Say: Josephs brothers held on to their anger and bitterness. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. - Genesis 39:21 a NLT Props: A mousetrap, cheese Background/Review How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' We must do whatever it takes to be holy. There is circumstantial evidence within the text that Potiphar didnt completely believe his wife. 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. Related Topics: Christian Life, Temptation, Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. And thus We reward the doers of good. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said: 'Lie with me.' Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. How could I sin against God?" Everything that Joseph did prospered. 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. He essentially said, God is lying to you. When successful, well need greater accountabilitypeople to speak into our lives and hold us accountable. 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 stand out as different among the ungodly? 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. In this section of Josephs narrative, he experiences major temptations: He was tempted to be upset and bitter at his circumstance of being sold into slavery. What Can Christians Learn From John Donne? Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. 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. In order to cover up for herself, accused of trying to commit . Remaining nameless might be something this devious woman desired! 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. Joseph, we remember, is the future leader and current visionary of the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt. Marriage was not about love and monogamy. How is your integrity? When they dont know the true God, they make up their own idea of what God must be. According to Liz Higgins Curtis inBad Girls of the Bible, the name Zuleika means fair, brilliant, and lovely in Arabic. Genesis (Ge 39:1). Do you think that this situation was out of Gods control? Ask: How many of you made a craft today? 36-1: Esau and Edom are one and the same! Joseph was doing an excellent job in Egypt, but not through his own strength. So I need to distract it. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. Even while in prison, Joseph continues to rise to prominence. It would devastate my wife. One of these is the Hebrew Joseph, who had been placed in control of Potiphar's large estate and household. He told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. He trusts me to take care of everything he owns. Were creatures with needssleep, food, sex. Application Question: Why is it important to see God as sovereign over trials and temptations in order to be faithful in them (cf. We all know how this works. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. 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. It is unfair that Joseph did the right thing, yet he was sent to prison! From that time on, the Lord blessed Potiphar's family and servants because of Joseph. Potiphars wife could have learned a lesson from her encounter with Joseph and gained a name and a new character in her future. He was learning administrative skills, as he led all of Potiphars household. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? His goal is to distract you from the only real source of life. Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Israel, listen to me. Thomas Nelson. Q. God wants you to believe Him - to TRUST HIM - and live! The Egyptians saw things that God made such as the sun, the moon, and animals, and believed that these amazing things must be gods. Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . 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. Adam and Eve did not trust that Gods plan was best for them. Thinking of its consequences will help us stand against temptation. Are you submitting to Gods discipline? An Egyptian named Potiphar had bought him from the Ishmaelite traders who had taken him there. 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. Say: When we left our story, Joseph was in a heap of trouble. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! (Romans 1:25 NLT). 27-4: Who are the descendants of Esau today? Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. He was the captain of the palace guard. One day, Joseph went to the house to take care of his duties. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. The man who ran the prison didn't pay attention to anything that was in Joseph's care. Two credible sources, the Quran and Louis Ginzbergs study Legends of the Jews, name Potiphars wife Zuleika, which sounds like a wily woman. And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. Paul relied on Gods grace to bring him strength and contentment in the most trying of circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). 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. 33. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. The Lord! (Genesis 50:20). Adam and Eve were tempted in the garden. How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? Q. How has God used seemingly bad thingslike trials and temptationsfor your good? So Potiphar was pleased with Joseph. Potiphars wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. Josephs personal integrity was impeccable in all areasnot just when it came to sexual purity. 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. Unless otherwise noted the Scriptures taken from: Holy Bible, New International Readers Version, (NIrV). There is nowhere you can go where God cannot go with you (Psalm 139:7-12). Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. In this very difficult time, God poured out grace on Joseph that was like a big warm hug. The warden put all the prisoners under Josephs care. But Joseph was not alone! He was loyal to the people who had been kind to him. Egyptian women in the ancient world were especially known for immorality and loose morals (even married women).6 Mrs. Potiphar probably said, There is nothing wrong with this! If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. Ask: Who can tell me why they were so jealous? (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. However, Christ says to be angry is morally equivalent to murder (Matt 5:21-22)! (For the sharpest Bible students only! Plus, my husband has many other women! Facts About Her: She was the wife of Potiphar who was the, "officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard" (Gen. 39:1); After Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his entire household she saw that Joseph was "a goodly person, and well favored", meaning that he was talented and good looking. Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible copyright 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible. 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 ). The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39 contains some obvious lessons about fidelity in the face of sexual temptation, and there are also some subtler points to be found about the loyal character of God. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. Interpretation Question: Did Potiphar believe his wifes accusations? Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt. All rights reserved. Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. Its normal. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. Her actions, driven by uncontrolled desires and a need for control, led to Joseph's imprisonment and ultimately to the fulfillment of God's plan for his life. How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? His big brothers were very jealous of him. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. Kindle Edition. It can no longer get to the real food supply, and I can do whatever I want with the mouse. (2) The consequence for adultery would normally be execution. But this wasnt true of Joseph. Hand Me Another Brick (p. 98). 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 ). His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful. He refused to even be around her. 32-3: Who was the "man" that Jacob wrestled? 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?. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Although we LOVE for teachers to read from their Bibles, and for children to read along in theirs, in this case, it is best to paraphrase her words, and not read directly from the scripture. It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. 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. The president. Log in. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Gen 50:20, Rom 8:28). Verse 7. She said Yosef was doing these things to me. Another principle about conquering temptation that we can discern is the need to practice integrity in all areas of life. You have a disease! We call this omni-present. If we dont hate it, then it will linger in our lives. Potiphar may also be protecting his ego by not admitting his wife strayed from him. Grabbing hold of his garment, she made her plea one last time: "Lie down with me!" Joseph acted . Gods blessing over his child, Joseph, is an important reality that we must consider when being tempted. When it reached a crescendo he fled youthful lust (2 Timothy 2:22). Potiphar's wife and her interactions with Joseph provide one of the most dramatic stories in the early Old Testament. 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. 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. When you face temptation, abide in God. She knew that Joseph would have to come inside in order to do his work. No doubt, she not only spoke but probably tried to tempt him by wearing revealing clothing and alluring perfume. Here in a cold prison, God continued to use Joseph. [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. Historical documents tell us that the bodyguards were Pharaohs executioners. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Because God had a plan! He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allh. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. The answer is actually quite logical. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Hebrews 4:16 says, So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. However, the account of Joseph and Potiphar changes when Potiphar's wife asked Joseph to sleep with her. And Pharaohs most important official chose Joseph to be his slave. 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). He gave him favor with the prison warden. One of the best ways to do this is by giving thanks in all circumstances (including bad ones) for this is Gods will for our lives (1 Thess 5:18; cf. This is, of course, Potiphar's household. We may not have clear, predictive dreams from God, but we do have a clearer word than Joseph had. Its the strong who are weak and the weak who are strong. And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. By complaining instead of praising God, they are really saying that they dont trust God, that he is not in control, or that he doesnt know what he is doing. The Bible does not state that Joseph even tried to defend himself by telling the truth. Your email address will not be published. He was exalted in Potiphars house, and even after he became a prisoner, he was exalted again. Do you think Joseph will be all alone this time? 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). We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. Joseph ran awayleaving his outer garment in her hand. 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. 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. 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. A slave, a Hebrew slave no less, had attempted to violate his wife. The story of Potiphar's wife has 3 parts: 1 We are in the household of a rich Egyptian man, Potiphar. If one doesnt recognize how heinous something is, he or she wont desperately work to get rid of it. Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. Deep down, we want things to be fair. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! But the Torah gives us Joseph's own explanation in his response to his master's wife: "He [Potiphar] wields no more authority in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except yourself, since you are his wife. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. 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. 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 Swindoll, Charles R. Joseph (p. 24). 34-1: Dinah, a daughter of Israel, is raped by a Canaanite! What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. With that said, Joseph was willing to pay the cost for maintaining his integrityeven if it meant imprisonment. Application Question: What are some other principles that will help us conquer temptation? Do you realize your trials and temptations are just ways God is preparing you for more? Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? And I certainly sought to seduce him, but he firmly refused; and if he will not do what I order him, he will surely be imprisoned and will be of those debased." Yahweh is only mentioned one other time in the rest of Genesis3, which shows how active God was in this part of Josephs life. We are not to entertain sin through the radio or TVdeclaring how strong we are and how it doesnt affect us. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. 40-2: The importance of dreams in ancient Egypt. He trusted Joseph and he no longer worried about running his home. Say: Joseph didnt know anyone in this new country. Joseph refuses, using a word that suggests the decision is difficult. And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. This is what she said to him: That Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me, but when I raised my voice and screamed, he left his outer garment and ran outside. When his master heard his wife say, This is the way your slave treated me, he became furious. 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: Its meant to be celebrated! Are you willing to trust what God says about your trialsthat he is using them for good? Spurgeon said this: When I regarded God as a tyrant, I thought sin a trifle; but when I knew him to be my father, then I mourned that I could ever have kicked against him. Well need to guard our family moregreater responsibility and popularity means well have to say no more often, in order to spend time with our family. And it came to pass on a certain day, when he went into the house to do his work, and there was none of the men of the house there within, that she caught him by his garment, saying: 'Lie with me.' How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. Youre a handsome guy! With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. Christ was tempted, and well be tempted as well. Finally, in Genesis 40:4, Potiphar entrusted Pharaohs prisoners to Josephs care. What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? So Potiphar told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. We have a longing for justice, because we are created in the image of a perfectly just God (Deuteronomy 32:4). 6 Guzik, D. (2013). Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. They were having relations. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). 7, 8), or , "his wife" (v. 19). He defines Gods discipline as hardship. He doesnt even qualify whether the hardship is from the devil, humans, or God himself. Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. The astrological calculations however were slightly off. We are called to flee it, like Joseph. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. Potiphar puts him in charge of his household and entrusts everything into his care. As he ran out, she held onto his coat. Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. Did they have children? 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. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be 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. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. 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. Thank God, He sees people differently from how we see people. Their jealousy grew and grew until some of them wanted to kill Joseph. God gave Joseph the peace and strength that he needed in prison. She attempted to sexually assault Joseph who, as a slave, could never have truly consented. 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? Say: The most important man in Egypt was Pharaoh. ), 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. For Rumi, Zuleikha's obsession with Joseph is a symptom and manifestation of the soul's great deep longing for God. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Potiphar's wife has no children and does not seem to love her husband. Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? Say: Here is a mouse trap. This is repeated four times in verses 4 to 6 for emphasis. He was in the midst of idolatry. Zuleikha then reminded her friends that she had to see Joseph every day. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. In Genesis 39, we read the Hallmark Channel-worthy story of Potiphars wife making an attempt to seduce Joseph. Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors?
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