact same Hebrew phrase is used to describe Joseph’s mother Rachel in Genesis 29:17 where it states, “Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.” It is implied that he did not get his good looks from his father.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown states the following about verse seven: “the ancient women of Egypt were very loose in their morals. Intrigues and intemperance were vices very prevalent among them, as the monuments too plainly attest [Wilkinson]. Potiphar’s wife was probably not worse than many of the same rank, and her infamous advances made to Joseph arose from her superiority of station.”
Marriage was specially designed by God. Joseph knew that he would be sinning against God if he committed this act. Potiphar’s wife pestered Joseph continually every day. How awful that must have been for him, what a test of his conviction and faithfulness!
Regarding verse 11, Jewish historian Josephus states that “there was a public festival coming on, in which it was the custom for women to come to the public solemnity; she pretended that she was sick so she could have an opportunity for solitude and leisure, that she might entreat Joseph again.” Joseph resisted her advances, and her affection turned to anger, resentment, and a desire for retribution.
We see in verses 21–23 that even in this downturn of events, God was still with Joseph. He still showed him favor and later helped him to rise through the ranks and prosper.
God surely had a hand in Joseph being sold to Potiphar so that “in the house of one so closely connected with the court, he might receive training which was necessary for the high office he was destined to fill, and in the school of adversity learn the lessons of practical wisdom that were to be of greatest utility and importance in his future career” (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary, note on verse 1).
Although Joseph prospered in Potiphar’s house, this was not God’s ultimate purpose for Joseph in his human life—God had a greater design for him. To reach that intent, Joseph had to be thrown into prison, creating the environment where God would later exalt Joseph to the right hand of Pharaoh. This illustrates something particularly important for us to remember: sometimes Christians must endure hardship and trial to achieve God’s desired outcome. Keep in mind that God has created us for an awesome purpose. While Joseph would eventually be taken from prison and given a position in Egypt equivalent to what we would call the nation’s prime minister, we will eventually be taken from this physical, limiting existence and, along with Joseph, will be made co-rulers with God over the entire vast universe! If it takes suffering and tribulation to help us attain that purpose, God will allow us to be subjected to it. Yet, although things may look quite bleak at times, God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). We must remember to be patient in times of trials, trusting God and continuing to serve and obey him, knowing that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28) and that He will not allow us to be tried beyond what we are able to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We can learn many lessons from Joseph’s example. If you are interested in further study, you could look up the following scriptures and notice their relation to this trying period of Joseph’s life: Proverbs 22:29; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24; Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Peter 3:17; Romans 5:3-4; Romans 8:35-39.
It is important to remember that obeying God in all circumstances ultimately works out for the best. Joseph knew that adultery was sin and refused—even though it may have cost him his life—for He trusted in God to bless those who obey Him.
Incidentally, this particular episode brings up something else we should notice. Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife’s seduction provides us with important information that has sometimes gone overlooked. Joseph asks,
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Many today believe that the Ten Commandments were not in place before the time of Moses. Yet not only do we see Joseph’s virtue in his response, but we also find proof that God’s law was known at the time. According to Romans 5:13,
“Sin is not imputed when there is no law.”
Yet Joseph clearly calls adultery sin, thereby showing that God’s law was in force prior to its codification around 250 years later at Mount Sinai.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
