Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake

◄ Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context

The narrative of Joseph in Egypt is a significant episode in the biblical account of the patriarchs, illustrating God's providence and faithfulness. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel) and the firstborn of Rachel, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. This event, though seemingly tragic, was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve the lineage of Israel and fulfill His covenant promises.

Joseph in Potiphar's House

Upon arriving in Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his status as a slave, Joseph's character and abilities quickly distinguished him. The Bible records that "the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the house of his Egyptian master" (Genesis 39:2). This divine favor was evident to Potiphar, who recognized that the LORD's presence with Joseph brought prosperity to his household.

Blessing Through Joseph

Potiphar's decision to entrust Joseph with the management of his household was a testament to Joseph's integrity and the visible blessing of God upon him. Genesis 39:5 states, "From the time that he put him in charge of his household and all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field" . This passage highlights a recurring biblical theme: God's blessings often extend beyond the individual to those around them, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs.

Joseph's Faithfulness and Temptation

Joseph's tenure in Potiphar's house was not without challenges. Potiphar's wife, captivated by Joseph's appearance and success, attempted to seduce him. Joseph's response was one of steadfast faithfulness to God and loyalty to his master. He declared, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph's refusal to succumb to temptation underscores his commitment to righteousness, even in a foreign land.

Imprisonment and Continued Favor

Despite his innocence, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Yet, even in prison, the LORD's favor remained with him. Genesis 39:21-23 recounts, "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" .

Theological Implications

Joseph's experience in Egypt serves as a profound example of God's providential care and the fulfillment of His purposes through human history. The narrative illustrates that God's presence with His people can bring blessing and prosperity even in adverse circumstances. Joseph's life foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who, though rejected and suffering, brings salvation and blessing to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:2-6
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joseph and his Brethren
... And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? ... And Joseph
was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... kept their flocks of sheep in Shechem, Israel said to ... Thus was Joseph led into Egypt,
and Potiphar, prince of ... Our Lord blessed the house of Egypt for Joseph's ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... afflicted Joseph sell, To an Egyptian, named Potiphar, The captain ... And when to Egypt
Israel drew near He sent before ... in Before the king, and Jacob blessed him. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... Then said the merchant unto them, Release me from the judgment of Potiphar. ... And all
Israel bewailed him, and all Egypt, with a great lamentation. ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... remembered his royal dignity as prince of Egypt; and now ... from thence is the shepherd,
the stone of Israel.". ... he did not put him to death; for Potiphar, his master ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... that while he was in the house of Potiphar "The LORD ... Egypt; and he made him governor
over Egypt and all ... and "sent unto all the children of Israel and gathered ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... Joseph resisted the temptation of Potiphar's wife because he ... Lebanon to the brook
of Egypt which appertained to ... While Israel was under God's immediate rule and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... even his wife for God's sake, [666]350; blessed in his ... wisdom, [1158]204 (see
[1159]Apostles and [1160]Joseph) ; thought a ... Egypt, bad character of, [1273]358. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm