did potiphar believe his wife

Eve had to trust God to not succumb to temptation, and its the same for us. His goal is to distract you from the only real source of life. What evidence is there the Potiphar did not believe his wife? This is, of course, Potiphar's household. With that said, Josephs example also teaches a principle about how to go through trials and temptations. Potiphar trusted him, giving him charge over everything he owned. And women in the city said, "The wife of al-Azeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. It is good for us to think deeply about the potential consequencesconsidering how our sins affect ourselves, friends, family, other Christians, and non-believers. 4 Swindoll, Charles (1998-12-03). More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Application: Ask: Have you ever felt like Joseph in Egypt? Ask: How many of you made a craft today? As I went to search for some Advil, I stopped to ponder Potiphar's wife and Joseph. And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. Whats the big deal?!. Eight times Yahweh is mentioned in this chapter. 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. And it came to pass on a certain day, when he went into the house to do his work, and there was none of the men of the house there within, that she caught him by his garment, saying: 'Lie with me.' We have Gods written Word! If we humble ourselves before God in our trials and temptations, he will lift us up as well. Potiphar's wife is a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran. This is a reason many people fall when temptation comes. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (For the sharpest Bible students only! This biographical article about a person notable in connection with Judaism is a stub. Potiphars wife stands out, however, as perhaps the evilest nameless woman in the Bible. Did Potiphar believe his wife? 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. He didn't have Joseph killed. 33. 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. 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. Its not normal to forbid yourself these basic needs, they say. Adam and Eve were tempted in the garden. To congregations struggling with persecution, Peter said this: Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. However, though Joseph was good looking, Potiphars wife didnt notice him until he was exalted. Gods grace made Joseph want to obey God. What Does the Bible Tell Us about the Prophet Daniel? Genesis: beginning and blessing (p. 464). Joseph, we remember, is the future leader and current visionary of the Jewish people in bondage in Egypt. Many arent willing to pay the price for being holy. Without doubt, Joseph was aware that scorning Potiphars wife could have hazardous consequences. All of his life, Joseph had believed in only one God. Say: God blessed Joseph, and the blessings poured out over Potiphar, his family, and even his servants. Therefore, we should consider all hardship as under the sovereign hand of Godused to train us. According to the Book of Genesis, she falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape after he rejected her sexual advances, resulting in his imprisonment. 3. 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." Some believers are just too strong to conquer temptation. This seems so unfair! When Joseph rejects Potiphars wife, she lies and accuses him of attempting to assault her sexually. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. Well need to guard our family moregreater responsibility and popularity means well have to say no more often, in order to spend time with our family. She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. The story of Potiphar's wife . He makes his lies sound really good. 1. p. 392, ed. The Egyptians saw things that God made such as the sun, the moon, and animals, and believed that these amazing things must be gods. You have a disease! The test that Joseph faced was very similar to the temptation that Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden. Ask: Does anyone remember the name of the Promised Land? Wives often were lonely, and some sought the love they lacked outside of the marriage. His life was different; he was set apart from the ungodly. Genesis (Ge 39:710). grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; Its the strong who are weak and the weak who are strong. He was in the midst of idolatry. 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? So the man who was running the prison was pleased with Joseph. Yahweh is only mentioned one other time in the rest of Genesis3, which shows how active God was in this part of Josephs life. Well need to be more disciplined with our time and money. When he became successful, undoubtedly, he experienced temptations towards pride and independence from God. The astrological calculations however were slightly off. You can believe God and live, or you can believe Satan, and be caught in his trap. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? [1][2], Rashi comments that the wife of Potiphar saw through astrology that she would have children through Joseph. Daniel was suddenly the Bible's most eligible bachelor, and he got a fictional wife in Of Fire and Lions. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. From what I have seen among a few commentaries, there seems to be a concensus among Ramba"n, Ibn Ezra and some others that Potiphar did not believe his wife, completely. Inviting her friends to her home, Zuleikha gave them all oranges and knives to slice them with. We also know that Potiphar was smart enough to recognize a good thing when he saw it. 