We can only guess what happened to her in the future. 24. If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. is potiphar and potiphera the same person 32-3: Who was the "man" that Jacob wrestled? How should Christians overcome this reprogramming? 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. Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. He was humble. [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'. He was faithful with littlePotiphars housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. When they go through hard times with family, work, school, or other relationships, they become bitter and constantly complain. Jodi has a passion for Biblical ac More. While they engaged in this task, Zuleikha had Joseph walk through the room. Genesis 39. 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). 2. Conquering Temptation (Genesis 39) | Bible.org So he was there in the prison. 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. Joseph was good looking. To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. 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. Gods plans, though mysterious and unpredictable, are always good. I imagine bags forming under her flashing eyes from sleep-challenged nights thinking over her actions with Joseph. So Potiphar told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. We will all experience temptation, the only question is, How will we respond to it?. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. It was the place where the king's prisoners were kept. 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. Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. As we said, none of the people around Joseph followed the Lord. The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets - Ellen G. White Potiphar withheld nothing from Joseph, except his wife. 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. In this very difficult time, God poured out grace on Joseph that was like a big warm hug. Say: When we left our story, Joseph was in a heap of trouble. It can no longer get to the real food supply, and I can do whatever I want with the mouse. I dont see a happy, older woman. Kindle Edition. On the other hand, the future for Potiphars wife does not look promising. 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. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. There is circumstantial evidence within the text that Potiphar didnt completely believe his wife. He was here exposed to temptations of no ordinary character. In the end, however, the situation ended badly for Joseph: He essentially said, God is lying to you. grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; 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. Was Joseph wrong to marry the daughter of a pagan priest (Genesis 41)? All rights reserved. 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 ). Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt. Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. No, bc he should've killed him and instead he sent him to jail. [3] McKinlay (1995) noted that Potiphar's wife is treated as an object in his master's possession (Gen 39:89), and the reason Joseph refuses is not because he doesn't want to have sex with her, but because it would violate his master's trust and be a sin against the God Yahweh. Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. In the same way, Joseph had complete control over everything in Potiphars household - except for one thing, Potiphars wife. Who Is Potiphar? - Mesu Andrews 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. When Joseph was imprisoned based on Mrs. Potiphars accusations, apparently, it was more like Daniel being thrown in the lions den (Daniel 6). She grabbed hold of his coat, but he managed to get away from her. We dont want to grieve Gods heart; we dont want to lose his favor and empowerment to serve others. Jacob was broken-hearted to lose his favorite son. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. 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. 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. Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? I would put a piece of cheese in this trap - the smellier the better! Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish historian, once wrote, Adversity is hard on a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.4 Promotion and success open doors to more temptation: The more successful people become, the less they have others looking over their shoulders; the more freedoms and perks they receive, the more temptation they experience to abuse their power. Say: Mrs. Potiphar would not give up. Some Bible translations (such as NIrV) are very explicit in the wording of her offer. Solomon said this to his son about avoiding the temptation of adultery: Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes? Potiphars wife is one of 42 nameless women in the Bible, according to Lindsay Hardin Freeman in her book Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter. Potiphar's Wife - Women In The Scriptures More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! When it reached a crescendo he fled youthful lust (2 Timothy 2:22). Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement]. God was in Canaan with Jacob and in Egypt with Joseph at the same time. Homosexuality is not an abomination like Scripture says. Finally, while Joseph was imprisoned, God showed him great kindness. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness. Obviously, Potiphars wife wasnt used to being rejected and wouldnt take no for an answer. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. Do you stand out as different among the ungodly? Lets read to find out: While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. His integrity was preparing him for further exaltationto be second in command over Egypt. 1S2-38: Only About Fifty Percent Of The New Testament Is God-Breathed. She was used to getting her way, and she kept flirting with Joseph. Potiphar's wife and her interactions with Joseph provide one of the most dramatic stories in the early Old Testament. We call this omni-present. How can we conquer temptation? 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. Thomas Nelson. - Genesis 39:19b-20a. We have Gods written Word! Thats what Israel didcausing them to miss Gods blessing in their trial and instead experience his wrath. 