Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. She grabbed him by his outer garment, saying, Have sex with me! But he left his outer garment in her hand and ran outside. While Andrews novel is a work of fiction, Potiphars wife was very likely a neglected, lonely, and unhappy trophy wife. [citation needed], Scholars such as Meir Sternberg (1985) characterise the woman's repetitive behaviour towards Joseph as sexual assault. In Legends of the Jews,the Egyptian housewives are so captivated by watching Joseph that they accidentally cut themselves while peeling oranges! Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. How is it that no one spots Potiphar's wife's lie? She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. He tried to have sex with me, but I screamed loudly. 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. He essentially said, God is lying to you. 4 Swindoll, Charles (1998-12-03). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! She mentions that Dr. Grove defended himself against attempted rape charges through the Potiphar vignette. It is very similar with Satan. His entire life, he only worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The man who ran the prison didn't pay attention to anything that was in Joseph's care. Lets face it; there is enough food in my kitchen to keep that mouse fat and happy for his entire life. Application Question: What are some other principles that will help us conquer temptation? His integrity was preparing him for further exaltationto be second in command over Egypt. Then she made up a big lie about him (John 8:44). We dont want to grieve Gods heart; we dont want to lose his favor and empowerment to serve others. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? 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. 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. When you truly live a God-centered life, those around you will be able to tell that you are different (Philippians 2:15). She used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. All rights reserved worldwide. In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? Potiphar's wife is never named in the biblical passagemerely referred to as , "wife of his [Joseph's] master" (vv. 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. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. Inviting her friends to her home, Zuleikha gave them all oranges and knives to slice them with. It says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. [3] Simultaneously, however, she abuses her position of power as the slave master's wife to coerce Joseph into sex, and to punish him for refusal. With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. 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. The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. Thankfully, they didnt kill him. He or she hurts the workplace instead of making it more productive.) Even though Joseph had to suffer a cost for being holybeing put in prisonGod was with him in the prison and blessed him. How can we conquer temptation? Joseph flees from her advances, losing his cloak as he escapes her grip on him. Did they have children? - Genesis 39:21 a NLT Props: A mousetrap, cheese Background/Review Genesis 39 Overview, Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Men and women can overcome the temptation to be unfaithful to their partner and God. Potiphar believes his high-pedigree wife and throws Joseph in prison. - Genesis 39:8-9. Her lust overrules any fear of punishment or social stigma she might endure due to seducing Joseph. . The warden put all the prisoners under Josephs care. All rights reserved. Potiphars wife may have been attractive, but her interactions with Joseph were not lovely. So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. There is no one greater in this household than I am. 31. [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'. 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. She grabbed hold of his coat, but he managed to get away from her. In what ways, have you, at times, compromised out of fear of the cost? Josephs master took him and threw him into the prison, the place where the kings prisoners were confined. When a person goes through trials, he or she can be tempted to become bitter, to turn away from God and others. How is your integrity? He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Asenath, her daughter (by adoption, in some accounts) became the wife of Joseph and therefore the wife of Potiphar begot grandchildren (not children) through Joseph. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. "My master has put me in charge," he told her. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. From that time on, the Lord blessed Potiphar's family and servants because of Joseph. 32. Potiphars wife appears to cut quite a figure in her important husbands life and the life of his steward, the Jewish peoples leader Joseph. Application: Ask: Have you ever felt like Joseph in Egypt? Log in. 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. 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)? What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? Therefore, we should consider all hardship as under the sovereign hand of Godused to train us. Zuleikha then reminded her friends that she had to see Joseph every day. is potiphar and potiphera the same person There is nowhere you can go where God cannot go with you (Psalm 139:7-12). It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. - And it came to pass after these things, - Joseph had by this time been nearly ten years in Potiphar's house (vide Genesis 41:46) - that his master s wife cast her eyes (lasciviously) upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. Potiphar's wife, though unnamed, played a significant role in Joseph's journey from favored son to powerful leader in Egypt. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity: How Did the Apostle Paul Die?Who are the Nicolaitans in Revelation?Who Was Deborah in the Bible?Who Was Moses in the Bible? It would devastate my wife. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Ultimately, all sin is against God. 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. Thomas Nelson. 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). On the other hand, she 'cast her eyes' upon Joseph and pursued him - planning in her heart to seduce him. The Quran narrates the wife of Azizs treatment of Yusuf as follows: And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? He was faithful with littlePotiphar's housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. Genesis 39 - Commentary by Rev. John Schultz He didn't have Joseph killed. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). The Hebrew word for "official" is the same that is used for eunuch. 27. No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. [] And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. It is also clear that Joseph was overseeing all the prisoners under the warden (Gen 39:22), not just Pharaohs special prisoners. When he refused, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. 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. What price do you have to pay in order to maintain holiness and conquer temptation? If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (2:11-12). My master hasn't held anything back from me, except you. Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. While they engaged in this task, Zuleikha had Joseph walk through the room. What God does not bless is Potiphars wifes pursuit of Joseph, even though she is much higher in social status than Joseph. We are not to entertain sin through the radio or TVdeclaring how strong we are and how it doesnt affect us. Gods grace can turn any situation around. She attempted to sleep with him many times, but Joseph continually refused. 7 Hughes, R. K. (2004). God was with Joseph when he was the only believer in Egypt, and He will be with you wherever you go. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. 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)? With success, comes more temptations, and therefore we must be even more disciplined if God allows those opportunities. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife from the Book of Jasher How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. Joseph, Potiphar's Wife, and the Dangers of Sexual Sin
