God wants you to believe Him - to TRUST HIM - and live! 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. Even when things got much worse, the Lord was with him. Thomas Nelson. Joseph was good looking. This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Judaism is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Finally, while Joseph was imprisoned, God showed him great kindness. Plus, my husband has many other women! If Joseph had been cheating in business matters, such as stealing money from Potiphar or lying about certain things under his care, it would have been a lot easier to have an affair with Mrs. Potiphar. 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. Its OK! This is one of the ways Satan makes evil attractivehe rebrands it, like a great businessman. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. So the man who was running the prison was pleased with Joseph. She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Israel, listen to me. Say: God did NOT abandon Joseph! 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?. He gave him great success. 63 And whilst they were smiting him, Joseph called out with a loud . The answer is actually quite logical. Her husband believes her. 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. 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. Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. What God does with people and how people react is unpredictable, though. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. Gods grace can turn any situation around. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" . He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. So it is with the one who has sex with his neighbors wife; no one who touches her will escape punishment A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom, whoever does it destroys his own life. Their father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than all the brothers, Jacob gave him a fancy coat, and Joseph dreamed that his brothers would bow down to him one day. Satan even tried to tempt Jesus to step outside of Gods perfect will (Matthew 4:1-11). The Bible does not state that Joseph even tried to defend himself by telling the truth. A former high school English teacher and editor, she works on writing projects from her home in West Michigan, where she enjoys woods, water, pets, and family. He makes his lies sound really good. He was the captain of the palace guard. 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. This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Islam is a stub. Thinking of its consequences will help us stand against temptation. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Joseph lived in Potiphar's house. All rights reserved worldwide. Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Jodi has over 20 years experience teaching children in large and small group settings. 40-3: Two similar dreams with two totally different outcomes! Joseph says in Genesis 39:9: No one is greater in this house than I am. There is no one greater in this household than I am. Marriage was not about love and monogamy. 2007BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. What Does the Bible Tell Us about the Prophet Daniel? If Potiphar and the status quo look upon his wife as a piece of good-looking livestock, the people in Egypt may not be dismayed at Josephs actions. 25. (Genesis 50:20). Are you submitting to Gods discipline? Verse 7. Though the young womans royal father wants his daughter to marry the Egyptian pharaoh, she is given in marriage to the captain of the pharaohs bodyguard, chief executioner Potiphar. Instead of being bitter and upset, Joseph submitted to God and trusted him in the midst of his trial. Then she called Potiphar and, by implication, blamed him. Are you willing to trust what God says about your trialsthat he is using them for good? She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. 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. We may not have clear, predictive dreams from God, but we do have a clearer word than Joseph had. It is meant to mature us for our calling, as James said, and thats exactly what God was doing with Joseph. We are not to entertain sin through the radio or TVdeclaring how strong we are and how it doesnt affect us. Potiphar's wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. So Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care; he gave no thought to anything except the food he ate. 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. This is, of course, Potiphar's household. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. When you truly live a God-centered life, those around you will be able to tell that you are different (Philippians 2:15). Also, Hebrews 12:5b-7 and 11 says. While Andrews novel is a work of fiction, Potiphars wife was very likely a neglected, lonely, and unhappy trophy wife. Joseph, ignore this. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. Potiphars wife makes a go of seducing this handsome young servant but is unsuccessful in leading Joseph astray. But Joseph refused to spend any time with her. Potiphar's wife has no children and does not seem to love her husband. All rights reserved. When a person goes through trials, he or she can be tempted to become bitter, to turn away from God and others. He owns many slaves. Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. He essentially said, God is lying to you. 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. He oversees other prisoners and interprets their dreams and the prophetic dream of the king of Egypt. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. He was kind to him. He gave him favor with the prison warden. I imagine she rolled away from her husbands side, estranged from him by her deception. With that said, Joseph was willing to pay the cost for maintaining his integrityeven if it meant imprisonment. 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. According to monumental evidence (Wilkinson's ' Ancient Egyptians,' vol. And Pharaohs most important official chose Joseph to be his slave. Jacob was broken-hearted to lose his favorite son. The Bible (Genesis 39:5-20) narrates her treatment of Joseph, slave to her husband Potiphar: And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and, having him, he knew not aught save the bread which he did eat. When he did, she sprung her trap. Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society / Used by permission of IBS-STL. Well start to see how God used this terrible situation for good! Its OK to illegally downloadThe product shouldnt cost that much anyway! Its OK to cheat on taxesThe government is taking too much money as it is! When Christians do this, they are preparing themselves to be unfaithful in other areas of their lives. My master hasn't held anything back from me, except you. 40-5: Six ways Joseph's life foreshadows Yeshua in Genesis 40. Joseph flees from her advances, losing his cloak as he escapes her grip on him. How has God called you to at times pay a price for following God? 