did potiphar believe his wife
He must have been terrified to be around so many people who were so different from him and who didnt know anything about his God. 1 Guzik, D. (2013). Potiphars wife frames Joseph, saying he made improper advances toward her. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. Why it is so easy to compartmentalizeto say something like being unfaithful in schoolwork or taxes wont affect my faithfulness in bigger things, like marriage? For other uses, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Potiphar%27s_wife&oldid=1143418407, This page was last edited on 7 March 2023, at 16:09. Application: Just like Joseph, we live in a time and place where many of the people around us dont know the one true God. 40-3: Two similar dreams with two totally different outcomes! We might skim over this Bible passage that we know so well. So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Because of this, Potiphar threw Joseph into prison. Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society / Used by permission of IBS-STL. It implies that Joseph had shown himself trustworthy, and therefore, Potiphar didnt have to worry about anything. Say: Mrs. Potiphar would not give up. How did the Egyptians fall into this trap? This is the very reason many people cant get free from sin; they simply dont see it as bad. 10 Things We Know About Potiphar: There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) Even though Satan is powerful, God is immeasurably more powerful. When Joseph was imprisoned based on Mrs. Potiphars accusations, apparently, it was more like Daniel being thrown in the lions den (Daniel 6). - Genesis 39:21a NLT, Attention teacher: The proposition of Potiphars wife to Joseph is very adult in nature. 1. It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. A person cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. In the end, however, the situation ended badly for Joseph: What can we learn from the account of Potiphars wife? Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 461). 2007BibleLessons4Kidz.com All rights reserved worldwide. When Joseph rejects Potiphars wife, she lies and accuses him of attempting to assault her sexually. Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. Their father, Jacob, loved Joseph more than all the brothers, Jacob gave him a fancy coat, and Joseph dreamed that his brothers would bow down to him one day. I imagine she rolled away from her husbands side, estranged from him by her deception. Often, they combined things such as a mans body with a hawks head, and worshipped it. According to Liz Higgins Curtis inBad Girls of the Bible, the name Zuleika means fair, brilliant, and lovely in Arabic. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. 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. In fact, its in those times that God pours out an extra measure of grace on you. Instead, they sold him as a slave to some traders that were passing by. If you eat of the tree, you wont die. Grabbing hold of his garment, she made her plea one last time: "Lie down with me!" Joseph acted . This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Islam is a stub. [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. Used by permission. Are you preparing to conquer temptation by having integrity in all things or preparing to succumb to future temptations by small compromises? The writer of Hebrews warns against scorning or becoming upset at Gods discipline. Ultimately, all sin is against God. There is no one greater in this household than I am. Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? The astrological calculations however were slightly off. The Hebrew word for "official" is the same that is used for eunuch. From the time he puts him in charge, the Lord blesses the household. He didnt look at her or even listen to her. We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). As Joseph submitted to God in the trial, God was with him to bless and not to discipline. Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that he [i.e., al-Azeez] should surely imprison him for a time. 1878; Hengstenbergs 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' 1:25; Kalisch, p. 631 . 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. Genesis 39. Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. Even when things got much worse, the Lord was with him. All rights reserved. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said: 'Lie with me.' Naturally Potiphar was angered beyond words. Actually, yes. Application Question: Why is it important to see God as sovereign over trials and temptations in order to be faithful in them (cf. The president. Lets face it; there is enough food in my kitchen to keep that mouse fat and happy for his entire life. Next week well see another twist in Gods incredible plan for Joseph. Potiphar's Wife KNOWN AS THE "NO-NAME WIFE" OF A BODY GUARD Genesis 39 IMAGINE: Being the rich Egyptian wife of the highest official to Pharaoh; but even so, choosing to set your sites on the well-built and handsome new household slave, only to have this Hebrew foreigner reject your advances. Joseph clung to God and he was even blessed in prison! Gods plan for Joseph continues during Josephs prison stay. However, what we see is that God was with Joseph. And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled out.' They even treated their king, Pharaoh, as a god. Betty Dunn hopes her articles help you hold hands with God, a theme in her self-published memoirMedusa. If not, you will eventually succumb to temptation and reap the consequences of it. "Now he doesn't have to worry about anything in the house. Application Question: When tempted, how often do you consider the consequences of sin? Gods blessing over his child, Joseph, is an important reality that we must consider when being tempted. Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. He knew he was not only sinning against his master, but against God if he yielded to this temptation. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 56:5), Photo Credit:Getty Images/BibleArtLibrary. He owns many slaves. So how could I do an evil thing like that? Joseph already has a strong character before Potiphars wife watches him working outside the palace through the gauze curtains of her jasmine-scented chambers. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). Distracted by his handsomeness, all the ladies accidentally cut themselves with the knives, drawing blood. No doubt, she not only spoke but probably tried to tempt him by wearing revealing clothing and alluring perfume. Special thanks to John R. Cross, The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, GoodSeed International. This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. 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. To congregations struggling with persecution, Peter said this: Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Say: But, Here comes trouble. They worshipped a sun god, a moon god, a frog goddess, a fish goddess, a cow goddess, a beautiful cat goddess, the god of thunder, and hundreds more! Genesis (Ge 39:1). Satans desire is that we worship anything or everything - except the one true God. Having Joseph around was wonderful for Potiphar. In all these temptations, God was faithful to provide ways of escape, and he does the same for us. [citation needed] The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a popular one in Islamic literature. Then she made up a big lie about him (John 8:44). No doubt a no-nonsense type of man, Potiphar is also twice his wifes age. Thank God, He sees people differently from how we see people. If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. Its meant to be celebrated! Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. The Lord was with Joseph. He told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. Following this incident, her contemporaries no longer mocked her. It sounds ridiculous, but that is what many people around the world do, even today. Its Satans goal to rob God of the worship that God deserves, because Satan is so jealous of God. 32-3: Who was the "man" that Jacob wrestled? Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. In the pagan world, adultery was normal. 4 Swindoll, Charles (1998-12-03). Hebrews 4:16 says, So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Interpretation Question: Did Potiphar believe his wifes accusations? What does this story tell us about the character of Joseph? The transfer of Joseph from the house to the adjoining prison would be quietly managed, and then no more need be said about an ugly business. Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. Potiphar's wife appears to cut quite a figure in her important husband's life and the life of his steward, the Jewish people's leader Joseph. Application Question: If Satan is always tempting us to not trust God so that well fall into sin, how can we increase our faith in God to stand? The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. First Corinthians 10:9-10 warns us about complaining like Israel did in the wilderness, because if we do, God will discipline us. And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. Solomon said this to his son about avoiding the temptation of adultery: Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes? 63 And whilst they were smiting him, Joseph called out with a loud . It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. We can only guess what happened to her in the future. He is still a slave and servant, though the highest-ranking slave in Potiphars household, entrusted with carrying for all of Potiphars possessions and business. Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. God is working all things for our good and to make us into his Sons image (Rom 8:28-29). Application Question: Why is it so important to flee temptation instead of trying to faithfully endure it? Israel was tempted in the wilderness. You cant hold it in. As we said, some people even believed he was a god. 9. All rights reserved. grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; 1 Corinthians 10:13, written for early Christians centuries after the account of Potiphars wife and Joseph, states that we are not tempted beyond what God decides we can handle. Potiphar's wife was not. With success, comes more temptations, and therefore we must be even more disciplined if God allows those opportunities. May be reproduced for personal, nonprofit, and non-commercial uses only. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). Does that suggest anything about what was going through Potiphar's mind as he threw Joseph in "the prison where the king's prisoners were confined" (v.20)? How could I sin against God?" Inviting her friends to her home, Zuleikha gave them all oranges and knives to slice them with. My son, do not scorn the Lords discipline or give up when he corrects you. While Andrews novel is a work of fiction, Potiphars wife was very likely a neglected, lonely, and unhappy trophy wife. funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . Therefore, we should consider all hardship as under the sovereign hand of Godused to train us. What God does with people and how people react is unpredictable, though. 