God’s Hand

Genesis 39

 Our story now focuses on Joseph, the young guy who was mistreated by his other brothers and sold into slavery. It turns out Joseph is sold to a man named Potiphar. Potiphar was actually the captain of the guard for Pharaoh. This was a very high position in Egypt to have. Joseph was a very good slave and was successful at what he was put in charge of. He finally became overseer of the house for Potiphar. This meant that all that Potiphar had was left in charge to Joseph, he was responsible for all of that. The Bible made it clear that Joseph succeeded because God was with him.

Trial #2

The Bible says Joseph was handsome in form and appearance meaning he was not only good looking but had a good body. Potiphar’s wife (no name is ever given) liked Joseph and wanted him more than just a servant boy. Joseph was a godly man who desired to please the Lord. He said no to whatever Potiphar’s wife was trying to get from him and she would try to tempt him day in and day out. It was a continual temptation and actually he ran away from the situation so he would not do what was evil in the sight of the Lord.  Potiphar’s wife decided that she would lie about Joseph and that he did something wrong against her. Joseph then was arrested and put into prison. Think about it, Joseph did everything that was right. His brothers sold him into slavery, and now he is thrown into prison. He was innocent on both accounts and yet was treated like he was guilty. God had a bigger plan that involved being over a head of a household. We will see this unravel in the next few chapters.

Verse 21 reminds us of this mistreated by saying, “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love” God was with him and showed love on Joseph who was mistreated. God sees those who are mistreated and has steadfast love on us. He has steadfast love on us even when we do not deserve it; we are wretched sinners and yet his love on us was the cross and dying for us. May we go through our trials and have joy because God does have steadfast love for us.