Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. An Egyptian named Potiphar had bought him from the Ishmaelite traders who had taken him there. Sometimes, the evilness of sin is lowered by calling it a disease. (1) When it says, he became furious (v. 19), it does not say that he became furious at Joseph. We have a longing for justice, because we are created in the image of a perfectly just God (Deuteronomy 32:4). Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? . Say: Here is a mouse trap. For Rumi, Zuleikha's obsession with Joseph is a symptom and manifestation of the soul's great deep longing for God. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?, When invited by Mrs. Potiphar into an adulterous relationship, Joseph called it a great evil and sin against God (v. 9b)? He owns many slaves. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." Potiphar is the only Egyptian of status who would harbor a grudge against Joseph, given their prior history. This was preparing him to lead all of Egypt. That would suppress who you really are! So how could I do an evil thing like that? So I need to distract it. Josephs personal integrity was impeccable in all areasnot just when it came to sexual purity. He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). 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. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. She called all the servants togetherdeclaring that the Hebrew that Potiphar brought to them came to humiliate them (v. 14). The Bible says that there is only one true God. How can we conquer temptation? Obviously, Potiphars wife wasnt used to being rejected and wouldnt take no for an answer. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: Adam and Eve did not trust that Gods plan was best for them. When people look at the world around them, they can tell that there is a powerful God who created everything (Romans 1:20). He learned the Egyptian language and customs. If I have a mouse on the loose in my house, I want to keep it out of the good supply of food in my kitchen. 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. Whats the big deal?!. E39-2: What was the purpose of the bells attached to the hem of the High Priest's robe? Finally, while Joseph was imprisoned, God showed him great kindness. The Big Lie Joseph on a daily basis was around Potiphar's wife as he did his business, and he paid no attention to her in any adulterous way. There is circumstantial evidence within the text that Potiphar didnt completely believe his wife. He gave him great success. However, Christ says to be angry is morally equivalent to murder (Matt 5:21-22)! Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin? There is no other God except Me.. Say: But, Here comes trouble. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. She attempted to sexually assault Joseph who, as a slave, could never have truly consented. We are not to entertain sin through the radio or TVdeclaring how strong we are and how it doesnt affect us. All rights reserved. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." He didnt realize that Mrs. Potiphar was alone in the house. Potiphar's wife is never named in the biblical passagemerely referred to as , "wife of his [Joseph's] master" (vv. To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. For this, he insists, it is true of any person's deep love for another. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. All rights reserved worldwide. The man who ran the prison didn't pay attention to anything that was in Joseph's care. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? How has God called you to at times pay a price for following God? This is where many succumb to temptation. Gods plans, though mysterious and unpredictable, are always good. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, Stay away from every form of evil. Christ taught that if our eye offends us, to pluck it out, if our hand offends us, to cut it off, and if our foot offends us, to do the same (Matt 5:29-30, Matt 18:8-9). From that time on, the Lord blessed Potiphar's family and servants because of Joseph. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). In his classic work All the Women of the Bible, Herbert Lockyer lists twice that many nameless women (many of them are groups of women, such as Solomons 300 wives). In this very difficult time, God poured out grace on Joseph that was like a big warm hug. Say: Joseph didnt know anyone in this new country. - Genesis 39:3-6a. Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. God is with you. But he said no. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. 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 ). It is meant to develop righteousness in us and give us more peace, regardless of our circumstances. Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. 63 And whilst they were smiting him, Joseph called out with a loud . You can even get angry at God! There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) Even though Satan is powerful, God is immeasurably more powerful. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. 1. p. 392, ed. [citation needed], Muslim scriptural commentators (Mufassirun) have regarded Zuleikha as a sinner and villainess with the exceptions of the great Muslim mystic poets Rumi, Hafiz and Jami. Its normal. How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? Why it is so easy to compartmentalizeto say something like being unfaithful in schoolwork or taxes wont affect my faithfulness in bigger things, like marriage? - Genesis 39:20b-23. This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Another principle about conquering temptation that we can discern is the need to practice integrity in all areas of life. His integrity was preparing him for further exaltationto be second in command over Egypt. So Potiphar told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. Even though Joseph had to suffer a cost for being holybeing put in prisonGod was with him in the prison and blessed him. When the mouse would come out at night looking for food, it would smell the stinky cheese. Its OK! This is one of the ways Satan makes evil attractivehe rebrands it, like a great businessman. - Genesis 39:21 a NLT Props: A mousetrap, cheese Background/Review If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. His big brothers were very jealous of him. How has God used seemingly bad thingslike trials and temptationsfor your good? The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. It says, The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be their attendant, and he served them. Why would Potiphar entrust Joseph with anything again if he had broken the ultimate trusttrying to rape his wife? Daniel was suddenly the Bible's most eligible bachelor, and he got a fictional wife in Of Fire and Lions. But God was with Joseph in everything he did. No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. If one doesnt recognize how heinous something is, he or she wont desperately work to get rid of it. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. Unless otherwise noted the Scriptures taken from: Holy Bible, New International Readers Version, (NIrV). What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Promiscuity is natural. And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled out.' Instead, they sold him as a slave to some traders that were passing by. Say: When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to a man named Potiphar who was the captain of the guards at Pharaohs palace. We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In your hardest times, God will not leave you. We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. No one in this house is in a higher position than I am. Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. 