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: Now Joseph was in a new land with different smells, different tastes, different people, a different language, and different gods. Daniel was suddenly the Bible's most eligible bachelor, and he got a fictional wife in Of Fire and Lions. Historical documents tell us that the bodyguards were Pharaohs executioners. 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. He made him accountable for everything that was done there. 7 Hughes, R. K. (2004). ), 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. In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. Youre a handsome guy! Key Verse: But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. According to the Quran, her name is Zuleika. It is unfair that Joseph did the right thing, yet he was sent to prison! Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. Thomas Nelson. Thankfully, they didnt kill him. When Potiphars wife asked Joseph to sleep with her, he refused and gave two reasons for doing so: First, he talked about how his master trusted him and favored him, and second, he indicated that it would be a sin against God. funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . Joseph was a handsome young man, and he eventually caught the attention of Potiphar's wife. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. In the end, however, the situation ended badly for Joseph: The mouse is caught. This scenario doesnt seem likely if Potiphar believed his wifes accusations. L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? She called all the servants togetherdeclaring that the Hebrew that Potiphar brought to them came to humiliate them (v. 14). Adam and Eve could eat freely of every tree - except for one. Essentially, he taught that we need to be drastic in order to be holy. And a witness from her family testified, "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars. A slave, a Hebrew slave no less, had attempted to violate his wife. 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. Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. What does this story tell us about the character of Joseph? Most importantly, like Joseph, we must remember that participating in sin hurts God deeply. 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. Remaining nameless might be something this devious woman desired! Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife is also enamored with Joseph. 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 was married to a rich man and had class and wealth on her side. For example, he may offer you a scientific explanation for something that is against the Bible, or he may lead you to believe that you can run your own life without God. Im a great-looking older woman! He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. Its meant to be celebrated! Hebrews 4:16 says, So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. 32. Lets read to find out: While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. But he said no. That's a pretty sobering story. 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. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. When Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of laughing at or mocking her (39:14, 17), the verb she uses is one that appears ten times in Genesis but only twice elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. What Satan means for bad, God is going to use for your good (cf. Indeed, you were of the sinful." Potiphar withheld nothing from Joseph, except his wife. Satans desire is that we worship anything or everything - except the one true God. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? 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. 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. Potiphar's wife is never named in the biblical passagemerely referred to as , "wife of his [Joseph's] master" (vv. Are you preparing to conquer temptation by having integrity in all things or preparing to succumb to future temptations by small compromises? Jacob believed that a wild animal had killed Joseph. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. We can only guess what happened to her in the future. In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? Having a wife was primarily for providing an heir and overseeing the household. 2. 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. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). So how could I do an evil thing like that? The price could be loneliness, being made fun of, losing ones job, or even losing ones life. Remember that Satans lies are nothing more than stinky cheese! God gave him great leadership skills and other blessings. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. Its an alternative lifestyle. We learn a great deal from Josephs triumphant example, as he faced multiple temptations as a slave and later a prisoner in Potiphars house. You cant hold it in. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Potiphar's response was predictable. With success, comes more temptations, and therefore we must be even more disciplined if God allows those opportunities. Were creatures with needssleep, food, sex. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. How can we conquer temptation? E39-2: What was the purpose of the bells attached to the hem of the High Priest's robe? Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 461). The Bible does not report this. What should we do when we cant avoid it entirely? And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allh! When you face temptation, abide in God. . 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. Potiphar's wife appears to cut quite a figure in her important husband's life and the life of his steward, the Jewish people's leader Joseph. Similarly, if we are going to conquer temptation, we must intentionally and persistently avoid it as well. So I need to distract it. After Joseph rejected Potiphars wife, she didnt stop pursuing him. What can we learn from the account of Potiphars wife? (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. You are his wife. To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." He was faithful with littlePotiphars housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. The story of Potiphar's wife . Why did the most important official of the most important man in Egypt choose Joseph out of all the other slaves? 4 Swindoll, Charles (1998-12-03). These gifts of Joseph lead to his becoming governor of the land (Genesis 42:6) in Egypt and Gods leader of the Jewish people (Genesis 45:7-8). What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? The Bible says that there is only one true God. Application: You must be aware of Satans traps. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. She attempted to sexually assault Joseph who, as a slave, could never have truly consented. Let it out! 23. Mrs. Potiphar quickly went from humiliation to rageleading her to frame Joseph. How he ended up a slave in the household of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officers. Satan spends his days and nights setting traps to distract people from the truth (1 Peter 5:8). May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. Adam and Eve were tempted in the garden. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? He was loyal to the people who had been kind to him. One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house. All rights reserved worldwide. Their jealousy grew and grew until some of them wanted to kill Joseph. God was with Joseph when he was the only believer in Egypt, and He will be with you wherever you go. And again, Joseph is an important servant, but he isa slave without much clout. 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. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. 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. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. 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. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Say: But, Here comes trouble. Homosexuality is not an abomination like Scripture says. Everyone and everything in Potiphars home was blessed because of Josephs God-centered life. Because God had a plan! Oh, getting drunk and abusing your wife, thats not your fault! Soon after these things, his masters wife took notice of Joseph and said, Have sex with me.. (For the sharpest Bible students only! Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. Application Question: Why is it so important to flee temptation instead of trying to faithfully endure it? Potiphar is the only Egyptian of status who would harbor a grudge against Joseph, given their prior history. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 26. One day she asked him to act like her boyfriend! They worshipped a sun god, a moon god, a frog goddess, a fish goddess, a cow goddess, a beautiful cat goddess, the god of thunder, and hundreds more! Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. Do you realize your trials and temptations are just ways God is preparing you for more? It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. Potiphar's wife was not. Because Joseph submitted to God in the test and trusted Gods promises to him, he received Gods blessing. Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. However, the account of Joseph and Potiphar changes when Potiphar's wife asked Joseph to sleep with her. - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. 32-3: Who was the "man" that Jacob wrestled? Your email address will not be published. To give in to Potiphars wife would have ruined his relationships with Potiphar and God. If it means getting rid of the TV or cutting off the Wi-Fi in the house, so be it. There is no one greater in this household than I am. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. He was one of four men the Bible describes in this way, including Saul, David, and Absalom. 9. She used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. [15] She is deemed an extension of her husband's property and is thus subservient to "the . Actually, yes. Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin? 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? He didnt stand a chance in defending himself against Potiphars wife, however. 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. If not, you will eventually succumb to temptation and reap the consequences of it. Instead, they sold him as a slave to some traders that were passing by. Meanwhile, the traders who had bought Joseph traveled to Egypt. Remember that you are NEVER alone! Application Question: In what ways does the world and Satan aim to make sin more acceptable and less heinous? It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. Some Bible translations (such as NIrV) are very explicit in the wording of her offer. (Nobody promotes a bitter, whiny, solemn person! 3 Hughes, R. K. (2004). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. This is a discipline that we must always practice whenever we are tempted: we must seriously consider the consequences. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. They were having relations. 34-1: Dinah, a daughter of Israel, is raped by a Canaanite! 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. 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. His life was different; he was set apart from the ungodly. 1878; Hengstenbergs 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' 1:25; Kalisch, p. 631 . If they were weaker, willing to flee, they would be more successful. All rights reserved. 28. Not only was she declaring to the other slaves that Joseph was a threat, but she catered to their ethnic pride and fear of foreigners. I dont see a happy, older woman. Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? 34. First Corinthians 10:13 implies that we all will experience temptation and, at the same time, be provided a way of escape. And Joseph was of beautiful form, and fair to look upon. His big brothers were very jealous of him. "There are several important morals to the story of Joseph, and many types for our day. Jodi has a passion for Biblical ac More. Just the opposite, Joseph was content with all that God had blessed him with. Genesis 37:36 Now, I'm well aware that Potiphar's wife was discontent, but I don't believe Potiphar was a eunuch (as we normally think of its definition)! Christ was tempted, and well be tempted as well. Potiphar may also be protecting his ego by not admitting his wife strayed from him. After a while, Potiphars wife noticed Joseph. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The Lord was with Joseph. Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . They even treated their king, Pharaoh, as a god. He didnt realize that Mrs. Potiphar was alone in the house. 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. When people look at the world around them, they can tell that there is a powerful God who created everything (Romans 1:20). 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. QUESTION 5: Did Potiphar truly believe his wife's accusation of Joseph? 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 . The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. On the other hand, she 'cast her eyes' upon Joseph and pursued him - planning in her heart to seduce him. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). Thats what Israel didcausing them to miss Gods blessing in their trial and instead experience his wrath. His goal is to distract you from the only real source of life. It implies that Joseph had shown himself trustworthy, and therefore, Potiphar didnt have to worry about anything. 27. Even if you are reading a version with friendlier wording, children who are following along in their Bibles will come across wording that is not age-appropriate. Joseph clung to God and he was even blessed in prison! The text says that Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned. How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? 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. Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. Grabbing hold of his garment, she made her plea one last time: "Lie down with me!" Joseph acted .
St Dominic Medical Center Directory,
Which Material Is A Part Of Bedrock?,
Anthem Human Resources Email Address,
Tales Of Arise Romance Options,
Shooting In Pietermaritzburg Today,
Articles D
