By complaining instead of praising God, they are really saying that they dont trust God, that he is not in control, or that he doesnt know what he is doing. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Joseph was good looking. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Joseph, we remember, is the future leader and current visionary of the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt. Say: Joseph had grown up in the land that God had promised to his great-grandfather, Abraham. The Lord! Deep down, we want things to be fair. It implies that Joseph had shown himself trustworthy, and therefore, Potiphar didnt have to worry about anything. 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. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. His big brothers were very jealous of him. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. Genesis (Ge 39:710). Satan has many lies for people to choose from, and he doesnt care which one they choose. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Application: Ask: Have you ever felt like Joseph in Egypt? You cant hold it in. Jacob believed that a wild animal had killed Joseph. How is your integrity? Boldly ask for the grace to say NO to sin. A slave, a Hebrew slave no less, had attempted to violate his wife. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. Finally, in Genesis 40:4, Potiphar entrusted Pharaohs prisoners to Josephs care. Application Question: In what ways does the world and Satan aim to make sin more acceptable and less heinous? [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). He made him accountable for everything that was done there. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. This is repeated four times in verses 4 to 6 for emphasis. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God? Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. Thankfully, they didnt kill him. Finally, while Joseph was imprisoned, God showed him great kindness. Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one God, so where do all of these other gods come from? If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. (Nobody promotes a bitter, whiny, solemn person! Actually, yes. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. Joseph says in Genesis 39:9: No one is greater in this house than I am. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? After being wrongly imprisoned, it is very possible that he was tempted towards hopelessness and despair. She knew that Joseph would have to come inside in order to do his work. The mouse is caught. This narrative of Potiphars wife, her husband, and Joseph is more evidence that God can carry out His plan for us in any situation. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Say: God blessed Joseph, and the blessings poured out over Potiphar, his family, and even his servants. Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (2:11-12). A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). She may have gloated over Josephs arrest and limitless prison sentence. Potiphar's wife is never named in the biblical passagemerely referred to as , "wife of his [Joseph's] master" (vv. Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 56:5), Photo Credit:Getty Images/BibleArtLibrary. Satan even tried to tempt Jesus to step outside of Gods perfect will (Matthew 4:1-11). Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. 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. What can we learn from the account of Potiphars wife? . The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. How can we conquer temptation? What Satan means for bad, God is going to use for your good (cf. Many fail to submit to God in the midst of their trials and temptations and instead succumb to them. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. His goal is to distract you from the only real source of life. With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. That would suppress who you really are! The Lord is our God. So how could I do an evil thing like that? Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Potiphars wife knows the ancient Egyptian punishment for a woman committing adultery was to have her nose cut off. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. One of these is the Hebrew Joseph, who had been placed in control of Potiphar's large estate and household. For some, this reality might not mean much, but the more we get to know God and his grace, the more sinning against him will deter us. Here in a cold prison, God continued to use Joseph. Who were the priests of On? We dont want to grieve Gods heart; we dont want to lose his favor and empowerment to serve others. The Egyptians had a long list of gods. Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? 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. All rights reserved. He or she hurts the workplace instead of making it more productive.) All rights reserved. Her lust overrules any fear of punishment or social stigma she might endure due to seducing Joseph. Its the strong who are weak and the weak who are strong. (3) Also, in Genesis 40:2-3, it appears that Joseph was imprisoned in a prison that was attached to Potiphars house. Joseph was doing an excellent job in Egypt, but not through his own strength. In Margaret Atwood's The Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale,Potiphor's wife is referred to in Chapter 46 of the Ardua Hall Holograph storyline as narrated by Aunt Lydia. Joseph clung to God and he was even blessed in prison! So he was there in the prison. (1) When it says, he became furious (v. 19), it does not say that he became furious at Joseph. From that time on, the Lord blessed Potiphar's family and servants because of Joseph. ), 36-5: The appearance of Amalek-Israel's arch enemy, 36-4: The pagan god Baal appears in Esau's genealogy, 36-3: How our culture blinds us to understanding the conflict in the Middle East, 36-2: Esau's sons LEFT the promised land while Jacob's sons ENTERED into it. It would seem that his judgment should have been swift and brutal if, indeed, Joseph had sexually assaulted her. Its normal. 23. Adam and Eve could eat freely of every tree - except for one. He was in the midst of idolatry. When you truly live a God-centered life, those around you will be able to tell that you are different (Philippians 2:15). His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful. But he said no. As he ran out, she held onto his coat. If we are going to conquer temptation, we must especially guard ourselves in times of promotion or success. 5 Guzik, D. (2013). No one in this house is in a higher position than I am. This description suggests that Potiphar held a high-ranking position within the Egyptian court, as he was responsible for the safety of Pharaoh and his household. Its OK to cheat on a testEverybody else is doing it! they say. Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. Essentially, he taught that we need to be drastic in order to be holy. