Application: Ask: Have you ever felt like Joseph in Egypt? No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. The president. For this, he insists, it is true of any person's deep love for another. E39-2: What was the purpose of the bells attached to the hem of the High Priest's robe? Marriage was not about love and monogamy. Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error." (Genesis 50:20). Ask: How many of you made a craft today? 2007BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. Similarly, to not punish Joseph would have been an extreme loss of face for Potiphar and, obviously, would have further hurt his relationship with his wife. Are you submitting to Gods discipline? The mouse is caught. [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. How is your integrity? Potiphars wife appears to cut quite a figure in her important husbands life and the life of his steward, the Jewish peoples leader Joseph. Hand Me Another Brick (p. 98). She said that Joseph came in to attack her, she screamed, and he ran away. Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. How his brothers resented the special treatment their bratty little brother received. All rights reserved worldwide. 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. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. A former high school English teacher and editor, she works on writing projects from her home in West Michigan, where she enjoys woods, water, pets, and family. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. We must do whatever it takes to be holy. Genesis 39. Jacob believed that a wild animal had killed Joseph. With Joseph in charge, he didn't have to worry about anything except the food he ate. Plus, my husband has many other women! 6 Guzik, D. (2013). funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . You will be like God. Similarly, Satan says, Getting drunk will be lots of fun, and it wont hurt anybody! He says, Sex outside of marriage will only make you closer to your mate. Living with your girlfriend only makes sense. Thomas Nelson. How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. He made him accountable for everything that was done there. He gave him favor with the prison warden. A story about Zuleikha is told in Sefer haYashar, where she was mocked by other aristocratic Egyptian ladies, her circle of friends, for being infatuated with a Hebrew slave boy. Before you know it, (Carefully, SNAP the trap.) His entire life, he only worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. All rights reserved. It says she spoke to him day after day (v. 10). But he refused, and said unto his master's wife: 'Behold, my master, having me, knoweth not what is in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand; he is not greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife. According to the Quran, her name is Zuleika. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate" ( Genesis 39:3-6 ). Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. He oversees other prisoners and interprets their dreams and the prophetic dream of the king of Egypt. 32. And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. The Lord is the one and only God., In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, Look! [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'. Joseph lived his life differently than all the Egyptians. Remember that Satans lies are nothing more than stinky cheese! Asenath, her daughter (by adoption, in some accounts) became the wife of Joseph and therefore the wife of Potiphar begot grandchildren (not children) through Joseph. She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). The Bible describes Joseph as strong and handsome. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. Potiphar puts him in charge of his household and entrusts everything into his care. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 461). Joseph clung to God and he was even blessed in prison! Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife is also enamored with Joseph. 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. Ask: Who was with Joseph? When the mouse would come out at night looking for food, it would smell the stinky cheese. This narrative of Potiphars wife, her husband, and Joseph is more evidence that God can carry out His plan for us in any situation. Potiphar's wife was not. When he became successful, undoubtedly, he experienced temptations towards pride and independence from God. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. But this wasnt true of Joseph. We are not to entertain sin through the radio or TVdeclaring how strong we are and how it doesnt affect us. Another principle about conquering temptation that we can discern is the need to practice integrity in all areas of life. (Rashi) Where was Potiphar when his wife was talking to him? God was intimately involved in every detail of Josephs life. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement]. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. 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. One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house. 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. Consequently, Potiphar's wife would have been a woman of significant . Everyone and everything in Potiphars home was blessed because of Josephs God-centered life. 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. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. The story of Potiphar's wife has 3 parts: 1 We are in the household of a rich Egyptian man, Potiphar. Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the king's guard, in whose service he remained for ten years. She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. Big Question: What principles can we learn about conquering temptation from Josephs responses to various temptations in this narrative? Gods plans, though mysterious and unpredictable, are always good. (For the sharpest Bible students only! Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:6-7). Oh, getting drunk and abusing your wife, thats not your fault! Often, they combined things such as a mans body with a hawks head, and worshipped it. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. It says, We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.. If Potiphar and the status quo look upon his wife as a piece of good-looking livestock, the people in Egypt may not be dismayed at Josephs actions. First Corinthians 10:9-10 warns us about complaining like Israel did in the wilderness, because if we do, God will discipline us. He didnt know how, but Joseph knew that God was going to exalt him, and his family would bow to him. God was enabling him to be strong and wise. Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. Paul understood that true peace could never be achieved without Gods grace. 3 Hughes, R. K. (2004). Did they have children? This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin? I have chosen Sforno's translation, since it's one of the more concise ones. Instead of being bitter and upset, Joseph submitted to God and trusted him in the midst of his trial. (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. When he refused, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. 25. A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. When successful, well need greater accountabilitypeople to speak into our lives and hold us accountable. We all know how this works. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Did Potiphar believe his wife? Ask: Who can tell me why they were so jealous? He didnt stand a chance in defending himself against Potiphars wife, however. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. However, what we see is that God was with Joseph. If Joseph had been cheating in business matters, such as stealing money from Potiphar or lying about certain things under his care, it would have been a lot easier to have an affair with Mrs. Potiphar. Joseph's master saw that the Lord was with him. Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. He made him his attendant. Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? What God does not bless is Potiphars wifes pursuit of Joseph, even though she is much higher in social status than Joseph. Say: Joseph wasnt alone because God was with Him. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? 