Joseph in Prison
Genesis 39:19-23
And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying…


I. FAITHFUL JOSEPH SUSTAINED IN PRISON BY A FAITHFUL GOD.

1. By manifestation of personal friendship.

(1) "With him," to comfort him in his peculiarly trying position, his character being falsely accused.

(2) "With him," to impart strength and skill for the proper discharge of duty.

2. By giving him favour in the eyes of others.

(1) By God's interposition, he becomes the warden's favourite.

(2) Unbounded trust is, through God's grace, placed in one whose character has been assailed.

(3) It is God's prerogative to dispose the hearts of men toward His children (Proverbs 21:1).

II. THE MYSTERIOUS POWER OF DREAMS USED BY GOD IN BEHALF OF HIS WRONGED CHILD.

1. The tyranny of ancient monarchs.

2. The activity of the mind.

(1) While the body sleeps, the mind continues wakeful and full of thought.

(2) This mental activity during sleep, which we call dreams, God has frequently used in all ages for providential purposes.

III. TO INTERPRET DREAMS A DIVINE PREROGATIVE.

1. A dream from God, like a speech in an unknown tongue, cannot be understood until interpreted by one who knows the language.

2. If a dream is designed to reveal a Divine purpose, that purpose must be distinctly explained by special communication by God.

3. The folly of assuming intelligence enough to interpret dreams without special revelation from God.Lessons:

1. The advantages of true piety in the practical affairs of life.

2. A lesson for resignation under most trying circumstances.

(D. C. Hughes, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

WEB: It happened, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, "This is what your servant did to me," that his wrath was kindled.




Joseph in Prison
Top of Page
Top of Page