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. It says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. All rights reserved. God is working all things for our good and to make us into his Sons image (Rom 8:28-29). It can apply to the laughter of Abraham and Sarah at the thought of having a child at their age, a silent laughter of disbelief (17:17; 18:12-15); to the . Phil 4:6-7). So Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care; he gave no thought to anything except the food he ate. What Can Christians Learn From John Donne? Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. Instead, they sold him as a slave to some traders that were passing by. Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. But Joseph refused to spend any time with her. So it is with the one who has sex with his neighbors wife; no one who touches her will escape punishment A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom, whoever does it destroys his own life. He does not have any thoughts of committing adultery with her. As a young woman, Potiphars wife rules the isle of Crete, the largest Greek island, with her mother while her father is out at sea. The text says that Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned. Daniel was suddenly the Bible's most eligible bachelor, and he got a fictional wife in Of Fire and Lions. Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. A few commentators have focused on the issue of who believed her. [3] It could be argued that the woman is trying to assert herself as a person who makes her own choices instead of remaining an object owned by her husband, and invites Joseph to join her in this action which the narrative frames as a 'sin'. 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? This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. 36-6: Contradictions in Esau's genealogy? God was intimately involved in every detail of Josephs life. She used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? Potiphar trusted him, giving him charge over everything he owned. What does this story tell us about the character of Joseph? His master observed that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he was doing successful. While Andrews novel is a work of fiction, Potiphars wife was very likely a neglected, lonely, and unhappy trophy wife. Say: Mrs. Potiphar would not give up. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. Potiphars wife makes a go of seducing this handsome young servant but is unsuccessful in leading Joseph astray. And Pharaohs most important official chose Joseph to be his slave. Hand Me Another Brick (p. 98). Genesis (Ge 39:710). Why it is so easy to compartmentalizeto say something like being unfaithful in schoolwork or taxes wont affect my faithfulness in bigger things, like marriage? He was kind to him. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. 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. Then you only have two choices. As Joseph submitted to God in the trial, God was with him to bless and not to discipline. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. He gave him favor with the prison warden. Log in. He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Indeed, you were of the sinful." L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Judaism is a stub. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. Therefore, we should consider all hardship as under the sovereign hand of Godused to train us. Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. Ask: Who is the most powerful man in our country? Unlike the previous narrative, where we learned from the failures of Josephs family (Gen 37), in this narrative, we learn from Josephs success in conquering temptation. 1S2-38: Only About Fifty Percent Of The New Testament Is God-Breathed. All of his life, Joseph had believed in only one God. Well need to be more disciplined with our time and money. Potiphar puts him in charge of his household and entrusts everything into his care. It probably means something like "brilliant beauty or lovely." Joseph is also described as "handsome and good-looking," and one day she asks him to go to bed with her. We learn a great deal from Josephs triumphant example, as he faced multiple temptations as a slave and later a prisoner in Potiphars house. Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. Even when things got much worse, the Lord was with him. 39-4: Five ways Joseph foreshadows Yeshua's life in Genesis 39, 39-3: Potiphar did NOT believe his wife's accusation about Joseph, 39-2: Joseph teaches us to be faithful regardless of circumstances, 39-1: The Pharaoh during Joseph's time was NOT an Egyptian, 38-5: One Hasidic Jew's take on the Tamar & Judah prostitution incident, 38-4: The difference between "Cultic Harlotry" and "Common Prostitution" in the Scriptures, 38-3: Levirate marriage has nothing to do with the Tribe of Levi, 38-1: The importance of Judah to the Messianic Line, 37-6: God used adversity in Joseph's life to prepare him for the future, 37-5: 15 ways Joseph's Life foreshadows Yeshua in Genesis 37, 37-3: The reasons Joseph was so hated by his brothers, 37-2: Divine Providence plays center stage in Joseph's life. Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the king's guard, in whose service he remained for ten years. Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error." Joseph lived his life differently than all the Egyptians. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. God blesses all of Josephs situationsfrom an empty well in Canaan to Potiphars lavish home with his bored, lustful wife to a dark prison cell. The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. The answer is actually quite logical. . Lets face it; there is enough food in my kitchen to keep that mouse fat and happy for his entire life. [1][2], Rashi comments that the wife of Potiphar saw through astrology that she would have children through Joseph. Application: You must be aware of Satans traps. He was one of four men the Bible describes in this way, including Saul, David, and Absalom. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Just the opposite, Joseph was content with all that God had blessed him with. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. 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 ). How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Kent Hughes said, The word is out God is looking for a few good cowards!7 The rest of Scripture supports this: Second Timothy 2:22 (NIV) says, Flee the evil desires of youth First Corinthians 6:18 says, Flee sexual immorality. This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Islam is a stub. He was faithful with littlePotiphars housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. That's a pretty sobering story. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said: 'Lie with me.' E39-2: What was the purpose of the bells attached to the hem of the High Priest's robe? Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews has much to say about Joseph's journey, including what happened to Potiphar and his wife after Joseph was imprisoned. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. Josephs master took him and threw him into the prison, the place where the kings prisoners were confined. How is your integrity? She grabbed hold of his coat, but he managed to get away from her. What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? Eventually, she became so desperate that on a day none of the other servants were around (a possible setup), she grabbed Joseph and tried to force him to sleep with her. We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. He refused to even be around her. And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. Even though Joseph had to suffer a cost for being holybeing put in prisonGod was with him in the prison and blessed him. Oh, getting drunk and abusing your wife, thats not your fault! However, Christ says to be angry is morally equivalent to murder (Matt 5:21-22)! If it means getting rid of the TV or cutting off the Wi-Fi in the house, so be it. Not only was she declaring to the other slaves that Joseph was a threat, but she catered to their ethnic pride and fear of foreigners. Are you giving thanks or becoming bitter? And she spoke unto him according to these words, saying: 'The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me. Sin drastically affects us and others around us. I have chosen Sforno's translation, since it's one of the more concise ones. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? 9. 35-6: What the ancients believed happened after death, 35-5: Reuben sleeps with his father's concubine in a sly move to gain family power, 35-4: Unearthing God's prophetic statements to Jacob that can ONLY be understood in Hebrew, 35-3: Deborah's death symbolizes Israel's complete severance from Mesopotamia. Mrs. Potiphar quickly went from humiliation to rageleading her to frame Joseph. When she saw that he had left his outer garment in her hand and had run outside, she called for her household servants and said to them, See, my husband brought in a Hebrew man to us to humiliate us. - Genesis 39:1-2. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. - Genesis 39:19b-20a. Her actions, driven by uncontrolled desires and a need for control, led to Joseph's imprisonment and ultimately to the fulfillment of God's plan for his life. Another principle about conquering temptation that we can discern is the need to practice integrity in all areas of life. His name meant devoted to the sun, which demonstrated his pagan, religious background.1 He was captain of Pharaohs bodyguard, which was a prestigious position. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. 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. 34. He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. The Bible does not report this. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, Stay away from every form of evil. Christ taught that if our eye offends us, to pluck it out, if our hand offends us, to cut it off, and if our foot offends us, to do the same (Matt 5:29-30, Matt 18:8-9). Potiphar's wife accused him of raping her, so he did it to make his wife happy. When the mouse would come out at night looking for food, it would smell the stinky cheese. 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. Say: God did NOT abandon Joseph! When I thought that God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think that I could ever have rebelled against one who loved me so, and sought my good.5. 1. p. 392, ed. Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society / Used by permission of IBS-STL. 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. Overseeing other prisoners and interpreting dreams leads to his further success as a leader of the Israelites. Everything that Joseph did prospered. It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) Related Media Lesson PPT TITLE Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. God is with you. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. Their jealousy grew and grew until some of them wanted to kill Joseph. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Islamic history presents contradicting details, which is common when searching for such ancient historical data, and it all reads a little like a soap opera. According to the Quran, her name is Zuleika. If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. Having a wife was primarily for providing an heir and overseeing the household. Its the same lie Satan told Eve. We all know how this works. David was tempted while walking on the roof of his house. Gods grace gives you strength, peace, and even joy, in any situation (Romans 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:9). [15] She is deemed an extension of her husband's property and is thus subservient to "the . When he heard me raise my voice and scream, he left his outer garment beside me and ran outside. So she laid his outer garment beside her until his master came home. From the time he puts him in charge, the Lord blesses the household. Adam and Eve were tempted in the garden. What price do you have to pay in order to maintain holiness and conquer temptation? He gave him great success. His entire life, he only worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Soon after these things, his masters wife took notice of Joseph and said, Have sex with me. 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. Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. As we said, none of the people around Joseph followed the Lord. Following this incident, her contemporaries no longer mocked her. Similarly, if we are going to conquer temptation, we must intentionally and persistently avoid it as well. The test that Joseph faced was very similar to the temptation that Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden. Plus, my husband has many other women! He essentially said, God is lying to you. She grabbed him by his outer garment, saying, Have sex with me! But he left his outer garment in her hand and ran outside, No matter, who we are or where were from, we will encounter temptations. There is nowhere you can go where God cannot go with you (Psalm 139:7-12). My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. It can no longer get to the real food supply, and I can do whatever I want with the mouse. The cheese has to smell so good to the mouse that it will distract it from the good food in my kitchen. He oversees other prisoners and interprets their dreams and the prophetic dream of the king of Egypt. And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. Two credible sources, the Quran and Louis Ginzbergs study Legends of the Jews, name Potiphars wife Zuleika, which sounds like a wily woman. Kindle Edition. For Rumi, Zuleikha's obsession with Joseph is a symptom and manifestation of the soul's great deep longing for God. . He told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. The warden put all the prisoners under Josephs care. Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. He made him his attendant. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. For Joseph, it was probably initially intimidating working for Potiphar. How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt.
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