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. Let it out! God used this humbling circumstance as a boot campmeant to discipline and train Joseph. She said Yosef was doing these things to me. By complaining instead of praising God, they are really saying that they dont trust God, that he is not in control, or that he doesnt know what he is doing. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:6-7). (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12, 14). In Legends of the Jews,the Egyptian housewives are so captivated by watching Joseph that they accidentally cut themselves while peeling oranges! They commonly harbor anger and bitterness for years after some traumatic event: They are angry at parents, the school system, government, or someone else who harmed them. Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. According to the Book of Genesis, she falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape after he rejected her sexual advances, resulting in his imprisonment. Application Question: What are some common costs of maintaining our integrity and conquering temptation? And I certainly sought to seduce him, but he firmly refused; and if he will not do what I order him, he will surely be imprisoned and will be of those debased." Potiphars wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. Finally, while Joseph was imprisoned, God showed him great kindness. Another principle about conquering temptation that we can discern is the need to practice integrity in all areas of life. But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she has lied, and he is of the truthful." Potiphar is the only Egyptian of status who would harbor a grudge against Joseph, given their prior history. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. If it means avoiding a certain person or group of people, so be it. All rights reserved. In your hardest times, God will not leave you. 40-1: Was Joseph really kept in a "prison"? His big brothers were very jealous of him. Potiphar's wife has no children and does not seem to love her husband. She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. We will all experience temptation, the only question is, How will we respond to it?. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. Joseph had previously foreseen God using the bad for good in his dreams (Gen 37:5-11) and he believed those dreams. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. Similarly, if we are going to conquer temptation, we must intentionally and persistently avoid it as well. Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? The judgment of Potiphar's wife was a story not found in the Bible, of course, and some contradictory traditions arose around it among ancient Christian commentators. "Zuleikha" redirects here. One of these is the Hebrew Joseph, who had been placed in control of Potiphar's large estate and household. So he was there in the prison. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). Joseph refused Potiphar's wife even after multiple advances, day after day. Even while in prison, Joseph continues to rise to prominence. It is clear that Joseph trusted God and wasnt bitter towards him, which would have hindered Gods blessings. God gave him great leadership skills and other blessings. Application: You are young, but some of you have already faced very difficult situations. 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 ). Your email address will not be published. 33. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. First Corinthians 10:13 implies that we all will experience temptation and, at the same time, be provided a way of escape. This seems so unfair! - Genesis 39:19b-20a. And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. When he heard me raise my voice and scream, he left his outer garment beside me and ran outside. So she laid his outer garment beside her until his master came home. 40-5: Six ways Joseph's life foreshadows Yeshua in Genesis 40. After being wrongly imprisoned, it is very possible that he was tempted towards hopelessness and despair. 23. There is nowhere you can go where God cannot go with you (Psalm 139:7-12). How can we conquer temptation? -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. When the Persian king put Daniel in prison, he knew that Daniel was righteous and had been framed by the other administrators; however, he had to obey the law. This is repeated four times in verses 4 to 6 for emphasis. I am One! Yahweh is only mentioned one other time in the rest of Genesis3, which shows how active God was in this part of Josephs life. She attempted to sexually assault Joseph who, as a slave, could never have truly consented. The fact that he cast Joseph into a prison that he operated from home (40:3-4) indicates that he really didn't believe her tale. 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. According to monumental evidence (Wilkinson's ' Ancient Egyptians,' vol. When they dont know the true God, they make up their own idea of what God must be. He made him accountable for everything that was done there. No matter where Joseph ends up, he flourishes personally and carries out Gods plan. Gods grace gives you power when Satan tries to tempt you. Soon after these things, his masters wife took notice of Joseph and said, Have sex with me. But he refused, saying to his masters wife, Look, my master does not give any thought to his household with me here, and everything that he owns he has put into my care. Either Potiphar was singularly lenient, or, as is perhaps more probable, he did not quite believe his wife's story, and thought it best to hush up a scandal.
