Genesis 39:1-23

39:1 | This verse frames Judah’s story in the previous chapter and picks up the account of Joseph from 37:36. While Judah, a free man, betrayed his family and disobeyed the Lord, his younger brother Joseph, a slave in a foreign nation (Egypt), showed great faith and righteousness.

39:2 | Although Joseph was physically alone, the LORD was with Joseph - a statement repeated twice in this chapter (39:21, 23). Because of this support, Joseph not only endured but prospered. The same is true for all God’s servants, no matter their cirucumstances. Fellowship with the Lord means freedom from fear and loneliness (Isa. 43:1-2; Matt. 28:20).

39:3-4 | When Joseph’s master saw the LORD was with him, it revealed that Joseph both glorified God and pleased Potiphar - fulfilling the divine promise that Abraham’s descendants would bless others (12:2; 39:5). Consequently, Potiphar made Joseph overseer of his house, an enormous honor.

39:7-10 | Joseph apparently, had his mother’s attractive features (form and appearance; 29:17). Unfortunately, his handsomeness was a scourge in this situation. Even though Potiphar’s wife pressured Joseph day by day, he did not give in because he knew how much he owed his master and that all sin is ultimately against God (Ps. 51:4).

39:10-18 | Jospeph’s rejection angered Potiphar’s wife so much that she conspired to destroy him. Death, rather than imprisonment, was more in keeping with the (false) charge of rape against Joseph. Because Potiphar was captain of the guard, he could have demanded Joseph’s execution. Instead, he put him into prison.

39:21-23 | God’s support of Joseph did not cease even in prison (Ps. 139:7-12); even there he was given a trusted position of oversight. Yet Joseph understood he was not the architect of his success. He worked hard and obeyed the Lord, but God did all the rest (Ex. 11:3; Ps. 1:3; Rom. 8:38-39).