Chapter 39 turns the spot light back onto Joseph, so we are picking up the story from the end of chapter 36 where we are told that Joseph was sold to Potiphar.
The LORD was with Joseph and prospered him, and Joseph lived in the Potiphar’s house. Joseph’s master saw that the LORD was with Joseph and blessed all that he did. Joseph found grace in Potiphar’s sight and he served him. Potiphar made Joseph an overseer of his household and trusted him so much that he put all that he had in his hand (vs. 1-4).
From the time that Joseph was made overseer of Potiphar’s, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house and field for Joseph’s sake (v. 5). Joseph was given ‘the key to the bank’ so to speak even though he was a slave. Potiphar had unwavering trust in Joseph, and he did not meddle in the ‘overseeing’ of his household. All that Potiphar knew was when it was time to eat, the bread was on the table. Now, Joseph was a good person and was well thought of (v. 6). God blesses us, but not beyond what we can handle.
The devil always comes along and places temptation before us. Thank God, he is not allowed to kill us, for if that was so we all would be dead. These are the times that we are to rely on God and build our faith and allegiance to Him. God will not let us be tempted above what we can endure.
Some time had passed, and Potiphar’s wife had longing eyes for Joseph and lusted after him. She asked him to sleep with her. Joseph refused and told her that Potiphar put all into his hand and does not concern himself with anything in the household. And, that there is no one greater in the household than him, speaking of himself. Joseph went on to say, that there has been nothing withheld from him except for her, because she is his wife. Then he asks her how could he do this great evil and sin against God? (vs. 7-9). Potiphar’s wife request is called a ‘sin’, so we can be confident that the ten commandments were in place for this was adultery.
All sin is against God. Sin may hurt another person or family, but ultimately sin is against God. The two definitions of sin in scripture are: 1) Sin is transgression of the law (1 Jn. 3:4), and 2) whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Both of these have to do with our relationship with God. His ten commandments law is his government, and if we violate his law – we are breaking our relationship with him. If we don’t have faith in God, then we have broken the relationship. So, either way you look at it, it is a broken relationship with God; and results in pain to ourself and others…but the sin is always against God. This is born out in this story, and Joseph passes this temptation that Potiphar’s wife set before him. Joseph was found faithful, not in his own strength but in the power of God.
The Big Lie
Joseph on a daily basis was around Potiphar’s wife as he did his business, and he paid no attention to her in any adulterous way. On the other hand, she ‘cast her eyes’ upon Joseph and pursued him – planning in her heart to seduce him.
On a day, when no one else was in the house, Joseph came in to do his business as usual and Potiphar’s wife grabbed Joseph wanting him to have sex with her. We can assume that Joseph pulled away from her and in the process, she ended up with his garment. Joseph could have taken it from her, but that would have been an affront to her. In addition, Joseph wanted to get away from her because of her intentions. It is very possible that he left in his undergarments.
Potiphar’s wife was rejected and this may be why she lied to Potiphar about the whole debacle, or maybe she was fearful that Joseph would say something to him about her sexual advances. In either case, she made it appear as if Joseph tried to rape her. In addition, she referred to him as a ‘Hebrew who mocks us” so she also promoted racism; otherwise, she would have called him by his name. She told the ‘men of her house’ that she screamed and he took off leaving his garment behind; therefore, her proof was his garment. Being allied with God, Joseph was able to flee from and have victory over the sin presented to him.
She told Potiphar when he came home, and did it in a manner as to blame him for she said, “The Hebrew servant whom YOU brought to us came in to me to mock me;…” This reminds us of how sin can cause us to look for someone else to blame rather than taking ownership for our action(s).
Angry, Potiphar sent his favorite servant to prison, although by law, he could have executed the young man. In fact, if Potiphar really believed that Joseph did this…Joseph would have been killed. To not punish Joseph in some way would be like saying “I know you are lying” to his wife. So, Joseph went to prison.
The LORD was with Joseph. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” There are two qualifiers hers, 1) we love the LORD so we put His interest above our own that is what love is; and 2) we want to live His way. These two things go together. These two things go together, and in reality are the same thing said differently. When we do this, then God works ALL things for good. We can claim this promise and it works.
Joseph may not have felt like this promise works when his brothers sold him into slavery, or when Potiphar’s wife lied and he was thrown into prison; but when we look at the totality of the story then we see how God did work these things out for the good…not only for Joseph, but his family and a nation. Also, take a look at the jailer. He trusted Joseph who had been convicted of a crime against Potiphar’s wife. Why? Because he observed Joseph and could see that he was a godly man and God’s love was flowing through his life. In the same way, he would have observed Potiphar’s wife and would make conclusions as well.