Genesis 39:1-23
Q.1. Where did the Ishmaelite traders take Joseph? How did he respond to being a slave? How was he treated by his master? Why? – (Gen.39:1-6)
The Ishmaelite traders took Joseph to Egypt, and doubtless made a good profit on their purchase. He was bought by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s personal bodyguard (Gen.39:1 c.f. Gen. 37:28). Grounded by his dreams, Joseph not only accepted slavery, but proved himself totally trustworthy. God blessed him and made him successful. God’s blessings on Joseph were not hidden from Potiphar – 3 Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favour in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house and all that he owned he put in his charge (Gen39:3-4). Potiphar benefitted greatly because of Joseph’s leadership skills, so placed all that he owned under Joseph’s control (Gen.39:5-6).
Q.2. What made Joseph irresistible to Potiphar’s wife? Where was Joseph’s focus in his resistance to temptation? What wrong did Joseph do to land him in jail? – (Gen.39:7-18)
Joseph was a handsome young man, in his late twenties and at the prime of his life (Gen.39:6 c.f. Gen.41:46). His elevation in Potiphar’s household made him a target of Satan … and also Potiphar’s wife. Joseph steadfastly refused her advances, because of his fear of and love for God – … How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? (Gen.39:9 c.f. Gen.39:7-8). One day, Potiphar’s wife cornered Joseph. However, he resisted and fled from her presence. (Gen.39:10-13). She was incensed by the rejection, so accused Joseph of making a mockery of her (Gen.39:14-18). Joseph would rather be falsely accused, than let down his master … or God.
Q.3. How did Joseph’s master react to the accusation? Did God abandon Joseph? How badly was Joseph treated in jail? Why? – (Gen.39:19-23)
Potiphar reacted angrily and had Joseph placed into the jail where the king’s prisoners were incarcerated (Gen.39:19-20). Potiphar had it in his power to have Joseph executed, but perhaps had some doubts about the reports. Joseph posed no threat, and – the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and gave him favour in the sight of the chief jailer (Gen.39:21). Far from losing control, God was equipping a leader – 22 The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. 23 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 (Gen.39:22-23). God will never forsake the righteous (Psalm 37:23-25).