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. The fact that he cast Joseph into a prison that he operated from home (40:3-4) indicates that he really didn't believe her tale. Joseph just needed to trust them. Verse 7. Its not normal to forbid yourself these basic needs, they say. Your email address will not be published. The Lord is the one and only God., In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, Look! Soon after these things, his masters wife took notice of Joseph and said, Have sex with me.. SNAP! One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house. Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. The circumstantial evidence seems to point to the fact that Potiphar believed Joseph was righteousthough he had to punish him in some manner. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 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. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). If Potiphar's daughter is now marrying Joseph, Potiphar will be forced to support him. One day she asked him to act like her boyfriend! 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. It wasnt long before sin came knocking at Josephs door. From what I have seen among a few commentaries, there seems to be a concensus among Ramba"n, Ibn Ezra and some others that Potiphar did not believe his wife, completely. Gods grace gives you strength, peace, and even joy, in any situation (Romans 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:9). What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? He blessed everything Potiphar had in his house and field. 1S2-38: Only About Fifty Percent Of The New Testament Is God-Breathed. If we are going to conquer temptation, we must especially guard ourselves in times of promotion or success. The Egyptians saw things that God made such as the sun, the moon, and animals, and believed that these amazing things must be gods. Potiphar's response was predictable. God used this humbling circumstance as a boot campmeant to discipline and train Joseph. 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. We all know how this works. Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. Joseph was doing an excellent job in Egypt, but not through his own strength. We call this omni-present. King Solomon's Story in the BibleWho Was Lot's Wife in the Bible?Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?Who Was the Prodigal Son? Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife's advances, not yielding to temptation day after day. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. After being wrongly imprisoned, it is very possible that he was tempted towards hopelessness and despair. Say: Josephs brothers held on to their anger and bitterness. It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. He was faithful with littlePotiphar's housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. Eight times Yahweh is mentioned in this chapter. 40-3: Two similar dreams with two totally different outcomes! Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. Sin drastically affects us and others around us. Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. Lets face it; there is enough food in my kitchen to keep that mouse fat and happy for his entire life. I dont see a happy, older woman. We dont want to grieve Gods heart; we dont want to lose his favor and empowerment to serve others. First Corinthians 10:13 implies that we all will experience temptation and, at the same time, be provided a way of escape. The Quran narrates the wife of Azizs treatment of Yusuf as follows: And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. Jodi has a passion for Biblical ac More. Application Question: If Satan is always tempting us to not trust God so that well fall into sin, how can we increase our faith in God to stand? Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. Kindle Edition. He made him his attendant. 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 used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. Potiphar's wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), The Bible Teachers Guide, Joseph: Trusting In Gods Sovereignty And Goodness, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Submit to Gods Discipline Instead of Becoming Bitter at It, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Practice Integrity in All Areas of Life, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Especially Guard Ourselves in Times of Success, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Seriously Consider the Consequences, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Recognize How Evil Sin Is, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Avoid It Persistently, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Be Willing to Pay the Cost, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Trust that Gods Plans Are Better. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. Some dont want to get skipped over for promotion or shunned at their workplace, so they compromise with their peers. No matter where Joseph ends up, he flourishes personally and carries out Gods plan. She said, "That is the one about whom you blamed me. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. As he ran out, she held onto his coat. 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. He oversees other prisoners and interprets their dreams and the prophetic dream of the king of Egypt. 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. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. Hebrews 4:16 says, So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Thats what Israel didcausing them to miss Gods blessing in their trial and instead experience his wrath. What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allh! When things were bad, God moved in a special way in his life, even if Joseph was unaware of it. Having a wife was primarily for providing an heir and overseeing the household. 40-1: Was Joseph really kept in a "prison"? What Does the Bible Tell Us about the Prophet Daniel? 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. In a story found in the Quran and Ginzbergs book, Zuleika invites her aristocratic friends over to the palace to see her handsome Hebrew slave. 35-1: How ancient Israel's understanding of God's nature differs from modern believers, 34-4: Jacob fails to exercise proper authority in his home, 34-3: Simeon and Levi avenge the rape of Dinah, 34-2: King Hamor meets Jacob to make amends for his son's crime. 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 ). It will be fun! Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt. 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. If he had . 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. She said Yosef was doing these things to me. Joseph's master saw that the Lord was with him. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. By Gods grace, Joseph did not become bitter, holding onto his anger as his brothers had done. Say: Joseph wasnt alone because God was with Him. Say: When we left our story, Joseph was in a heap of trouble. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. The Bible says, They traded the truth about God for a lie. 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. You are his wife. But this wasnt true of Joseph. Essentially, he taught that we need to be drastic in order to be holy. Therefore, in order to conquer temptation, we must trust God and what his Word says. The Lord was with Joseph. How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) Related Media Lesson PPT TITLE Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. Deep down, we want things to be fair. For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Potiphar%27s_wife&oldid=1143418407, This page was last edited on 7 March 2023, at 16:09.
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