The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. The wardenThe term "warden" refers to the overseer or keeper of the prison. In the historical context of ancient Egypt, prisons were not like modern-day facilities but were often part of a larger household or estate. The warden's role was crucial, as he was responsible for maintaining order and discipline. The fact that the warden trusted Joseph so implicitly speaks volumes about Joseph's character and the divine favor upon him. did not concern himself
This phrase indicates a complete trust and confidence in Joseph's abilities and integrity. In the Hebrew context, the idea of not concerning oneself suggests a relinquishing of control, which is significant given the warden's position of authority. It underscores the peace and assurance that comes from recognizing God's hand in a situation. with anything under Joseph’s authority
Joseph's authority in the prison was comprehensive. Despite being a prisoner himself, he was entrusted with significant responsibility. This reflects a recurring theme in Joseph's life: his ability to rise to positions of leadership and trust, even in adverse circumstances. It also foreshadows his future role in Egypt, where he would be second only to Pharaoh. because the LORD was with him
This phrase is central to understanding Joseph's success. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," emphasizing a personal and covenantal relationship. The presence of the LORD with Joseph is a recurring theme in his narrative, highlighting that true success and favor come from God alone. It serves as a reminder that God's presence can transform any situation, no matter how dire. and gave him success
The Hebrew word for "success" here is "tsalach," which means to prosper or to advance. This success is not merely material or external but is deeply rooted in God's blessing and favor. Joseph's success is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. in whatever he did
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Joseph's success. It was not limited to specific tasks or areas but extended to all aspects of his responsibilities. This all-encompassing success is a reflection of the divine favor that rested upon Joseph, serving as an encouragement that when God is with us, His blessing permeates every area of our lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, who rises to a position of authority in Potiphar's house and later in prison due to God's favor. 2. The WardenThe overseer of the prison where Joseph is held. He entrusts Joseph with significant responsibilities because of Joseph's evident success and integrity. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is actively involved in Joseph's life, granting him favor and success despite his circumstances. 4. The PrisonThe place where Joseph is unjustly held after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. It becomes a place of God's providence and preparation for Joseph's future role in Egypt. 5. Potiphar's HouseThe initial place of Joseph's servitude in Egypt, where he first experiences God's favor and rises to a position of trust. Teaching Points God's Presence in AdversityJoseph's account reminds us that God's presence is not limited by our circumstances. Even in prison, God was with Joseph, granting him favor and success. Faithfulness in Small ThingsJoseph's integrity and diligence in his duties, even in prison, demonstrate the importance of being faithful in all circumstances, trusting that God sees and rewards our faithfulness. Divine Favor and Human ResponsibilityWhile God's favor was upon Joseph, he also acted responsibly and with integrity. Our actions should align with God's will, trusting Him for the outcome. Preparation for Greater PurposeJoseph's time in prison was a period of preparation for his future role in Egypt. We should view our trials as opportunities for growth and preparation for God's purposes. Trust in God's SovereigntyJoseph's life exemplifies trust in God's sovereign plan, encouraging us to trust that God is at work even when we cannot see the full picture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's experience in prison demonstrate the principle of God's presence in adversity, and how can we apply this to our own lives? 2. In what ways does Joseph's faithfulness in small responsibilities prepare him for greater tasks, and how can we practice faithfulness in our daily lives? 3. How does the account of Joseph illustrate the balance between divine favor and human responsibility? 4. Reflect on a time when a difficult situation in your life served as preparation for a future opportunity. How does this relate to Joseph's experience? 5. How can we cultivate trust in God's sovereignty when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances, drawing from Joseph's example and other scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 39:2-6Earlier in the chapter, Joseph's success in Potiphar's house is attributed to the LORD's presence with him, paralleling his success in prison. Acts 7:9-10Stephen's speech in the New Testament recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's presence and deliverance, which aligns with the theme of divine favor in Genesis 39:23. Psalm 105:17-19This passage reflects on Joseph's journey, highlighting God's purpose and faithfulness throughout his trials. Romans 8:28This verse speaks to God's ability to work all things for good for those who love Him, a principle evident in Joseph's life. Proverbs 3:5-6Trusting in the LORD and acknowledging Him leads to success and guidance, as seen in Joseph's life. People Ishmaelites, Joseph, Pharaoh, PotipharPlaces EgyptTopics Anything, Attention, Care, Causing, Charge, Chief, Didn't, Heed, Jailer, Joseph, Joseph's, Keeper, Paid, Prison, Prosper, Round-house, Success, Supervise, Tower-house, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 39:23 5960 success
6650 finding Genesis 39:20-23 5054 responsibility, examples Library Goodness in a Dungeon
'And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureJoseph
(Preached on the Sunday before the Wedding of the Prince of Wales. March 8th, third Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxxix. 9. How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? The story of Joseph is one which will go home to all healthy hearts. Every child can understand, every child can feel with it. It is a story for all men and all times. Even if it had not been true, and not real fact, but a romance of man's invention, it would have been loved and admired by men; far more then, when we know …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch The Complete Surrender.
Genesis 39:1-3.--Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him at the hands of the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian, and his master saw that the Lord was with him. We have in this passage an object lesson which teaches us what Christ is to us. Note: Joseph was a slave, but God was with him so distinctly …
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling Seventh Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Resist Sin.
Text: Romans 6, 19-23. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification. 20 For when ye were servants of sin, ye were free in regard of righteousness. 21 What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Trials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Tests of Love to God
LET us test ourselves impartially whether we are in the number of those that love God. For the deciding of this, as our love will be best seen by the fruits of it, I shall lay down fourteen signs, or fruits, of love to God, and it concerns us to search carefully whether any of these fruits grow in our garden. 1. The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. He who loves God is ravished and transported with the contemplation of …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 39:23 NIVGenesis 39:23 NLTGenesis 39:23 ESVGenesis 39:23 NASBGenesis 39:23 KJV
Genesis 39:23 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
