Genesis 39 "Joseph in Potiphar's House"

Genesis 39:1 "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 Ishmeelities, which had brought him down thither."

We now make a notable transition. We have followed Abraham from Ur and Issac living in Canaan, then Jacob's wondering and return to Canaan. Jacob's name was changed to Israel and he now has 12 sons and one daughter.

Joseph has become the center of the story. His brothers have sold him, to a traveling caravan, who in turn sold him to Potiphar. Joseph is 17 years old at this time. He is a dreamer of dreams. One of them was that his brothers would bow down to him which is one reason he is now in Egypt.

Joseph was likable and a good manager. The Lord's hand was on him and what he did prospered. v2 "And the Lord was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian." Morever v3 "And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand."

So, Joseph is trusted so much that he apparently lives in his master's house or close by and is in charge to the point that his master v6 "...knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat."

Then Potiphar's wife made several passes at Joseph but he refused her. In anger, she presented the coat of many colors, Joseph left behind on his last escape from her, to her husband as evidence that Joseph had forced himself on her. The master believed her words and cast Joseph into prison.

Even in prison, Joseph won the favor of his keeper and was again put in charge. v23 "The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him(Joseph) and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."

Perhaps there are passages where some could not see the Lord working but this chapter is so obvious. Joseph is alone and young. He has been sold by his brothers and bought by a citizen of a foreign country. Yet he prospered. We can easily see how Joseph, at his young age, is being prepared for a great task ahead.

Proverbs 1:10 "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."