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. Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? (2) Also, if Joseph were bitter, instead of experiencing Gods blessings as he did, he would have experienced Gods discipline. 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. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Your email address will not be published. Why did the most important official of the most important man in Egypt choose Joseph out of all the other slaves? What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? When he did, she sprung her trap. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. However, Christ says to be angry is morally equivalent to murder (Matt 5:21-22)! This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Islam is a stub. God is everywhere. Joseph, ignore this. 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. Well need to be more transparent, as a means of protection. Genesis - NIV Application Commentary by John Walton. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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 ). Thank God, He sees people differently from how we see people. (3) Also, in Genesis 40:2-3, it appears that Joseph was imprisoned in a prison that was attached to Potiphars house. It is meant to mature us for our calling, as James said, and thats exactly what God was doing with Joseph. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. According to monumental evidence (Wilkinson's ' Ancient Egyptians,' vol. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Eight times Yahweh is mentioned in this chapter. So he was there in the prison. We have a longing for justice, because we are created in the image of a perfectly just God (Deuteronomy 32:4). And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. What God does with people and how people react is unpredictable, though. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. This is repeated four times in verses 4 to 6 for emphasis. How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. After a while, Potiphars wife noticed Joseph. He makes his lies sound really good. 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. 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. 7 Hughes, R. K. (2004). God gave Joseph the peace and strength that he needed in prison. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. (2) The consequence for adultery would normally be execution. He was in charge of whatever they were doing. Do you realize your trials and temptations are just ways God is preparing you for more? Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). So Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care; he gave no thought to anything except the food he ate. Yet Potiphars wife cannot ruin Josephs life because God is with him. 9. "My master has put me in charge," he told her. Even though Joseph had to suffer a cost for being holybeing put in prisonGod was with him in the prison and blessed him. The Lord is our God. Even while in prison, Joseph continues to rise to prominence. Do you follow God in everything you do? [] And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. I imagine she rolled away from her husbands side, estranged from him by her deception. They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. This is the very reason many people cant get free from sin; they simply dont see it as bad. How can we conquer temptation? Thinking of its consequences will help us stand against temptation. Then she called Potiphar and, by implication, blamed him. 1 Corinthians 10:13, written for early Christians centuries after the account of Potiphars wife and Joseph, states that we are not tempted beyond what God decides we can handle. Its the strong who are weak and the weak who are strong. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., al-Azeez] should surely imprison him for a time. Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. Phil 4:6-7). The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. Joseph was good looking. Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt. He was learning administrative skills, as he led all of Potiphars household. He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. His master observed that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he was doing successful. Potiphar trusted him, giving him charge over everything he owned. Special thanks to John R. Cross, The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, GoodSeed International. Q. . Instead, they sold him as a slave to some traders that were passing by. This is, of course, Potiphar's household. He put Joseph in charge of his house. The circumstantial evidence seems to point to the fact that Potiphar believed Joseph was righteousthough he had to punish him in some manner. 40-1: Was Joseph really kept in a "prison"? Satan has many lies for people to choose from, and he doesnt care which one they choose. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Israel, listen to me. Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. He experienced sexual temptation from his masters wife, which is the major temptation in this narrative. Are you giving thanks or becoming bitter? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The blessing is on everything Potiphar owns - his fields, his house, his possessions. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." He or she hurts the workplace instead of making it more productive.) Saul fell when success came, and so did David and Solomon. Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible copyright 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. It is very similar with Satan. When you truly live a God-centered life, those around you will be able to tell that you are different (Philippians 2:15). How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? Say: As far as we know, Joseph was probably the only believer in the entire nation of Egypt! The Lord was with Joseph. All rights reserved. And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke unto him, saying: 'After this manner did thy servant to me'; that his wrath was kindled. So how could I do an evil thing like that? I dont see a happy, older woman. To congregations struggling with persecution, Peter said this: Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. When it reached a crescendo he fled youthful lust (2 Timothy 2:22). In order to cover up for herself, accused of trying to commit . 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. 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. 1. They commonly harbor anger and bitterness for years after some traumatic event: They are angry at parents, the school system, government, or someone else who harmed them. By His grace, God gave Joseph the power to say NO to sin (Titus 2:11-12). 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. If they were weaker, willing to flee, they would be more successful. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there." "The captain of the guard" supposedly means that Potiphar was Pharaoh's chief executioners. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. What is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph refuses, using a word that suggests the decision is difficult. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible. Say: God blessed Joseph, and the blessings poured out over Potiphar, his family, and even his servants. 23. He trusts me to take care of everything he owns. His integrity was preparing him for further exaltationto be second in command over Egypt. 1878; Hengstenbergs 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' 1:25; Kalisch, p. 631 . 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). When they go through hard times with family, work, school, or other relationships, they become bitter and constantly complain. 40-4: How was Joseph able to remain so strong in his faith? They dont want to offend or lose someone who is tempting them (or leading them to areas where there is temptation)whether business associates, friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even family. They trusted Satan when he accused God of holding back something good from them, so they took what was forbidden. Do you think Joseph will be all alone this time? For Joseph, it was probably initially intimidating working for Potiphar.
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