Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. God was with Joseph when he was the only believer in Egypt, and He will be with you wherever you go. A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. It would seem that his judgment should have been swift and brutal if, indeed, Joseph had sexually assaulted her. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper ( Genesis 39:19-23 ). She knew that Joseph would have to come inside in order to do his work. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. Potiphar's wife appears to cut quite a figure in her important husband's life and the life of his steward, the Jewish people's leader Joseph. 9. Getting angry is just self-expressionsharing whats on ones mind! Betty Dunn hopes her articles help you hold hands with God, a theme in her self-published memoirMedusa. Obviously, Potiphars wife wasnt used to being rejected and wouldnt take no for an answer. Historical documents tell us that the bodyguards were Pharaohs executioners. How can we conquer temptation? This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. He did not think he deserved more than God had given him. They worshipped a sun god, a moon god, a frog goddess, a fish goddess, a cow goddess, a beautiful cat goddess, the god of thunder, and hundreds more! How is your integrity? "Now he doesn't have to worry about anything in the house. Unless otherwise noted the Scriptures taken from: Holy Bible, New International Readers Version, (NIrV). God is working all things for our good and to make us into his Sons image (Rom 8:28-29). If they were weaker, willing to flee, they would be more successful. Ask: Does anyone remember the name of the Promised Land? Similarly, if we are going to conquer temptation, we must intentionally and persistently avoid it as well. Phil 4:6-7). (3) Also, in Genesis 40:2-3, it appears that Joseph was imprisoned in a prison that was attached to Potiphars house. As we said, none of the people around Joseph followed the Lord. If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. Eight times Yahweh is mentioned in this chapter. If Potiphar's daughter is now marrying Joseph, Potiphar will be forced to support him. So he put Joseph in prison. And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allh! That's a pretty sobering story. Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . It says, The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be their attendant, and he served them. Why would Potiphar entrust Joseph with anything again if he had broken the ultimate trusttrying to rape his wife? What should we do when we cant avoid it entirely? Application Question: Why is it important to see God as sovereign over trials and temptations in order to be faithful in them (cf. As he ran out, she held onto his coat. funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . We dont want to grieve Gods heart; we dont want to lose his favor and empowerment to serve others. Gen 50:20, Rom 8:28). All rights reserved worldwide. Marriage was not about love and monogamy. The cheese has to smell so good to the mouse that it will distract it from the good food in my kitchen. Say: God blessed Joseph, and the blessings poured out over Potiphar, his family, and even his servants. One of these is the Hebrew Joseph, who had been placed in control of Potiphar's large estate and household. One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house. God was enabling him to be strong and wise. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? Its an alternative lifestyle. Here in a cold prison, God continued to use Joseph. Joseph lived his life differently than all the Egyptians. Often, they combined things such as a mans body with a hawks head, and worshipped it. When he became successful, undoubtedly, he experienced temptations towards pride and independence from God. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. His big brothers were very jealous of him. - Genesis 39:1-2. Paul relied on Gods grace to bring him strength and contentment in the most trying of circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). Personally, I always think about how spiritual failure would negatively affect my daughter for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, this sudden fall has happened to many others as well. This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." The Bible does not state that Joseph even tried to defend himself by telling the truth. Its meant to be celebrated! By His grace, God gave Joseph the power to say NO to sin (Titus 2:11-12). Some members of my church might never return to church again. According to the Quran, her name is Zuleika. Thankfully, they didnt kill him. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. Genesis 39 - Believe His Prophets | Revival & Reformation But he said no. While they engaged in this task, Zuleikha had Joseph walk through the room. So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and prepared for them a banquet and gave each one of them a knife and said [to Joseph], "Come out before them." So Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care; he gave no thought to anything except the food he ate. Knowing right from wrong may not stop us from acting sinfully. Its OK to illegally downloadThe product shouldnt cost that much anyway! Its OK to cheat on taxesThe government is taking too much money as it is! When Christians do this, they are preparing themselves to be unfaithful in other areas of their lives. In this section of Josephs narrative, he experiences major temptations: He was tempted to be upset and bitter at his circumstance of being sold into slavery. It is unfair that Joseph did the right thing, yet he was sent to prison! But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. He must have been terrified to be around so many people who were so different from him and who didnt know anything about his God. Jacob was broken-hearted to lose his favorite son. No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. Josephs personal integrity was impeccable in all areasnot just when it came to sexual purity. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? This narrative of Potiphars wife, her husband, and Joseph is more evidence that God can carry out His plan for us in any situation. 34. Key Verse: But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. 34-1: Dinah, a daughter of Israel, is raped by a Canaanite! How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? Verse 10 in the NIV says, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. Whenever Joseph saw Mrs. Potiphar, he simply went the other direction. And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. Sin drastically affects us and others around us. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. He trusts me to take care of everything he owns. When a person goes through trials, he or she can be tempted to become bitter, to turn away from God and others. And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled out.' Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 461). He will be beaten and despised, and his reproach will not be wiped away; When considering adultery, Solomon said the consequences last foreverthe reproach will never be wiped away. If I have a mouse on the loose in my house, I want to keep it out of the good supply of food in my kitchen. How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. If one doesnt recognize how heinous something is, he or she wont desperately work to get rid of it. Satan has many lies for people to choose from, and he doesnt care which one they choose. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! In Genesis 39, we read the Hallmark Channel-worthy story of Potiphars wife making an attempt to seduce Joseph. She attempted to sleep with him many times, but Joseph continually refused. Application Question: Why is it so important to flee temptation instead of trying to faithfully endure it? But this wasnt true of Joseph. The warden did not concern himself with anything that was in Josephs care because the Lord was with him and whatever he was doing the Lord was making successful. Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. 2007BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Israel, listen to me. This scenario doesnt seem likely if Potiphar believed his wifes accusations. Do you think Joseph will be all alone this time? The Lord was with Joseph. Jacob believed that a wild animal had killed Joseph. It implies that Joseph had shown himself trustworthy, and therefore, Potiphar didnt have to worry about anything. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement]. When Joseph was imprisoned based on Mrs. Potiphars accusations, apparently, it was more like Daniel being thrown in the lions den (Daniel 6). 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. There is no one greater in this household than I am. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. Verse 7. 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. [3] Susan Tower Hollis (1989) demonstrated that the narrative of Potiphar's wife 'is in line with certain ancient folk-tales, where a 'woman makes vain overtures to a man and then accuses him of attempting to force her', with the man 'unjustly punished for his alleged attempt to seduce the woman.'[3]. What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? But he refused, saying to his masters wife, Look, my master does not give any thought to his household with me here, and everything that he owns he has put into my care. Israel was tempted in the wilderness. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. Potiphar - Wikipedia The Bible (Genesis 39:5-20) narrates her treatment of Joseph, slave to her husband Potiphar: And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and, having him, he knew not aught save the bread which he did eat. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). It says she spoke to him day after day (v. 10). So how could I do an evil thing like that? To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. Ultimately, all sin is against God. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. When they go through hard times with family, work, school, or other relationships, they become bitter and constantly complain. We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). She picked a moment when the servants were all out of the house. Potiphar's Wife KNOWN AS THE "NO-NAME WIFE" OF A BODY GUARD Genesis 39 IMAGINE: Being the rich Egyptian wife of the highest official to Pharaoh; but even so, choosing to set your sites on the well-built and handsome new household slave, only to have this Hebrew foreigner reject your advances. Why did the most important official of the most important man in Egypt choose Joseph out of all the other slaves? King Solomon's Story in the BibleWho Was Lot's Wife in the Bible?Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?Who Was the Prodigal Son? Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. In the end, however, the situation ended badly for Joseph: Joseph says in Genesis 39:9: No one is greater in this house than I am. Joseph just needed to trust them. Genesis 39:7 and after some time his master's wife cast her eyes upon - Genesis 39:20b-23. Joseph was doing an excellent job in Egypt, but not through his own strength. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 23. Its the same lie Satan told Eve. The Holy Spirit guides us and gives us the power to make the right moral decisions and honor God. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Genesis 39: Hell Hath No Fury Like Mrs. Potiphar - ShegznStuff 33. You are his wife. And Pharaohs most important official chose Joseph to be his slave. Joseph already has a strong character before Potiphars wife watches him working outside the palace through the gauze curtains of her jasmine-scented chambers. Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. Also, Hebrews 12:5b-7 and 11 says. She said Yosef was doing these things to me. Grabbing hold of his garment, she made her plea one last time: "Lie down with me!" Joseph acted . In a fascinating novel on Potiphars wife by Mesu Andrews based on Genesis 39, the author depicts Potiphars wife as the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. Say: Now Joseph was in a new land with different smells, different tastes, different people, a different language, and different gods. In fact, its in those times that God pours out an extra measure of grace on you. This is where many succumb to temptation. 1. p. 392, ed. He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allh. He was exalted in Potiphars house, and even after he became a prisoner, he was exalted again. She said that Joseph came in to attack her, she screamed, and he ran away. In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? Say: God did NOT abandon Joseph! You have a disease! What is the story of Joseph and Potiphar? | GotQuestions.org He didnt know how, but Joseph knew that God was going to exalt him, and his family would bow to him. Say: When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to a man named Potiphar who was the captain of the guards at Pharaohs palace. We must do whatever it takes to be holy. Genesis (Ge 39:710). What God does not bless is Potiphars wifes pursuit of Joseph, even though she is much higher in social status than Joseph. Genesis - NIV Application Commentary by John Walton. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Wives often were lonely, and some sought the love they lacked outside of the marriage. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. Christ was tempted, and well be tempted as well. Deep down, we want things to be fair. The test that Joseph faced was very similar to the temptation that Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden. Did they have children? Though the young womans royal father wants his daughter to marry the Egyptian pharaoh, she is given in marriage to the captain of the pharaohs bodyguard, chief executioner Potiphar. As we said, some people even believed he was a god. These gifts of Joseph lead to his becoming governor of the land (Genesis 42:6) in Egypt and Gods leader of the Jewish people (Genesis 45:7-8). They even treated their king, Pharaoh, as a god. The judgment of Potiphar's wife was a story not found in the Bible, of course, and some contradictory traditions arose around it among ancient Christian commentators. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets - Ellen G. White Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. Potiphar's Wife Q&A - Part II (Truth, Facts, or Fiction) Even if you are reading a version with friendlier wording, children who are following along in their Bibles will come across wording that is not age-appropriate. The Quran narrates the wife of Azizs treatment of Yusuf as follows: And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. If we are going to conquer temptation, we must especially guard ourselves in times of promotion or success. The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39 contains some obvious lessons about fidelity in the face of sexual temptation, and there are also some subtler points to be found about the loyal character of God. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). Joseph flees from her advances, losing his cloak as he escapes her grip on him. Some people make things with their own hands, such as a statue, and worship it (Isaiah 37:19). - Genesis 39:8-9. So when he [i.e., her husband] saw his shirt torn from the back, he said, "Indeed, it is of your [i.e., women's] plan. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. [3] Simultaneously, however, she abuses her position of power as the slave master's wife to coerce Joseph into sex, and to punish him for refusal. Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt.
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