Genesis Series: Chapter 39

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES:

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

Chapter 39: POTIPHA

Potiphar made Joseph the overseer of his house. Joseph was righteous in his position ‘…and the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands’ (vs 3) Potiphar’s wife had other ideas and saw that Joseph was ‘handsome and good-looking’ and makes advances towards him. Joseph refused her advances, letting her know the reason for his refusal (vs8-9).  

She feels slighted by the continual refusal so sets him up and later unjustly accused the young Hebrew of seduction. When she repeats the lying story to her husband, he believes her and Joseph was flung into prison, without being able to defend himself .

We may be inclined to feel sorry for Joseph since he was unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife, but vs 21-23 highlights God’s faithfulness to Joseph by providing ‘favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison’.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR TODAY.

Chapter 39 therefore highlights the following aspects that are important for our lives.

1. When we are faithful and have a right attitude to doing right in our work, God will assist us and help our work to prosper.

2. Adultery is not acceptable, nor is lying to cover one’s own wrong desire.

3. It is always important to listen to both sides of a story and get the facts, even if it means finding out something unfavourable about one’s husband/wife.

4. In times of trial and when injustice has been committed, it is essential to remember the loving faithfulness of God towards you. God will provide you help and right the wrong that has been committed, even when it is not always immediate.

5. Always trust in the faithfulness of God and behave according to His commands