01-93 Succeeding In Egypt
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Genesis 39:1-23
Genesis 39:1-23
From the human perspective, the narrative of the life of Joseph would be a sad tale of the tragedy of human trafficking. That was the last statement about Joseph:
36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer, the captain of the bodyguard.
He had been rejected by his brothers, stripped of his clothing, tossed in a pit, destined for death. But God changed the hearts of his brothers to spare his life which resulted in a small payment of 20 shekels of silver for the brothers. You divide that 11 ways and that’s all Joseph is worth to them. From man’s perspective, Joseph is in Egypt, forgotten by man, forgotten by God.
But that’s man’s perspective, from God’s perspective, the account of Joseph from here to the end is all about the activity and sovereignty of God. Even ch 39, though it centers on Joseph’s success in Egypt, it is much more about the activity of God.
I hope you picked up on the key phrase of our vv this morning. “The Lord was with Joseph” That is found 4x (vs 2, 3, 21, 23). Take notice of the rest of the Lord’s activity:
Opening Up Genesis The Favor of God
• “the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand” (39:3)
• “the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph” (39:5)
• “the LORD’s blessing was upon all that he owned” (39:5)
• “the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him” (39:21)
• “the LORD was with him” (39:23)
• “whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper” (39:23).
Joseph is all but forgotten by his brothers but this is where Joseph needed to be, this is where God sent him to be—where we will find God fulfilling His promises and carrying out His purposes.
There are many times when God’s people feel like we’re left on our own, left to navigate life without any road map (GPS), without any direction and we feel isolated, lonely, as if we’re walking this path of life by ourselves. But the impact of our vv is that Joseph would learn that God did not abandon him, you will need to learn the same truth: that in the midst of your most difficult circumstances, not only does God not abandon you, but He is bringing you thru these circumstances (not without aim) and will bring His plans to fruition in your life—that really is the measure of success of the people of the Lord (to know the Lord and to do His will). And if you have come to know that measure of success, it b/c the Lord has been with you. Learn from the life of Joseph and take comfort in the activity of God.
I want to outline this chapter for you and divide it into 4 simple parts:
1) The Success of Joseph
1) The Success of Joseph
1-6a
Joseph is now a slave in Egypt. The Egyptians were polytheists. There were at least 2000 gods and goddesses (even Pharaoh) and many of their gods were personification of nature. They worshiped the Nile (which they understood to be the source of life—necessary for crops and cattle). They worshiped the sun god—Re involving a cultic ritual every day as the sun was greeted with chanting to awaken all the gods from the sleep. The idols were then ceremonially washed, dressed, breakfasted with morning sacrifices. Some of these gods were local deities. Ptah (artificer god of Memphis); Thah the god of learning and the moon god at Hermopolis; Amun was the hidden god at Thebes. Along with Re, other cosmic gods included Nut (sky goddess), 3 gods of the air—Shu, Geb, Nu.
The nearest thing to a national religion was the worship of Osiris. He was king of the underworld where people went after death (also god of fertility). The story goes that he was murdered by his wicked brother Seth and would avenge his death thru Horus and with the help of his mother Isis.
It is into this society that Joseph becomes a slave (there were many semitic people enslaved by this time). And the time was during the 15th Dynasty when the famous Hyksos rulers were prominent (1720-1570 BC). Joseph was sold to a man by the name of Potiphar (“he whom Re has given” prominence of their worship). Moses tells us that he was an officer of Pharaoh, captain… The title “officer” can mean chief butcher (cook) but more likely means a courtier—one who belongs to the king. This is thoroughly heathen household that Joseph is made a part of and it is here that young Joseph (17 years old—away from his homeland, no longer a freeman) is going to shine.
vs 2 “YHWH was with.” There is in that statement everything you’ll need to know about what happens to Joseph from here on. It is everything you need to know about what circumstances will come to pass in Egypt, in Canaan, among his family. This is really what you need to know when it comes to the circumstances of your own life.
It was clear to Abimelech that God was with Abraham (21:22). God told Isaac “I am with you” (26:24).
It is said of Samuel:
19 Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail.
14 David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him.
YHWH was with Joseph (Stephen uses in his defense Act 7). He protected him, preserved him, provided for him so that nothing outside of God’s purpose would happen. You have the same promise as the people of the Lord.
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”
And its not just a part of God that was with Joseph (simplicity of God—all that God is—every attribute that makes Him God), all of God is with Joseph. And you can see the result of this end of vs 2:
“successful man.” That word means to thrive/prosperous. And this is going to be the story of his life now in Egypt. His master (Potiphar) sees that YHWH is with him. I’ve wondered “how did Potiphar see that?” It was simple, anything Joseph did the Lord made to prosper in his hand. That is not an exaggeration, embellishment—but Joseph was successful b/c God has caused it. Now Joseph was faithful to his responsibilities. And you should recognize this that God worked thru Joseph’s faithfulness and the same is true for us. The Lord wants us to be faithful to our responsibilities and toward the Lord.
1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Joseph prospered and his rise in his master’s house is progressive:
God prospered Joseph when he was just a slave
Joseph moved to Potiphar’s house (likely brought from living in a different slave building) when his work was discovered (vs 4)
Potiphar promoted him to be his personal attendant and put him in charge of entire household (speaks of profound trust)
The estate prospered under Joseph’s service—including things pertaining to the house and the field (vs 5)
Potiphar has absolute trust in Joseph so he withdrew from all management of his affairs concerning himself only with when and where to eat.
That’s complete confidence in Joseph. There’s not a hint of suspicion on Potiphar’s mind. And that is how integrity in the man/woman of God should work. You are so faithful to your responsibilities—demonstrated over a significant period of time that it should be clear to those around you that the Lord is with you. Those of you who have employed people for work would love to have this sort of person that you could just trust completely. You wouldn’t even need to assign them tasks b/c they just know what needs to be done and they do it. These are the kinds of people we should be like. And we will give an account for that when we meet the Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
2) The Seduction of Joseph
2) The Seduction of Joseph
7-12
Moses tells us at end of vs 6 “handsome…” This same expression was used of his lovely mother Rachel (29:17). These are the only 2 people spoken as such in the Bible. Joseph is a good-looking young man. We don’t have a specific age at this point but there are bookends that set a range of 17-30 years old (41:46). He was physically fit and I’m sure his physique showed it.
vs 7— “it came about after….” This is a substantial period of time, faithfully serving his master and having the Lord prosper Joseph in everything that he did. There was plenty of time for Potiphar’s wife (unnamed) to have her passions ignited by such a handsome young man. We’re told that she took notice (lit “lifted her eyes to Joseph”) and becomes a seductress when she says to Joseph “lie with me.” She was used to getting what she wanted and Joseph was after all a slave—albeit a trusted slave.
This is a very powerful temptation. Joseph is a young man, hormones raging, filled with sexual curiosity and drive (this temptation is as old as the fall of man). This particular time of temptation for Joseph comes at the point when he is very prosperous. I would have you note that this is often when temptation comes powerfully upon you. When you have achieved much in this life—Satan will use that as an opportunity to attack. There are scores of examples in the Bible—but one other one is king David.
David expanded Israel in all directions (“Empire” nations feared them). David won every military battle he fought in. He conquered—Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, Syrians, Ammonites, Amelekites, Edomites. David=mighty man (1Sam 16:18). He felt this would be a time of ease as he conquered all his foes. This is when he was tempted to commit adultery with Bathsheba.
6 Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, “I will never be moved.”
That’s the deceitfulness of prosperity. Prosperity ought to be a time of increased watchfulness. And temptation will not always be of the sexual variety. Anything that could become an idol of your heart can become a temptation to sin—money, power, success, material possessions, relationships. And temptation does not only increase in times of prosperity but also in times of spiritual victory. Paul was tempted to exalt himself after encountering the 3rd heaven. Self-confidence can be a particular season of temptation (I’ve walked with God for 30-40 years.) Take heed that you do not fall (1 Cor 10:12).
Joseph will show his measure of integrity in response to this very powerful temptation—vs 8-9
Jesus says:
41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
By refusing Joseph slams the door on that temptation and would not enter into it. It is not a sin to be tempted, but to “enter” is the sin. Joseph could not go there for 2 reasons: He loved his master and was very careful with the trust that was given to him. He was trusted with all the affairs of Potiphar’s household. He’s #2 in control of everything and the only thing Potiphar had not given him was his wife. There is no way he could commit adultery b/c he loved his neighbor as himself.
But there was another reason he couldn’t do this (a greater reason): He love the Lord. (2 commandments hang the whole law). Joseph knew adultery was wrong (though not yet expressed in the Law). He knew it was a sin—not just a sin against his master but a sin ultimately against God.
And that is what sin is:
4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.
Adultery is a great evil (that’s how Joseph describes it—not just evil). And this is how Satan would deceive us—to think less of sin than what it really is. Sin is lawlessness. Sin is rebellion. Sin is an attack on the holy character of the Almighty God. Maybe just call it a disease, call it a mistake, call it something other than what it is and it becomes more attractive. It’s just sleeping with someone, it’s just an affair…No! It is adultery—and it is a great evil.
Now, b/c Joseph is a man of integrity, purity and since Potiphar’s wife wants to have her way she has to increase the seduction. And this happens day after day (vs 10).
vs 11—no one else is in the home. Where that may have been a deterrent to have others in the home, we enter temptation the moment we forget that God is always watching
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.
So no one is looking, she grabs Joseph. Caught him (is a term that describes a man who rapes a virgin in Dt 22:28). This is a reversal and Joseph wants nothing to do with her so he escapes but leaving behind his garment. He runs out of the house naked and with this, Joseph gives us the best example of how to resist temptation. It reminds me of a story I once heard:
Story of King—hiring a driver for chariot asked 3 people “Which of you can get me closest to a cliff”—15’, 10’ not even a mile
When temptation is at your doorstep, run away. you might have to do that physically (keep your clothes on). Do whatever it takes to keep away from temptation.
3) The Slander of Joseph
3) The Slander of Joseph
13-18
vs 13—she is going to be filled with seething rage, anger b/c she did not get her way. She is going to slander Joseph, make false accusation against him, first to the other servants. She wants them on her side.
vs 14—she is actually throwing her husband under the bus here “he has brought…”
vs 15—just lie after lie.
Secondly she makes the accusation to her husband and this has all been schemed by the seductress—vs 16. What she doesn’t realize and what her husband doesn’t know is that the garment beside her is actually the proof of Jospeh’s integrity, purity, and fidelity to his master. The garment was there b/c Joseph fled from temptation.
But the husband gets a different picture b/c of his wife’s lie: vs 17-18. She is an evil woman and this is the one Proverbs warns about:
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey And smoother than oil is her speech; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, Her steps take hold of Sheol. 6 She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it. 7 Now then, my sons, listen to me And do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Keep your way far from her And do not go near the door of her house,
4) The Sentence of Joseph
4) The Sentence of Joseph
19-23
Potiphar’s anger burned. This is often the reaction that one has when someone else has been disobedient. This was Moses’ response when he saw Israel worshipping the golden calf (Ex 32:19). This was God’s response to the idolatry of Israel (Num 25:3). Potiphar assumes Joseph has betrayed him and so he sentences him to jail.
Joseph started this ordeal in a pit, was raised to a prominent position in the house of Potiphar (no doubt a large home) and now back to prison (Joseph will describe as a pit later on).
But that is not the end of the story—for even here: vs 21.
“extended” (lit to stretch out the hand) God reaches down to Joseph in his deepest affliction (as Stephen calls it in Acts 7:10) and touches him with “kindness.” This is the character of God. Sometimes it is translated “loving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy.” This is the character of God that reveals His willingness to forgive us of sin. But to those specifically that He sets His saving affection upon, this attribute reveals His deep and abiding faithfulness to His covenant promises.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.
17 But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,
8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
1 I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.
This is what Joseph experiences in jail. Falsely accused, unjustly condemned and yet the Lord shows mercy—and the result the chief jailor sees Joseph’s character: he is trustworthy. So Joseph is given responsibility among those in jail. Potiphar realized that Joseph was completely trustworthy he didn’t need to worry about a thing. The jailer had the same experience—vs 23.
Here is Joseph: a man of integrity, trustworthiness, fidelity, purity and a good example of a believer who trusted God and made the best of his difficult circumstances.
Is the Lord with you? He is if you have put your trust in LJC. He is with you every moment of your life, sustaining, providing, protecting, preserving and even when you sin, He is with you and HS convicts you—prompting you to repent and so receive forgiveness even when you sin as a believer.
God sent His Son who has come to us as Emmanuel: God with us. May this precious truth be yours today.