Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr

Our study of Genesis this week, focuses upon chapter
39, picking up in the story of Joseph. You remember, in chapter 37, we were first introduced to Joseph. He was his father, Jacob's, favorite son, yet despised by his older brothers. When we last saw Joseph, he was on his way to Egypt, sold as a slave by his brothers. Then they reported to their father that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. But God was not finished with Joseph's story.

Genesis 39

Key Words: 'the Lord was with Joseph"; "the Lord gave him success"; "the Lord blessed"; "the blessing of the Lord"

Key Verse: Joseph was successful not because of his own initiative but because the Lord was with him (verse 3).

Purpose Statement: The continued humbling of Joseph so he could be exalted is the theme of this chapter. Sometimes the prison must precede the throne.

Outline: Joseph and Potiphar

I. Joseph and his relations with Potiphar (verses 1-6)
II. Joseph and his relations with Potiphar's wife (verses 7-18)
III. Joseph cast into prison (verses 19-23)

Questions to Probe: I wonder how Potiphar and his wife later felt as they had to beg food from Joseph? I wonder if they ever made things right with Joseph and God? I feel confident that Joseph had probably forgiven them as he had done his brothers.

Thoughts to Ponder: The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success both in Potiphar's home and in Pharaoh's prison. Joseph was indeed a very capable person. He worked diligently. He was trustworthy. He also knew to whom he belonged - God. When given the choice between protecting his career by having sex with his master's wife or protecting his relationship with God, he chose the latter. And, although he lost not only his job but also his personal freedom, God still honored him. Now we may not be rewarded as quickly as was Joseph, but we do know that we can never go wrong when we seek to honor the Lord at all times.

Although he was in his late teens, Joseph commanded positions of trust and respect both in Potiphar's house and in Pharaoh's prison because the Lord was with him. Like Daniel, Joseph had purposed in his heart that he would serve God and those around him were indeed blessed by that dedication.

When God is at work, so also is the enemy. Potiphar's lustful wife was Satan's tool to cause Joseph much pain. She probably had been indulged all her life and to have someone refuse her request was unthinkable. Joseph's refusal became a reason for her revenge and the sad thing is Potiphar believed her story. (Perhaps Joseph never had the opportunity of telling his). As Paul would later tell the Romans, a person must choose to serve God or himself (Romans 6:12-13). God honored Joseph's choice.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The man who lives by himself and for himself is liable to be corrupted by the company he keeps.

Genesis 38 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 40-41