It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. It says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). The Egyptians saw things that God made such as the sun, the moon, and animals, and believed that these amazing things must be gods. Indeed, you were of the sinful." Are you giving thanks or becoming bitter? 3. What is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Were creatures with needssleep, food, sex. This is, of course, Potiphar's household. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." When things were bad, God moved in a special way in his life, even if Joseph was unaware of it. He didnt stand a chance in defending himself against Potiphars wife, however. With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. All rights reserved worldwide. And it came to pass on a certain day, when he went into the house to do his work, and there was none of the men of the house there within, that she caught him by his garment, saying: 'Lie with me.' She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. Her lust overrules any fear of punishment or social stigma she might endure due to seducing Joseph. Application: You are young, but some of you have already faced very difficult situations. 40-3: Two similar dreams with two totally different outcomes! David was tempted while walking on the roof of his house. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. But I dont want a mouse to thrive in my kitchen. God was enabling him to be strong and wise. Say: As far as we know, Joseph was probably the only believer in the entire nation of Egypt! The Quran narrates the wife of Azizs treatment of Yusuf as follows: And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. 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. Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's officials. She picked a moment when the servants were all out of the house. 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. The writer of Hebrews warns against scorning or becoming upset at Gods discipline. 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. He was kind to him. This seems so unfair! Was Joseph wrong to marry the daughter of a pagan priest (Genesis 41)? She used his coat to prove that he had been in the house. This is a discipline that we must always practice whenever we are tempted: we must seriously consider the consequences. He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. Promiscuity is natural. But one of them has to be reconciliation and forgiveness. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' All rights reserved. Remember that you are NEVER alone! Zuleikha then reminded her friends that she had to see Joseph every day. What price do you have to pay in order to maintain holiness and conquer temptation? Joseph was a handsome young man, and he eventually caught the attention of Potiphar's wife. 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. God gave him great leadership skills and other blessings. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? Essentially, temptation always says that taking part in it will satisfy us, and that the temptation is better than Gods will for us. Having a wife was primarily for providing an heir and overseeing the household. His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful. [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." Jacob believed that a wild animal had killed Joseph. Potiphar's wife accused him of raping her, so he did it to make his wife happy. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? 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. The more we know God and his grace, the more it will help us reject godless ways and worldly desires. Joseph was good looking. - Genesis 39:20b-23. 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? To congregations struggling with persecution, Peter said this: Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. The president. Potiphars wife knows the ancient Egyptian punishment for a woman committing adultery was to have her nose cut off. He gave him favor with the prison warden. (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12, 14). Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. While they engaged in this task, Zuleikha had Joseph walk through the room. Ask: Who can tell me why they were so jealous? Interpretation Question: Did Potiphar believe his wifes accusations? Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. Phil 4:6-7). Joseph says in Genesis 39:9: No one is greater in this house than I am. He tried to have sex with me, but I screamed loudly. 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. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? 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. If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. Teacher: Show the mousetrap. 1S2-38: Only About Fifty Percent Of The New Testament Is God-Breathed. Hebrews 4:16 says, So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. And he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. 6 Guzik, D. (2013). Im a great-looking older woman! This is where many succumb to temptation. So Potiphar told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. . 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. 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. He made him accountable for everything that was done there. ), 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. The blessing is on everything Potiphar owns - his fields, his house, his possessions. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. Eve had to trust God to not succumb to temptation, and its the same for us. It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. Just the opposite, Joseph was content with all that God had blessed him with. (2) The consequence for adultery would normally be execution. Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error." One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house. She may have gloated over Josephs arrest and limitless prison sentence. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). 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 . Unlike the previous narrative, where we learned from the failures of Josephs family (Gen 37), in this narrative, we learn from Josephs success in conquering temptation. 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. Also, youll save lots of money! Satan always contradicts Gods will for our lives and tries to convince us that succumbing to temptation is better than following Gods way. (Genesis 50:20). 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. Thank God, He sees people differently from how we see people. So he was there in the prison. Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. Andrews speculates that Potiphar would rather have a new horse than a Minoanwife. Minoa was an ancient culture of Greece (and in the novel, Potiphars wifes original home, to which she longs to return). By Gods grace, Joseph did not become bitter, holding onto his anger as his brothers had done. First Corinthians 10:9-10 warns us about complaining like Israel did in the wilderness, because if we do, God will discipline us. Inviting her friends to her home, Zuleikha gave them all oranges and knives to slice them with. That's a pretty sobering story. In his classic work All the Women of the Bible, Herbert Lockyer lists twice that many nameless women (many of them are groups of women, such as Solomons 300 wives). He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). Hand Me Another Brick (p. 98). So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and prepared for them a banquet and gave each one of them a knife and said [to Joseph], "Come out before them." It was the place where the king's prisoners were kept. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. 3 Hughes, R. K. (2004). It can no longer get to the real food supply, and I can do whatever I want with the mouse. Joseph, we remember, is the future leader and current visionary of the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. . The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. You have a disease! Then you only have two choices. Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. 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. The cost of sin is too much. How they plotted to kill him but sold him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. All rights reserved. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. Overseeing other prisoners and interpreting dreams leads to his further success as a leader of the Israelites. The Bible does not state that Joseph even tried to defend himself by telling the truth. 40-1: Was Joseph really kept in a "prison"? Potiphar may also be protecting his ego by not admitting his wife strayed from him. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! However, the account of Joseph and Potiphar changes when Potiphar's wife asked Joseph to sleep with her. The Lord! Joseph was doing an excellent job in Egypt, but not through his own strength. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. Remember that Satans lies are nothing more than stinky cheese! Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. [1][2], Rashi comments that the wife of Potiphar saw through astrology that she would have children through Joseph. Potiphar withheld nothing from Joseph, except his wife. Potiphar's response was predictable. Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. Ask: How many of you made a craft today? She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. 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. 1. p. 392, ed. For this, he insists, it is true of any person's deep love for another. The LORD was with Joseph. 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. Application Question: Why is it so important to flee temptation instead of trying to faithfully endure it? "Zuleikha" redirects here. Imagine how strange this was to Joseph. 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 said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Sin is not the end game of temptationdestruction is. No one in this house is in a higher position than I am. Say: God blessed Joseph, and the blessings poured out over Potiphar, his family, and even his servants. 40-4: How was Joseph able to remain so strong in his faith? He did not think he deserved more than God had given him. Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. Its the same lie Satan told Eve. Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. 9. His life was different; he was set apart from the ungodly. He trusted Joseph and he no longer worried about running his home. Application Question: What are some other principles that will help us conquer temptation? Well need to be more transparent, as a means of protection. She was married to a rich man and had class and wealth on her side. Say: Now Joseph was in a new land with different smells, different tastes, different people, a different language, and different gods. Genesis 39. The Hebrew word for "official" is the same that is used for eunuch. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. Why is this such an important discipline? In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one God, so where do all of these other gods come from? 1 Cor 10:13, Jam 1:3-4, Heb 12:7)? The Bible says, They traded the truth about God for a lie. Potiphar's wife has no children and does not seem to love her husband. Thomas Nelson. Youre a handsome guy! She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." 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. - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. What should we do when we cant avoid it entirely? 35. Let it out! If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. My master hasn't held anything back from me, except you. (3) Also, in Genesis 40:2-3, it appears that Joseph was imprisoned in a prison that was attached to Potiphars house. 27-4: Who are the descendants of Esau today? So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. He owns many slaves. 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. Therefore, Potiphar was Pharaohs chief executioner.2 In all likelihood, he had a very decorated military resume and was a rough, no-nonsense guy. 30. He essentially said, God is lying to you. It is meant to develop righteousness in us and give us more peace, regardless of our circumstances. And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, "Perfect is Allh! The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. 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. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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). In Genesis 39, we read the Hallmark Channel-worthy story of Potiphars wife making an attempt to seduce Joseph. All of his life, Joseph had believed in only one God. Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. His integrity was preparing him for further exaltationto be second in command over Egypt. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Say: Joseph went from being the favorite son to becoming a SLAVE! Because Joseph submitted to God in the test and trusted Gods promises to him, he received Gods blessing. 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. We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. Adam and Eve did not trust that Gods plan was best for them. Naturally Potiphar was angered beyond words. And Pharaohs most important official chose Joseph to be his slave. The blessing of the Lord was on everything that he had, both in his house and in his fields. 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. Mrs. Potiphar quickly went from humiliation to rageleading her to frame Joseph. The Egyptians had a long list of gods. 24. Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? Joseph was faithful to God and resisted temptation. He was faithful with littlePotiphars housetherefore, it was easier to stand when tempted by his wife. The answer is actually quite logical. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife is also enamored with Joseph. And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. The Hebrew would try to hurt them as well. Its meant to be celebrated! 2007BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. First Corinthians 10:13 implies that we all will experience temptation and, at the same time, be provided a way of escape. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. 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. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, Stay away from every form of evil. Christ taught that if our eye offends us, to pluck it out, if our hand offends us, to cut it off, and if our foot offends us, to do the same (Matt 5:29-30, Matt 18:8-9). Here is what we know about her life and what's been speculated about her personalities. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. Its an alternative lifestyle. He didnt realize that Mrs. Potiphar was alone in the house. Q. Before you know it, (Carefully, SNAP the trap.) The Lord is the one and only God., In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, Look! Egyptian women in the ancient world were especially known for immorality and loose morals (even married women).6 Mrs. Potiphar probably said, There is nothing wrong with this! Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. One day, Joseph went to the house to take care of his duties. Potiphars wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. Do you think Joseph will be all alone this time? Some members of my church might never return to church again. 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. Well need to be more disciplined with our time and money.
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