Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Accused, and Thrown Into Prison

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis. His life is marked by a series of dramatic events that demonstrate God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan. One of the most significant episodes in Joseph's life is his false accusation and subsequent imprisonment, which is recorded in Genesis 39.

After being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph is taken to Egypt, where he is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his circumstances, Joseph finds favor in Potiphar's eyes due to the LORD's presence with him, which brings success to all he undertakes. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant."

Joseph's integrity and diligence lead to his promotion as overseer of Potiphar's house, entrusting him with all that he owns. However, Joseph's trials are far from over. Potiphar's wife, captivated by Joseph's appearance and demeanor, attempts to seduce him. Joseph, a man of strong moral conviction, refuses her advances, saying in Genesis 39:9 , "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

Despite his steadfastness, Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempting to assault her after he flees from her persistent advances, leaving his cloak in her hands. In her anger and humiliation, she presents the garment as evidence to her husband, claiming that Joseph tried to violate her. Potiphar, incensed by the alleged betrayal, has Joseph imprisoned. Genesis 39:20 records, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined."

Even in prison, the LORD's favor remains with Joseph. The prison warden soon recognizes Joseph's exceptional qualities and places him in charge of all the prisoners, mirroring his previous responsibilities in Potiphar's house. Genesis 39:21-23 notes, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. The warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, and he was responsible for all that was done there. 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."

Joseph's unjust imprisonment serves as a pivotal moment in his life, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt. Through these trials, Joseph's faith and integrity are tested and refined, preparing him for the greater role he will play in God's redemptive plan for his family and the nation of Israel.

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Genesis 39:1
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
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Genesis 40:1
And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
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Psalm 105:18
Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
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Library

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... was a joyful mother, and she called her son "Increase." Oh ... by the mighty power of
the God of Jacob;" and fourthly ... How can I? how can I--- God's Joseph"how can I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... to speak of the old patriarch Jacob, Abraham's grandson ... eleven sons"for Benjamin,
the twelfth son, was born ... After the death of Joseph and his brothers, their ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

Brought up from the Horrible Pit
... wrestling which infinitely excelled the wrestling of Jacob: Jabbok is ... He was brought
up like Joseph, who rose from a ... said to them, "I am his own son, and yet I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/brought up from the horrible.htm

Concerning Persecution
... reproached and forsaken if he were the Son of God ... Christ endure hardship' (2 Timothy
2:3). Jacob made the ... Genesis 49:4). A believer is like Joseph, who, though ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Book iii.
... also surely bring thee up again, and Joseph shall put ... children into the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy ... 30. The words are Jacob's, but they are attributed to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... accused of meeting in forbidden societies should be accused before the ... That I am
not speaking falsely of them in this ... of now as Father, now as the Son, and now ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 6) from David to Zorobabel (v 13) then to Jacob the father ... Christ came from her,
not from him, for Joseph 'knew her ... angel told her, that he was the son of David ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... as the Father sees the Son and the Son and the ... Am I to be accused on the ground of
your forgeries ... by the consciousness that he was acting falsely; and therefore ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... all in his death; such may well be thrown over the ... much dejected at this beginning
of their son; nor did ... true, and yet in so saying 'swear falsely'; because he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... children of God, as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they are ... Abraham, concerning the offering
of his son: for when ... (2.) By the faith he gave Joseph concerning his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm