Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? 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. Sin is not the end game of temptationdestruction is. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. This seems so unfair! Joseph lived his life differently than all the Egyptians. [3] McKinlay (1995) noted that Potiphar's wife is treated as an object in his master's possession (Gen 39:89), and the reason Joseph refuses is not because he doesn't want to have sex with her, but because it would violate his master's trust and be a sin against the God Yahweh. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. When they go through hard times with family, work, school, or other relationships, they become bitter and constantly complain. So how could I do an evil thing like that? She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. The Bible says, They traded the truth about God for a lie. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. 39-3: Potiphar did NOT believe his wife's accusation about Joseph By richoka 5 Comments When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, "This is how your slave treated me," he burned with anger. 7, 8), or , "his wife" (v. 19). Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? All rights reserved. You cant hold it in. He trusts me to take care of everything he owns. When you truly live a God-centered life, those around you will be able to tell that you are different (Philippians 2:15). Their jealousy grew and grew until some of them wanted to kill Joseph. He made him his attendant. . How should Christians overcome this reprogramming? Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. The Quran narrates the wife of Azizs treatment of Yusuf as follows: And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. We learn a great deal from Josephs triumphant example, as he faced multiple temptations as a slave and later a prisoner in Potiphars house. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Do you follow God in everything you do? Q. He was exalted in Potiphars house, and even after he became a prisoner, he was exalted again. 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. How could I sin against God?" When Joseph was imprisoned based on Mrs. Potiphars accusations, apparently, it was more like Daniel being thrown in the lions den (Daniel 6). 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. It says, Pharaoh was enraged with his two officials, the cupbearer and the baker, so he imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard in the same facility where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard was probably still Potiphar. She mentions that Dr. Grove defended himself against attempted rape charges through the Potiphar vignette. Thomas Nelson. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. Therefore, Potiphar was Pharaohs chief executioner.2 In all likelihood, he had a very decorated military resume and was a rough, no-nonsense guy. Remember that Satans lies are nothing more than stinky cheese! 31. So he was there in the prison. 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. 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: The LORD was with Joseph. If we dont hate it, then it will linger in our lives. It wasnt long before sin came knocking at Josephs door. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. In Legends of the Jews,the Egyptian housewives are so captivated by watching Joseph that they accidentally cut themselves while peeling oranges! When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. This is exactly how the world and Satan promote sin: It is not a great evil! Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. When people look at the world around them, they can tell that there is a powerful God who created everything (Romans 1:20). Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. We may not have clear, predictive dreams from God, but we do have a clearer word than Joseph had. Application Question: In what ways does the world and Satan aim to make sin more acceptable and less heinous? When he refused, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. In Genesis 39, we read the Hallmark Channel-worthy story of Potiphars wife making an attempt to seduce Joseph. If we are going to conquer temptation, we must especially guard ourselves in times of promotion or success. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! (Romans 1:25 NLT). We call this omni-present. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. All rights reserved. If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. Did Potiphar believe his wife? Potiphar's wife is never named in the biblical passagemerely referred to as , "wife of his [Joseph's] master" (vv. Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife's advances, not yielding to temptation day after day. Application Question: What are some other principles that will help us conquer temptation? There is no one greater in this household than I am. He owns many slaves. On the other hand, she 'cast her eyes' upon Joseph and pursued him - planning in her heart to seduce him. He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. He makes his lies sound really good. This was preparing him to lead all of Egypt. How he ended up a slave in the household of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officers. 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). I would put a piece of cheese in this trap - the smellier the better! In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? As I went to search for some Advil, I stopped to ponder Potiphar's wife and Joseph. We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Are you giving thanks or becoming bitter? He experienced sexual temptation from his masters wife, which is the major temptation in this narrative. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. The president. He made him accountable for everything that was done there. He was afraid of Potiphar and wanted to stay pure before God. God gave him great leadership skills and other blessings. 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. Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. Its an alternative lifestyle. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? Potiphar trusted him, giving him charge over everything he owned. Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. It is clear that Joseph trusted God and wasnt bitter towards him, which would have hindered Gods blessings. (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? Josephs master took him and threw him into the prison, the place where the kings prisoners were confined. Genesis (Ge 39:1). Say: When we left our story, Joseph was in a heap of trouble. She lies to her husband, and when he throws Joseph in prison, she probably imagines it will be the end of Josephs life. Rightly, Joseph knew that being a boyfriend to another mans wife was a sin against God. Before you know it, (Carefully, SNAP the trap.) Indeed, you were of the sinful." He gave Joseph success in everything he did. The Lord is the one and only God., In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, Look! We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. 40-2: The importance of dreams in ancient Egypt. L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? The price could be loneliness, being made fun of, losing ones job, or even losing ones life. Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? He didnt look at her or even listen to her. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. But this wasnt true of Joseph. A few commentators have focused on the issue of who believed her. Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. Christ was tempted, and well be tempted as well. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Its OK to cheat on a testEverybody else is doing it! they say. Therefore, we should consider all hardship as under the sovereign hand of Godused to train us. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. When things were bad, God moved in a special way in his life, even if Joseph was unaware of it. Canaan. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. 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. All rights reserved. Therefore, in order to conquer temptation, we must trust God and what his Word says. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. God wants you to believe Him - to TRUST HIM - and live! Satans desire is that we worship anything or everything - except the one true God. May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? He didnt stand a chance in defending himself against Potiphars wife, however. It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. The astrological calculations however were slightly off. (2) Also, if Joseph were bitter, instead of experiencing Gods blessings as he did, he would have experienced Gods discipline. 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. Even while in prison, Joseph continues to rise to prominence. Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. The transfer of Joseph from the house to the adjoining prison would be quietly managed, and then no more need be said about an ugly business. One day, Joseph went to the house to take care of his duties. Two credible sources, the Quran and Louis Ginzbergs study Legends of the Jews, name Potiphars wife Zuleika, which sounds like a wily woman. Joseph was a handsome young man, and he eventually caught the attention of Potiphar's wife. - Genesis 39:20b-23. 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. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. That would suppress who you really are! Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). He will be beaten and despised, and his reproach will not be wiped away; When considering adultery, Solomon said the consequences last foreverthe reproach will never be wiped away. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed." First Corinthians 10:9-10 warns us about complaining like Israel did in the wilderness, because if we do, God will discipline us. This scenario doesnt seem likely if Potiphar believed his wifes accusations. 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 ). He gave him great success. If he had . 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. 33-4: Jacob settles in the very same spot where Yeshua encountered the Samaritan woman, 33-3: Jacob tells Esau he will join him in Edom, but doesn't, 33-2: One advantage Asians have when reading the Bible, 32-5: The power in letting go and letting God, 32-4: Jacob's name is changed to Israel-One who trusts God. Joseph was good looking. Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. They took his colorful coat, dipped it in the blood of a goat, and gave it to their father. This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. 1. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness. This description suggests that Potiphar held a high-ranking position within the Egyptian court, as he was responsible for the safety of Pharaoh and his household. My master hasn't held anything back from me, except you. In the pagan world, adultery was normal. So Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care; he gave no thought to anything except the food he ate. The writer of Hebrews warns against scorning or becoming upset at Gods discipline. So the man who was running the prison was pleased with Joseph. Its meant to be celebrated! What can we learn from the account of Potiphars wife? The circumstantial evidence seems to point to the fact that Potiphar believed Joseph was righteousthough he had to punish him in some manner. It says, We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.. He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. And thus We reward the doers of good. Say: As far as we know, Joseph was probably the only believer in the entire nation of Egypt! Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! That's a pretty sobering story. 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. God blessed him and Potiphar could tell a distinct difference between Joseph and all those around him. 26. Are you willing to trust what God says about your trialsthat he is using them for good? 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. To congregations struggling with persecution, Peter said this: Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 9. And he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. Well start to see how God used this terrible situation for good! Eventually, she became so desperate that on a day none of the other servants were around (a possible setup), she grabbed Joseph and tried to force him to sleep with her. 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. Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. But one of them has to be reconciliation and forgiveness. It is meant to develop righteousness in us and give us more peace, regardless of our circumstances. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. Getting angry is just self-expressionsharing whats on ones mind! 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. It was the place where the king's prisoners were kept. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. No doubt, she not only spoke but probably tried to tempt him by wearing revealing clothing and alluring perfume. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Special thanks to John R. Cross, The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, GoodSeed International. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. What does this story tell us about the character of Joseph? How is your integrity? 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. 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? 1 Guzik, D. (2013). Men and women can overcome the temptation to be unfaithful to their partner and God. She may have gloated over Josephs arrest and limitless prison sentence. Gods grace can turn any situation around. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. God is everywhere. [3] Susan Tower Hollis (1989) demonstrated that the narrative of Potiphar's wife 'is in line with certain ancient folk-tales, where a 'woman makes vain overtures to a man and then accuses him of attempting to force her', with the man 'unjustly punished for his alleged attempt to seduce the woman.'[3]. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' Application: You are young, but some of you have already faced very difficult situations. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Promiscuity is natural. Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. 2. I imagine bags forming under her flashing eyes from sleep-challenged nights thinking over her actions with Joseph. . And Joseph was of beautiful form, and fair to look upon. 1878; Hengstenbergs 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' 1:25; Kalisch, p. 631 . 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. So Potiphar was pleased with Joseph. He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. Everything that Joseph did prospered. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:6-7). Potiphar's wife, though unnamed, played a significant role in Joseph's journey from favored son to powerful leader in Egypt. Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. As he ran out, she held onto his coat. One day she asked him to act like her boyfriend! Also, Hebrews 12:5b-7 and 11 says. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? It says she spoke to him day after day (v. 10). The warden put all the prisoners under Josephs care. So he put Joseph in prison. Say: But, Here comes trouble. Genesis (Ge 39:710). How is your integrity? 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?