29. 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. How can we conquer temptation? The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. It will be fun! What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? Also, as well see later, Joseph needed to be put in prison in order to eventually interpret the dreams of Pharaoh and be exalted to second in command of Egypt (Gen 41). Potiphar - Wikipedia And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. Indeed, you were of the sinful." I dont see a happy, older woman. However, though Joseph was good looking, Potiphars wife didnt notice him until he was exalted. And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. Personally, I always think about how spiritual failure would negatively affect my daughter for the rest of her life. Log in. What is the story of Joseph and Potiphar? | GotQuestions.org Jacob was broken-hearted to lose his favorite son. They were having relations. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). God gave Joseph the peace and strength that he needed in prison. (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. A story about Zuleikha is told in Sefer haYashar, where she was mocked by other aristocratic Egyptian ladies, her circle of friends, for being infatuated with a Hebrew slave boy. So he was there in the prison. SNAP! 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. Say: As far as we know, Joseph was probably the only believer in the entire nation of Egypt! Therefore, in order to conquer temptation, we must trust God and what his Word says. In order to cover up for herself, accused of trying to commit . They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. He trusted Joseph and he no longer worried about running his home. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Knowing right from wrong may not stop us from acting sinfully. Potiphar withheld nothing from Joseph, except his wife. 3 Hughes, R. K. (2004). Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. The Egyptians had a long list of gods. He was one of four men the Bible describes in this way, including Saul, David, and Absalom. Well need to be more transparent, as a means of protection. We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. Ask: Who can tell me why they were so jealous? Q. If not, you will eventually succumb to temptation and reap the consequences of it. Potiphars wife makes a go of seducing this handsome young servant but is unsuccessful in leading Joseph astray. Satan even tried to tempt Jesus to step outside of Gods perfect will (Matthew 4:1-11). Potiphar's wife has no children and does not seem to love her husband. 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. How could I sin against God?" 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: Adam and Eve could eat freely of every tree - except for one. Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. 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. 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. With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. 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. Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). My master hasn't held anything back from me, except you. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. We are called to let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (Jam 1:4). After being wrongly imprisoned, it is very possible that he was tempted towards hopelessness and despair. 26. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." She was used to getting her way, and she kept flirting with Joseph. You can even get angry at God! He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. How he ended up a slave in the household of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officers. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. She was married to a rich man and had class and wealth on her side. Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. The only way to tell the truth apart from Satans lies is to know Gods word. Who were the priests of On? Potiphar puts him in charge of his household and entrusts everything into his care. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? God was with Joseph when he was the only believer in Egypt, and He will be with you wherever you go. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! An Egyptian named Potiphar had bought him from the Ishmaelite traders who had taken him there. All rights reserved. 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. Let it out! (2) The consequence for adultery would normally be execution. 9. A slave, a Hebrew slave no less, had attempted to violate his wife. - Genesis 39:8-9. No doubt, she not only spoke but probably tried to tempt him by wearing revealing clothing and alluring perfume. Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. Say: God did NOT abandon Joseph! Say: Can you imagine worshipping the craft you made with your own hands? 1 Cor 10:13, Jam 1:3-4, Heb 12:7)? Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., al-Azeez] should surely imprison him for a time. [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]. - Genesis 39:19b-20a. Say: Joseph had grown up in the land that God had promised to his great-grandfather, Abraham. Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. Did they have children? Potiphar and His Wife - Bible Study - BibleWise Im a great-looking older woman! 34-1: Dinah, a daughter of Israel, is raped by a Canaanite! Because Joseph submitted to God in the test and trusted Gods promises to him, he received Gods blessing. Your email address will not be published. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. False Accusations: Is It Mrs. Potiphar's Fault? - Adventist Today Satan has many lies for people to choose from, and he doesnt care which one they choose. Getting angry is just self-expressionsharing whats on ones mind! When the Persian king put Daniel in prison, he knew that Daniel was righteous and had been framed by the other administrators; however, he had to obey the law. Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. Her lust overrules any fear of punishment or social stigma she might endure due to seducing Joseph. From that time on, the Lord blessed Potiphar's family and servants because of Joseph. Even while in prison, Joseph continues to rise to prominence. How do we know this? The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. 6 Guzik, D. (2013). This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. 40-3: Two similar dreams with two totally different outcomes! Potiphar's wife and her interactions with Joseph provide one of the most dramatic stories in the early Old Testament. Remember that Satans lies are nothing more than stinky cheese! 40-2: The importance of dreams in ancient Egypt. 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. I would put a piece of cheese in this trap - the smellier the better! Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. How his brothers resented the special treatment their bratty little brother received. After Joseph rejected Potiphars wife, she didnt stop pursuing him. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. However, Potiphar, though Pharaohs chief executioner, gave Joseph a lenient sentenceimprisonment. What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? He gave him great success. 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)! This scenario doesnt seem likely if Potiphar believed his wifes accusations. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. Gods grace gives you strength, peace, and even joy, in any situation (Romans 5:1-4, Hebrews 13:9). Some people make things with their own hands, such as a statue, and worship it (Isaiah 37:19). An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. Oh, getting drunk and abusing your wife, thats not your fault! If Potiphar believed that Joseph really tried to rape his wife, he most likely would have sent him somewhere that he would never see him again. He was in the midst of idolatry. If he had . According to the Book of Genesis, she falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape after he rejected her sexual advances, resulting in his imprisonment. I am One! When Joseph rejects Potiphars wife, she lies and accuses him of attempting to assault her sexually. He told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. Genesis 39: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife - Bible Study - BibleWise This is a discipline that we must always practice whenever we are tempted: we must seriously consider the consequences. 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. 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? 35-6: What the ancients believed happened after death, 35-5: Reuben sleeps with his father's concubine in a sly move to gain family power, 35-4: Unearthing God's prophetic statements to Jacob that can ONLY be understood in Hebrew, 35-3: Deborah's death symbolizes Israel's complete severance from Mesopotamia. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. Zuleikha then reminded her friends that she had to see Joseph every day. She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. Joseph refuses, using a word that suggests the decision is difficult. Plus, my husband has many other women! [15] She is deemed an extension of her husband's property and is thus subservient to "the . Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. She mentions that Dr. Grove defended himself against attempted rape charges through the Potiphar vignette. Often, they combined things such as a mans body with a hawks head, and worshipped it. It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. Wives often were lonely, and some sought the love they lacked outside of the marriage. In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. This is the very reason many people fall into temptation. 30. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. Say: When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to a man named Potiphar who was the captain of the guards at Pharaohs palace. funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . (4). [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." When he did, she sprung her trap. The Lord is our God. They commonly harbor anger and bitterness for years after some traumatic event: They are angry at parents, the school system, government, or someone else who harmed them. He learned the Egyptian language and customs. Potiphar's wife, though unnamed, played a significant role in Joseph's journey from favored son to powerful leader in Egypt. Many fail to submit to God in the midst of their trials and temptations and instead succumb to them. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. The Lord was with Joseph. What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? 1 Corinthians 10:13, written for early Christians centuries after the account of Potiphars wife and Joseph, states that we are not tempted beyond what God decides we can handle. But Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Saul fell when success came, and so did David and Solomon. 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. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. 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. "My master has put me in charge," he told her. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. 2. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) | Bible.org He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. So Potiphar was pleased with Joseph. In Genesis 39, we read the Hallmark Channel-worthy story of Potiphars wife making an attempt to seduce Joseph. Gods grace made Joseph want to obey God. Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), The Bible Teachers Guide, Joseph: Trusting In Gods Sovereignty And Goodness, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Submit to Gods Discipline Instead of Becoming Bitter at It, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Practice Integrity in All Areas of Life, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Especially Guard Ourselves in Times of Success, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Seriously Consider the Consequences, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Recognize How Evil Sin Is, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Avoid It Persistently, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Be Willing to Pay the Cost, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Trust that Gods Plans Are Better. 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. Unfortunately, this sudden fall has happened to many others as well. The Hebrew word for "official" is the same that is used for eunuch. She knew that Joseph would have to come inside in order to do his work. Phil 4:6-7). Are you willing to trust God even when things dont make sense, when compromise seems an easier path? Just the opposite, Joseph was content with all that God had blessed him with. Who was Potiphar's Wife in the Bible? - viralbeliever.com When Joseph was imprisoned based on Mrs. Potiphars accusations, apparently, it was more like Daniel being thrown in the lions den (Daniel 6). He knew he was not only sinning against his master, but against God if he yielded to this temptation. 40-5: Six ways Joseph's life foreshadows Yeshua in Genesis 40. The Lord was with Joseph. grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. How has God used seemingly bad thingslike trials and temptationsfor your good? Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. Ask: Who is the most powerful man in our country? Therefore, Potiphar was Pharaohs chief executioner.2 In all likelihood, he had a very decorated military resume and was a rough, no-nonsense guy. Genesis (Ge 39:1). Do you stand out as different among the ungodly? Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin? How My Definition of Success Has Changed - ibelieve.com 1S2-38: Only About Fifty Percent Of The New Testament Is God-Breathed. Gen 50:20, Rom 8:28). Bible Rape Let's assume that Joseph was totally blameless, that a rejected woman, in her anger, accused him falsely, and he was consequently thrown into prison. The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. But he said no. Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. It is meant to develop righteousness in us and give us more peace, regardless of our circumstances. He does not have any thoughts of committing adultery with her. 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. And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allh! All of his life, Joseph had believed in only one God. [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'. Her husband believes her. 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 defines Gods discipline as hardship. He doesnt even qualify whether the hardship is from the devil, humans, or God himself. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Considering the consequences of our sin is a wise practice. On the other hand, she 'cast her eyes' upon Joseph and pursued him - planning in her heart to seduce him. Jesus knows what it feels like to be attacked from the outside by Satan. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. The cost of sin is too much. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? 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 narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). Often Christians compartmentalize their life: certain deceptions are OK, and others are not. Daniel was suddenly the Bible's most eligible bachelor, and he got a fictional wife in Of Fire and Lions. Application Question: Why is it important to see God as sovereign over trials and temptations in order to be faithful in them (cf. Lets read to find out: While Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. 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. If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. - Genesis 39:1-2. She picked a moment when the servants were all out of the house. Are you willing to trust what God says about your trialsthat he is using them for good? Solomon said this to his son about avoiding the temptation of adultery: Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes? But one of them has to be reconciliation and forgiveness. When she saw that he had left his outer garment in her hand and had run outside, she called for her household servants and said to them, See, my husband brought in a Hebrew man to us to humiliate us. She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. Thats what Israel didcausing them to miss Gods blessing in their trial and instead experience his wrath. It wasnt long before sin came knocking at Josephs door. 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. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. How commonly do we see successful pastors, athletes, businessmen, or government officials fall? It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. Genesis (Ge 39:710). Joseph, Potiphar's Wife, and the Truth about False Allegations 62 And Potiphar heard the words of his wife, and he ordered Joseph to be punished with severe stripes, and they did so to him. 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.
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