Joseph in Egypt - Gen 39-40

 

Potiphar's Wife Gen 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. Joseph, an alien is bought by the captain of the kings guard. This is like an illegal alien being employed by the FBI or the CIA. Gen 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Egypt is a land of many gods, like today's America, yet the true God prospered Joseph and gave him favor. We are to stand out from the people as being connected to the Almighty God. 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. Gen 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. The LORD had caused everything to prosper with Joseph. Potipher saw this and wanted him to increase his possessions to prosper as well. The head of security, trusted the alien from the tribe of Judah to be in charge of all he owned. Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Gen 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. Gen 39:6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. Joseph had integrity of character. Joseph did not feel pity for himself, he overcame by excellence and faith. Prov 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. Gen 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? King David spoke similar words: Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. David sinned, but Joseph resisted the temptation to sin. Jesus never sinned. A Christian without good character is a disgrace to his Lord. We are being made in His image or we are not of Him. Prov 30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. Gen 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. Gen 39:11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. Gen 39:12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. I hope their are no women out there reading this that play this game. And men, flee, do not be alone with a strange woman. She was married, and he was put in a position of trust. There are men and women who seduce as a game or for power, don't do this. God is not pleased. Those in slavery? No choice? God will not hold you accountable. Serve him with a humble heart. Gen 39:13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, Gen 39:14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: Gen 39:15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. Gen 39:16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. Gen 39:17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: Gen 39:18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. It is get even time for Potiphar's wife. She was refused now she punishes righteous Joseph with a false story. Joseph did not try to defend himself. Apparently he knew that it would do no good. To accuse the wife would be an insult, coming from a slave. He was a humble man, as was Jesus. Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. God hates the sin of lying. Liars accused our Lord Jesus. The devil is a liar; he tempts us and then accuses us. He does this over and over. Think of the shame, if Joseph had of actually sinned? There would be no end to the devils accusations. Many of us have given in to lust in a moment of weakness, then begins satan's accusations and torment. We are to live in victory not giving satan a place to condemn us. Live a pure lifeand resist temptations. Be ye Holy as I am holy, the LORD says. Though accused, Joseph was innocent. 1 Cor 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Gen 39:19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. Gen 39:20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. It is a bad place to be in prison. For any person held in prison unfairly, it is a very bad thing. Jesus came to set the captives free. First in the heart, then in the physical. Once Jesus has freed us, we need not be bound again. Thank you Jesus for coming and setting us free. Lord I pray for all those bound that you would come to them. The gospel power sets the captives free. Thank you Lord that you love us so much. Our past is forgiven we will no longer seek to be entangled in sin where the devil accuses us. Gen 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Gen 39:22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. Gen 39:23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. Joseph was so excellent of character, that he was put in charge of the prisoners. Contrast this to the attitudes of most today who claim to be victims of hate crimes, race, gender, etc.; they scream, yell and cry and get laws changed that are contrary to God's word. They will not prosper, God is judge. All are made free at the foot of the cross. The answer to all problems is in submitting to God by way of his son, Jesus Christ our savior.   The Butler and the Baker Gen 40:1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. Sounds like the king was not happy with his food and drink, for some reason. Gen 40:2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. Gen 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Who is the captain of the guard? Potiphar, it was Potiphar who showed Joseph grace in the prison. Gen 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. Gen 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. Gen 40:6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. Gen 40:7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? Gen 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. Gen 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; Gen 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: Gen 40:11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. Gen 40:12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Gen 40:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. Gen 40:14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: Gen 40:15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. Good news for the cup bearer. Everyone wants to hear good news, but how many prophets and preachers will speak the truth if it is unpleasant to hear? Not many. The interpretation of the Baker's dream was not as pleasant. Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: Gen 40:17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. Gen 40:18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Gen 40:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. Gen 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Gen 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: Gen 40:22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Gen 40:23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. Joseph was forgotten again. Why was he abandoned by his brothers at the age of 17 and sold into slavery. Why did he prosper, only to be accused unjustly and but in prison? Why is it that God gave him favor only to be disappointed again. Have we not at times wondered what we are doing in a place that we see no hope in? Joseph did not see the end, nor do we. We are to serve God where we are and he will bring the blessings from our faithfulness. It is not about us, but about glorifying our Lord. Our problems are appointed of God. Joseph, was learning to trust God through all things. He was learning the Egyptian language and the way of servant hood. He was given opportunities to manage and to develop leadership qualities. Joseph was given wisdom from God which would be used to save his people. Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Prov 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Prov 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Prov 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Prov 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: Prov 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. If we do not understand and think God has forgotten us or is delaying? Perhaps it is to build our character into the future plans he has for us? Stay in the hand of our God who loves us and cares for us. Follow Jesus and honor him wherever we may be. Joseph never complained, but was willing to serve others. In Christ Jesus we are willing servants until we are with him in glory.