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." Hand Me Another Brick (p. 98). To give in to Potiphars wife would have ruined his relationships with Potiphar and God. This is a discipline that we must always practice whenever we are tempted: we must seriously consider the consequences. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. Her husband believes her. Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. Genesis - NIV Application Commentary by John Walton. Potiphar's wife - Wikipedia 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. Wives often were lonely, and some sought the love they lacked outside of the marriage. It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. He was exalted in Potiphars house, and even after he became a prisoner, he was exalted again. 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. Say: Joseph had grown up in the land that God had promised to his great-grandfather, Abraham. 39. From the Penthouse to the Prison (Genesis 39:1-23) 32-2: As Jacob faced Esau, so too must we reconcile with our past, 32-1: Jacob meets angels on his departure from and to the Promised Land, 31-5: Jacob and Laban enter into a peace treaty with each other, 31-4: Ideas of ritual impurity were prevalent 500 years before Moses, 31-3: God can and does speak to unbelievers, 31-2: The importance of the family gods in Mesopotamian tradition, 31-1: As Jacob separated from Laban, so must we separate from certain people in our lives, 1S4-9: Minus Gods Presence, The Ark Was Nothing But An Elaborate And Pricey Wooden Box, 1S4-3: The Danger Of Not Cutting Out Ungodly People & Things From Our Lives. Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. According to the Book of Genesis, she falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape after he rejected her sexual advances, resulting in his imprisonment. Potiphar puts him in charge of his household and entrusts everything into his care. So he put Joseph in prison. It says, Pharaoh was enraged with his two officials, the cupbearer and the baker, so he imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard in the same facility where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard was probably still Potiphar. 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. If Potiphar's daughter is now marrying Joseph, Potiphar will be forced to support him. How then could I do this most wicked thing and sin before God?" Either Potiphar was singularly lenient, or, as is perhaps more probable, he did not quite believe his wife's story, and thought it best to hush up a scandal. This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? 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 . 2. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) | Bible.org Men and women can overcome the temptation to be unfaithful to their partner and God. 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. He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allh. Its OK! This is one of the ways Satan makes evil attractivehe rebrands it, like a great businessman. Therefore, in order to conquer temptation, we must trust God and what his Word says. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. Does that suggest anything about what was going through Potiphar's mind as he threw Joseph in "the prison where the king's prisoners were confined" (v.20)? God is working all things for our good and to make us into his Sons image (Rom 8:28-29). Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) | Imitate Their Faith - JW.ORG Verse 7. When he became successful, undoubtedly, he experienced temptations towards pride and independence from God. And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). Let it out! Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error." [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. He was faithful with littlePotiphar's housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. "My master has put me in charge," he told her. 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. What Satan means for bad, God is going to use for your good (cf. His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful. His goal is to distract you from the only real source of life. By Gods grace, Joseph did not become bitter, holding onto his anger as his brothers had done. With that said, Joseph was willing to pay the cost for maintaining his integrityeven if it meant imprisonment. If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. If not, you will eventually succumb to temptation and reap the consequences of it. And Joseph was of beautiful form, and fair to look upon. Soon after these things, his masters wife took notice of Joseph and said, Have sex with me.. Because God had a plan! 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. How is it that no one spots Potiphar's wife's lie? This is, of course, Potiphar's household. Did they have children? We all know how this works. 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. All rights reserved. What Can Christians Learn From John Donne? Consequently, Potiphar's wife would have been a woman of significant . 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. Potiphar and His Wife Desire Joseph - TheTorah.com What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? Who Was Potiphar in the Bible? - Learn Religions Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . It would devastate my wife. So Potiphar was pleased with Joseph. The astrological calculations however were slightly off. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. The warden put all the prisoners under Josephs care. - Genesis 39:3-6a. Therefore, Potiphar was Pharaohs chief executioner.2 In all likelihood, he had a very decorated military resume and was a rough, no-nonsense guy. But Joseph refused to spend any time with her. Israel was tempted in the wilderness. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? If they were weaker, willing to flee, they would be more successful. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). But this wasnt true of Joseph. The text says that Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned. Say: Josephs brothers held on to their anger and bitterness. ), 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. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Paul relied on Gods grace to bring him strength and contentment in the most trying of circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." He makes his lies sound really good. He experienced sexual temptation from his masters wife, which is the major temptation in this narrative. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). Satan even tried to tempt Jesus to step outside of Gods perfect will (Matthew 4:1-11). 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. First Corinthians 10:13 implies that we all will experience temptation and, at the same time, be provided a way of escape. Its terrible calamity had transformed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous, and self-possessed. 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. Ask: Who was with Joseph? 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. When they dont know the true God, they make up their own idea of what God must be. Some dont want to get skipped over for promotion or shunned at their workplace, so they compromise with their peers. You can even get angry at God! God blessed him and Potiphar could tell a distinct difference between Joseph and all those around him. 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. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. Some members of my church might never return to church again. Potiphars wife may have been attractive, but her interactions with Joseph were not lovely. The Bible does not report 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. All rights reserved. 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. Its a very basic principle, which the New Testament teaches as well: The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much (Lk 16:10). She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Joseph already has a strong character before Potiphars wife watches him working outside the palace through the gauze curtains of her jasmine-scented chambers. Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? Potiphar's response was predictable. A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. Were creatures with needssleep, food, sex. (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12, 14). Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Historical documents tell us that the bodyguards were Pharaohs executioners. 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. Genesis 39:7 and after some time his master's wife cast her eyes upon Potiphar - Wikipedia He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. Others might turn away from Christ altogether. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. 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. We have a longing for justice, because we are created in the image of a perfectly just God (Deuteronomy 32:4). 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. What Does the Bible Tell Us about the Prophet Daniel? Joseph refuses, using a word that suggests the decision is difficult. And thus We reward the doers of good. However, what we see is that God was with Joseph. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. Ask: Who can tell me why they were so jealous? Then she called Potiphar and, by implication, blamed him. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). How My Definition of Success Has Changed - ibelieve.com The mouse is caught. Whats the big deal?!. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? The cheese has to smell so good to the mouse that it will distract it from the good food in my kitchen. Joseph clung to God and he was even blessed in prison! He didn't have Joseph killed. 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. He didnt stand a chance in defending himself against Potiphars wife, however. Saul fell when success came, and so did David and Solomon. His entire life, he only worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Say: When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to a man named Potiphar who was the captain of the guards at Pharaohs palace. Also, youll save lots of money! Satan always contradicts Gods will for our lives and tries to convince us that succumbing to temptation is better than following Gods way. A slave, a Hebrew slave no less, had attempted to violate his wife. Application Question: In what ways have you seen people change negatively when they gain success or are put into authority positions? Note to Teacher: The apostle Paul, who suffered greatly for the gospel, opened each of his epistles with the words, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. For Paul, Gods grace was inseparable from peace. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. Their jealousy grew and grew until some of them wanted to kill Joseph. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). With success, comes more temptations, and therefore we must be even more disciplined if God allows those opportunities. He learned the Egyptian language and customs. Often, they combined things such as a mans body with a hawks head, and worshipped it. Grabbing hold of his garment, she made her plea one last time: "Lie down with me!" Joseph acted . And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. But God was with Joseph in everything he did. 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. Potiphars wife makes a go of seducing this handsome young servant but is unsuccessful in leading Joseph astray. When he refused, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 461). God used this humbling circumstance as a boot campmeant to discipline and train Joseph. Yet Potiphars wife cannot ruin Josephs life because God is with him. Application Question: Why is it so important to flee temptation instead of trying to faithfully endure it? - Genesis 39:1-2. She called all the servants togetherdeclaring that the Hebrew that Potiphar brought to them came to humiliate them (v. 14). Gods grace made Joseph want to obey God. 7, 8), or , "his wife" (v. 19). In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. It would seem that his judgment should have been swift and brutal if, indeed, Joseph had sexually assaulted her. "There are several important morals to the story of Joseph, and many types for our day. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. We also know that Potiphar was smart enough to recognize a good thing when he saw it. Gods grace gives you strength, peace, and even joy, in any situation (Romans 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:9). This seems so unfair! Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. Their father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than all the brothers, Jacob gave him a fancy coat, and Joseph dreamed that his brothers would bow down to him one day. Interpretation Question: Did Potiphar believe his wifes accusations? The Lord! 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.