Genesis 39:21

_BUT THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH, AND SHEWED HIM MERCY, AND GAVE HIM FAVOUR IN THE SIGHT OF THE KEEPER OF THE PRISON._ The Lord ... gave him favour ... It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison (Genesis 40:3), that "the keeper" might have been previously acquainted with Joseph, and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, and with all the high integrity of his character. Delitzsch, in attempting to account for the lightness of the punishment, considering the severity of the Egyptian law as to adultery, which was punished with one thousand blows, and rape on a free woman with a greater number says, 'It is possible that Potiphar was not fully convinced of his wife's chastity, and therefore did not place unlimited credence in what she said.' That may partly account for his showing so much kindness and confidence to his prisoner. But the

21._But the Lord was with Joseph_. It appears, from the testimony of the Psalmist just cited, that Joseph’s extreme sufferings were not immediately alleviated. The Lord purposely suffered him to be reduced to extremity, that he might bring him back as from the grave. We know that as the light of the sun is most clearly seen when we are looking from a dark place; so, in the darkness of our miseries, the grace of God shines more brightly when, beyond expectation, he succors us. Moreover, Moses says, _the Lord was with Joseph, _because he extended this grace or mercy towards him; whence we may learn, that God, even when he delivers us from unjust violence, or when he assists us in a good cause, is yet induced to do so by his own goodness. For since we are unworthy that he should grant us his help, the cause of its communication must be in himself; seeing that he is merciful. Certainly if me...

19-23 Joseph's master believed the accusation. Potiphar, it is likely, chose that prison, because it was the worst; but God designed to open the way to Joseph's honour. Joseph was owned and righted by his God. He was away from all his friends and relations; he had none to help or comfort him; but the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy. Those that have a good conscience in a prison, have a good God there. God gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison; he trusted him to manage the affairs of the prison. A good man will do good wherever he is, and will be a blessing even in bonds and banishment. Let us not forget, through Joseph, to look unto Jesus, who suffered being tempted, yet without sin; who was slandered, and persecuted, and imprisoned, but without cause; who by the cross ascended to the throne. May we be enabled to follow the same path in submitting and in suf...

Verse Genesis 39:21. _THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH_] It is but of little consequence where the lot of a servant of God may be cast; like Joseph he is ever employed for his master, and God honours him and prospers his work. 1. HE who acknowledges God in all his ways, has the promise that God shall direct all his steps. Joseph's captivity shall promote God's glory; and to this end God works _in_ him, _for_ him, _by_ him. Even the irreligious can see when the Most High distinguishes his followers. Joseph's master saw _that Jehovah was with him_; and from this we may learn that the knowledge of the _true God_ was in Egypt, even before the time of Joseph, though his worship was neither established nor even tolerated there. Both _Abraham_ and _Isaac_ had been in Egypt, and they had left a savour of true godliness behind them....

- Joseph in Potiphar’s House According to our reckoning, Perez and Zerah were born when Judah was in his twenty-eighth year, and therefore, Joseph in his twenty-fourth. Here, then, we go back seven years to resume the story of Joseph. Genesis 39:1 Joseph fares well with his first master. “Potiphar.” This is a racapitulation of the narrative in Genesis 37: “The Lord;” the God of covenant is with Joseph. “In the house.” Joseph was a domestic servant. “And his master saw.” The prosperity that attended all Joseph’s doings was so striking as to show that the Lord was with him. “Set him over” - made him overseer of all that was in his house. “The Lord blessed the Mizrite’s house.” He blesses those who bless his own...

EXPOSITION GENESIS 39:7 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. According to monumental evidence and historical testimony (Herod; 2.111), Egyptian females, even though married, were distinguished for licentiousness and immorality, and were not condemned to live in seclusion (Bohlen), but were allowed freely to mix in promiscuous society, which facts perfectly account for Joseph's temptation by his mistress. GENESIS 39:8,...

AND THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH,.... Comforting him with his presence under his afflictions; supporting him with his right hand; sanctifying all his troubles to him, and so causing him to bear them patiently and cheerfully: AND SHOWED HIM MERCY, AND GAVE HIM FAVOUR IN THE SIGHT OF THE KEEPER OF THE PRISON; who was the underkeeper to Potiphar; God so wrought upon the heart of this man, that he was merciful to him, and took off the iron fetters, which hurt his feet, and gave him liberty to walk about; and many other favours and kindnesses he showed unto him, as follow....

CHAPTER 39 JOSEPH IN EGYPT _ 1. In Potiphar's house (Genesis 39:1)_ 2. Tempted by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:7) 3. Joseph in prison (Genesis 39:19) Potiphar, the master of Joseph, was an officer of Pharaoh. His name means “devoted to Ra,” a god of Egypt. Why is it stated a number of times that Potiphar was an Egyptian? Discoveries have shown that Egypt had come at that time under a new dynasty; therefore it is repeatedly stated that Potiphar, the Egyptian, was retained in his official position. Joseph in Egypt is the type of Christ among the Gentiles. Jehovah blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake. The temptation of Potiphar's wife brings out the marvelous character of Jos

GENESIS 39. JOSEPH REPELS HIS MASTER'S WIFE, AND IS IMPRISONED ON HER FALSE ACCUSATION. This section is from J with touches from E. It is generally agreed that Potiphar. guard is an insertion in Genesis 39:1. J represents Joseph as sold to an unnamed Egyptian; the governor of the prison is also unnamed. According to E, Joseph is sold to Potiphar the captain of the guard, and attends, not as himself a prisoner, but as Potiphar's slave (_cf. Genesis 41:12_), to the officers who are in custody in the house. Clearly, Joseph's mistress cannot have been the wife of Potiphar the captain of the guard, who entrusts him with the service of Pharaoh's officers (Genesis 40:4). The identification is made in Genesis 39 to harmonise the

_But the Lord_, &c. See note on Genesis 39:2. The favour of Jehovah towards Joseph is the cause of Joseph's acceptability with the keeper of the prison. He receives the same degree of confidence in prison, as he had received from the master whom he had served as steward....