- Book: [[Genesis]] - Next chapter: [[Genesis 40]] > [!summary] Summary > - [[Joseph]] is sold to [[Potiphar]] in [[Egypt]] yet rises to manage the entire household because “the **LORD was with Joseph**” > - [[Potiphar's Wife]] repeatedly tempts Joseph; he refuses and flees > - She falsely accuses him, using his garment as “evidence”; [[Joseph]] is jailed > - Even in prison the LORD gives Joseph success, foreshadowing further exaltation > [!info] Why is this here? > - The promises could continue (still 11 siblings left) -- why does it matter that [[Joseph]] survives and goes on? > - This is supposed to be a nation that inherits the Earth; not a good sign that it's divided and turning in upon itself > - Sets the stage for [[Joseph]]’s ascent to power and provides an example of [[God]]’s presence in exile # Overview ## v. 1-6a Prosperity in Potiphar’s House - [[Joseph]] (~17 yrs, as of [[Genesis 37]]:2) is bought by [[Potiphar]], “captain of the guard” (chief executioner) - Refrain: “The LORD was with Joseph... and the LORD caused all that he did to prosper” (v 2-3) - [[Potiphar]] perceives the blessing, entrusts all to [[Joseph]] (except "the food he ate") ## v. 6b-10 Repeated Temptation - [[Joseph]] is described as “handsome in form and appearance” (same Hebrew used of [[Rachel]] in [[Genesis 29]]:17) - [[Potiphar's Wife]] repeatedly demands him to "lie with her" - [[Joseph]] refuses based on - loyalty to [[Potiphar]] - fear of "sin against [[God]]" ## v. 11-18 Cloak Seized & False Accusation - Alone in the house, she grabs [[Joseph]]’s **garment**; he leaves it and flees - callback to [[Genesis 37]] when his robe was used to deceive [[Jacob]]? - She inverts the narrative: blames the “Hebrew servant” for attempted rape, first to the household staff, then to [[Potiphar]] ## v. 19-23 Prison Favor - [[Potiphar]]’s anger “burned,” and [[Joseph]] is placed in the royal prison - Again: “The LORD was with [[Joseph]]...and gave him favor” (v 21) - Chief jailer hands over **all prisoners** to [[Joseph]]’s supervision; whatever he did “the LORD made it succeed” - Transition toward interpreting the officials’ dreams in [[Genesis 40]] # Details - God’s presence (vv 2, 3, 21, 23) repeatedly bookends each scene - Echoing [[Proverbs 7]]? - First sign of [[Joseph]]'s character -- refusing [[Potiphar]]'s wife with [[God]] as justification - Was he even tempted? Doesn't actually say! - Pay attention to the pace of the story -- what's highlighted is his character here, but a lot of the details aren't important