Who was Potiphar's Wife in the Bible? - viralbeliever.com Essentially, he taught that we need to be drastic in order to be holy. He gave Joseph success in everything he did. Not only was she declaring to the other slaves that Joseph was a threat, but she catered to their ethnic pride and fear of foreigners. Titus said this, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. Justice is achieved as the commentators name, neuter, and then neutralize Potiphar, bringing the entire sordid . The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. 32. And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. Plus, my husband has many other women! Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. Others might turn away from Christ altogether. Genesis 39 - Believe His Prophets | Revival & Reformation The answer is actually quite logical. - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. Christ was tempted, and well be tempted as well. (2) Also, if Joseph were bitter, instead of experiencing Gods blessings as he did, he would have experienced Gods discipline. Do you realize your trials and temptations are just ways God is preparing you for more? He did not think he deserved more than God had given him. She said that Joseph came in to attack her, she screamed, and he ran away. If one doesnt recognize how heinous something is, he or she wont desperately work to get rid of it. What types of disciplines are necessary to protect someone in seasons of promotion and exaltation? When things were bad, God moved in a special way in his life, even if Joseph was unaware of it. Often Christians compartmentalize their life: certain deceptions are OK, and others are not. Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. The Lord is our God. Gods grace can turn any situation around. When people look at the world around them, they can tell that there is a powerful God who created everything (Romans 1:20). E39-2: What was the purpose of the bells attached to the hem of the High Priest's robe? Potiphar's wife, though unnamed, played a significant role in Joseph's journey from favored son to powerful leader in Egypt. 3 Hughes, R. K. (2004). 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. Solomon said this to his son about avoiding the temptation of adultery: Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes? Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. Overseeing other prisoners and interpreting dreams leads to his further success as a leader of the Israelites. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. The LORD was with Joseph. Genesis 37:36 Now, I'm well aware that Potiphar's wife was discontent, but I don't believe Potiphar was a eunuch (as we normally think of its definition)! He saw that the Lord gave Joseph success in everything he did. Genesis 39:7 and after some time his master's wife cast her eyes upon On the other hand, the future for Potiphars wife does not look promising. Kindle Edition. Bible Rape Let's assume that Joseph was totally blameless, that a rejected woman, in her anger, accused him falsely, and he was consequently thrown into prison. Say: When we left our story, Joseph was in a heap of trouble. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. There is nowhere you can go where God cannot go with you (Psalm 139:7-12). Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. He blessed everything Potiphar had in his house and field. Having a wife was primarily for providing an heir and overseeing the household. His master observed that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he was doing successful. God was enabling him to be strong and wise. Youre a handsome guy! Are you giving thanks or becoming bitter? Its terrible calamity had transformed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous, and self-possessed. Joseph lived in Potiphar's house. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? One day she asked him to act like her boyfriend! So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Who was Potiphar's Wife in the Bible? - viralbeliever.com This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." King Solomon's Story in the BibleWho Was Lot's Wife in the Bible?Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?Who Was the Prodigal Son? Application Question: In what ways does the world and Satan aim to make sin more acceptable and less heinous? Potiphars wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. Now Joseph was well built and good-looking. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. The more we know God and his grace, the more it will help us reject godless ways and worldly desires. The story of Potiphar's wife has 3 parts: 1 We are in the household of a rich Egyptian man, Potiphar. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement]. He was kind to him. Say: Can you imagine worshipping the craft you made with your own hands? Even when things got much worse, the Lord was with him. Big Question: What principles can we learn about conquering temptation from Josephs responses to various temptations in this narrative? And thus We reward the doers of good. Most importantly, like Joseph, we must remember that participating in sin hurts God deeply. Genesis (Ge 39:710). Were creatures with needssleep, food, sex. She attempted to sexually assault Joseph who, as a slave, could never have truly consented. They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. But the Torah gives us Joseph's own explanation in his response to his master's wife: "He [Potiphar] wields no more authority in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except yourself, since you are his wife. Sin drastically affects us and others around us. Potiphar's wife accused him of raping her, so he did it to make his wife happy. How should Christians overcome this reprogramming? Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. The mouse is caught. It is meant to develop righteousness in us and give us more peace, regardless of our circumstances. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. (Nobody promotes a bitter, whiny, solemn person! Distracted by his handsomeness, all the ladies accidentally cut themselves with the knives, drawing blood. Paul relied on Gods grace to bring him strength and contentment in the most trying of circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). A few commentators have focused on the issue of who believed her. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?, When invited by Mrs. Potiphar into an adulterous relationship, Joseph called it a great evil and sin against God (v. 9b)? If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. He makes his lies sound really good. - And it came to pass after these things, - Joseph had by this time been nearly ten years in Potiphar's house (vide Genesis 41:46) - that his master s wife cast her eyes (lasciviously) upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 33. That would suppress who you really are! We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In a story found in the Quran and Ginzbergs book, Zuleika invites her aristocratic friends over to the palace to see her handsome Hebrew slave. Genesis 39. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant." Everyone and everything in Potiphars home was blessed because of Josephs God-centered life. The Bible describes Joseph as strong and handsome. How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? Whats the big deal?!. Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Israel, listen to me. No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. We also know that Potiphar was smart enough to recognize a good thing when he saw it. L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? Potiphar doesn't believe his wife's claim that Joseph tried to rape her. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. Do you stand out as different among the ungodly? If it means getting rid of the TV or cutting off the Wi-Fi in the house, so be it. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! (Romans 1:25 NLT). Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish historian, once wrote, Adversity is hard on a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.4 Promotion and success open doors to more temptation: The more successful people become, the less they have others looking over their shoulders; the more freedoms and perks they receive, the more temptation they experience to abuse their power. If they were weaker, willing to flee, they would be more successful. We learn a great deal from Josephs triumphant example, as he faced multiple temptations as a slave and later a prisoner in Potiphars house. Genesis (Ge 39:710). Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Some believers are just too strong to conquer temptation. During this trial, he was learning humility, as he was no longer Jacobs favored sonhe was now a slave. Potiphar - Wikipedia What Can Christians Learn From John Donne? But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. The blessing is on everything Potiphar owns - his fields, his house, his possessions. Its the strong who are weak and the weak who are strong. Its a very basic principle, which the New Testament teaches as well: The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much (Lk 16:10). The text says that Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned. She grabbed hold of his coat, but he managed to get away from her. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, Stay away from every form of evil. Christ taught that if our eye offends us, to pluck it out, if our hand offends us, to cut it off, and if our foot offends us, to do the same (Matt 5:29-30, Matt 18:8-9). Potiphars wife is one of 42 nameless women in the Bible, according to Lindsay Hardin Freeman in her book Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter. Application Question: In what ways have you seen people change negatively when they gain success or are put into authority positions? Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. He was the captain of the palace guard. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. If Potiphar's daughter is now marrying Joseph, Potiphar will be forced to support him. Unlike the previous narrative, where we learned from the failures of Josephs family (Gen 37), in this narrative, we learn from Josephs success in conquering temptation. Ultimately, all sin is against God. Potiphar's wife and her interactions with Joseph provide one of the most dramatic stories in the early Old Testament. How is your integrity? Kent Hughes said, The word is out God is looking for a few good cowards!7 The rest of Scripture supports this: Second Timothy 2:22 (NIV) says, Flee the evil desires of youth First Corinthians 6:18 says, Flee sexual immorality. The Big Lie Joseph on a daily basis was around Potiphar's wife as he did his business, and he paid no attention to her in any adulterous way. She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" 4 Swindoll, Charles (1998-12-03). All rights reserved. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. When the mouse would come out at night looking for food, it would smell the stinky cheese. Ask: Who is the most powerful man in our country? So it is with the one who has sex with his neighbors wife; no one who touches her will escape punishment A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom, whoever does it destroys his own life. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. It would devastate my wife. 29. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper ( Genesis 39:19-23 ). Potiphar and His Wife Desire Joseph - TheTorah.com Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. Potiphars wife could have learned a lesson from her encounter with Joseph and gained a name and a new character in her future. Potiphars wife knows the ancient Egyptian punishment for a woman committing adultery was to have her nose cut off. False Accusations: Is It Mrs. Potiphar's Fault? - Adventist Today Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? Although we LOVE for teachers to read from their Bibles, and for children to read along in theirs, in this case, it is best to paraphrase her words, and not read directly from the scripture. He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. When I thought that God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think that I could ever have rebelled against one who loved me so, and sought my good.5. Teacher: Show the mousetrap. In what ways is God calling you to further employ strategic principles to overcome temptation in general or with a specific temptation? Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? Say: But, Here comes trouble. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. Some dont want to get skipped over for promotion or shunned at their workplace, so they compromise with their peers. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. Say: Mrs. Potiphar would not give up. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke unto him, saying: 'After this manner did thy servant to me'; that his wrath was kindled. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Gods plans, though mysterious and unpredictable, are always good. Her actions, driven by uncontrolled desires and a need for control, led to Joseph's imprisonment and ultimately to the fulfillment of God's plan for his life. Genesis 39:20 Commentaries: So Joseph's master took him and put him 39. From the Penthouse to the Prison (Genesis 39:1-23) Then she made up a big lie about him (John 8:44). Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 35. It was the place where the king's prisoners were kept. But Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Key Verse: But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. [] And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. Adam and Eve were tempted in the garden. In fact, its in those times that God pours out an extra measure of grace on you. 27-4: Who are the descendants of Esau today? Also, Hebrews 12:5b-7 and 11 says. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The Egyptians had a long list of gods. Well need to be more transparent, as a means of protection. He didn't have Joseph killed. Genesis 39 - Commentary by Rev. John Schultz 33-4: Jacob settles in the very same spot where Yeshua encountered the Samaritan woman, 33-3: Jacob tells Esau he will join him in Edom, but doesn't, 33-2: One advantage Asians have when reading the Bible, 32-5: The power in letting go and letting God, 32-4: Jacob's name is changed to Israel-One who trusts God. God is everywhere. . Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. Who Was Potiphar in the Bible? - Learn Religions But one of them has to be reconciliation and forgiveness. She lies to her husband, and when he throws Joseph in prison, she probably imagines it will be the end of Josephs life. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you? Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. 28. How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? And she spoke unto him according to these words, saying: 'The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me. 5 Guzik, D. (2013). (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. They even treated their king, Pharaoh, as a god. As I went to search for some Advil, I stopped to ponder Potiphar's wife and Joseph. He was learning administrative skills, as he led all of Potiphars household. In short, she has no purpose. When successful, well need greater accountabilitypeople to speak into our lives and hold us accountable. Its meant to be celebrated! Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible. Because God had a plan! grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. We all know how this works. Islamic history presents contradicting details, which is common when searching for such ancient historical data, and it all reads a little like a soap opera. For example, he may offer you a scientific explanation for something that is against the Bible, or he may lead you to believe that you can run your own life without God. Remaining nameless might be something this devious woman desired! Joseph refuses, using a word that suggests the decision is difficult. She was the wife of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard in the time of Jacob and his twelve sons. Ask: Does anyone remember the name of the Promised Land? The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), The Bible Teachers Guide, Joseph: Trusting In Gods Sovereignty And Goodness, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Submit to Gods Discipline Instead of Becoming Bitter at It, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Practice Integrity in All Areas of Life, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Especially Guard Ourselves in Times of Success, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Seriously Consider the Consequences, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Recognize How Evil Sin Is, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Avoid It Persistently, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Be Willing to Pay the Cost, To Conquer Temptation, We Must Trust that Gods Plans Are Better. His life was different; he was set apart from the ungodly. It probably means something like "brilliant beauty or lovely." Joseph is also described as "handsome and good-looking," and one day she asks him to go to bed with her. Yet Potiphars wife cannot ruin Josephs life because God is with him. Potiphar withheld nothing from Joseph, except his wife. I am One! Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? By Gods grace, Joseph did not become bitter, holding onto his anger as his brothers had done. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. Potiphar's Wife - BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING She said, that Hebrew slave you brought to us tried to humiliate me (v. 17). 7 Hughes, R. K. (2004). Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness. To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. Running Away - A Bible Class on Joseph's Fleeing from Potiphar's Wife It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. Though the young womans royal father wants his daughter to marry the Egyptian pharaoh, she is given in marriage to the captain of the pharaohs bodyguard, chief executioner Potiphar. Saul fell when success came, and so did David and Solomon. We have Gods written Word! The Lord was with Joseph. We have a longing for justice, because we are created in the image of a perfectly just God (Deuteronomy 32:4). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. So he put Joseph in prison. In this section of Josephs narrative, he experiences major temptations: He was tempted to be upset and bitter at his circumstance of being sold into slavery. QUESTION 5: Did Potiphar truly believe his wife's accusation of Joseph? If he had . Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. 32-2: As Jacob faced Esau, so too must we reconcile with our past, 32-1: Jacob meets angels on his departure from and to the Promised Land, 31-5: Jacob and Laban enter into a peace treaty with each other, 31-4: Ideas of ritual impurity were prevalent 500 years before Moses, 31-3: God can and does speak to unbelievers, 31-2: The importance of the family gods in Mesopotamian tradition, 31-1: As Jacob separated from Laban, so must we separate from certain people in our lives, 1S4-9: Minus Gods Presence, The Ark Was Nothing But An Elaborate And Pricey Wooden Box, 1S4-3: The Danger Of Not Cutting Out Ungodly People & Things From Our Lives. He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allh. Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. Homosexuality is not an abomination like Scripture says. May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. She has also spent many years mentoring Middle School and High School girls. Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin?
Metromin Org Pasco County,
Columbus Clippers Internships,
Latest Carrollton, Ga Obituaries,
What Disqualifies You From Public Trust Clearance,
Lesson Outline Lesson 2 Development Of A Theory Answer Key,
Articles D