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?. Well start to see how God used this terrible situation for good! 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. 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). God gave him great leadership skills and other blessings. So he was there in the prison. 32. Application Question: Why is it important to practice integrity in little things to protect us from stumbling in bigger things? Israel was tempted in the wilderness. If he had . They sold Joseph to a very important Egyptian man. 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. Often Christians compartmentalize their life: certain deceptions are OK, and others are not. Now he was in a land where people believed in thousands of gods. In the very beginning, God created one wife (Eve) for one man (Adam). However, what we see is that God was with Joseph. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? It was when Joseph was successful that he experienced greater temptations. If he failed in any way, Potiphar might put him in prison or even worse, execute him. I dont see a happy, older woman. When successful, well need greater accountabilitypeople to speak into our lives and hold us accountable. Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. She may have lied in other areas to protect her high position. Jewish commentators also see some good motives in her actions. It is very similar with Satan. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. Gods perfect plan for marriage has always been one man and one woman together for their lifetime. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible. Do you believe that God would go all the way down to a dingy dungeon to be with Joseph? Instead of being bitter and upset, Joseph submitted to God and trusted him in the midst of his trial. That would suppress who you really are! Remaining nameless might be something this devious woman desired! Ask: Do you think he felt afraid or lonely? L15-4: How are believers to stay away from the UNCLEAN, yet show Gods love to the UNCLEAN? Potipher's Wife Is Not Joseph's Master. 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. Used by permission. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." The Bible says that there is only one true God. Deep down, we want things to be fair. Sometimes, God sends us places so that people who do not know Him will be able to see God through us. Potiphars wife could have learned a lesson from her encounter with Joseph and gained a name and a new character in her future. From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptians household for Josephs sake. Yet Potiphars wife cannot ruin Josephs life because God is with him. (Genesis 39:10) Potiphar's wife, however, was a determined seductress. Big Question: What principles can we learn about conquering temptation from Josephs responses to various temptations in this narrative? God used this humbling circumstance as a boot campmeant to discipline and train Joseph. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:6-7). 31. 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. When things were bad, God moved in a special way in his life, even if Joseph was unaware of it. But this wasnt true of Joseph. When Joseph is taken by slave traders to Egypt, he is purchased by a high official in Pharaohs court named Potiphar. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 1 Cor 10:13, Jam 1:3-4, Heb 12:7)? 34-1: Dinah, a daughter of Israel, is raped by a Canaanite! Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. -Genesis 39:19 So we're told that Potiphar's wife fell in lust with Joseph. 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. Are you preparing to conquer temptation by having integrity in all things or preparing to succumb to future temptations by small compromises? To fight this temptation, Joseph not only refused but also stopped being around her. Genesis 39. What is the story of Joseph and his brothers. This was preparing him to lead all of Egypt. We must remember that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Genesis - NIV Application Commentary by John Walton. 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! (4). He followed God in everything he did (Genesis 39:8-9). We all know how this works. This description suggests that Potiphar held a high-ranking position within the Egyptian court, as he was responsible for the safety of Pharaoh and his household. Say: Joseph wasnt alone because God was with Him. 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. (Rashi) Where was Potiphar when his wife was talking to him? When he refused, she falsely accused him of attempted rape. 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. Satan spends his days and nights setting traps to distract people from the truth (1 Peter 5:8). QUESTION 5: Did Potiphar truly believe his wife's accusation of Joseph? Sadly, the good vibes didn't last. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love. He was learning administrative skills, as he led all of Potiphars household. When they go through hard times with family, work, school, or other relationships, they become bitter and constantly complain. 9. Most importantly, like Joseph, we must remember that participating in sin hurts God deeply. Application Question: In what ways have you seen people change negatively when they gain success or are put into authority positions? Potiphar's wife, though unnamed, played a significant role in Joseph's journey from favored son to powerful leader in Egypt. Remember, he is the father of lies (John 8:44). However, Potiphar, though Pharaohs chief executioner, gave Joseph a lenient sentenceimprisonment. The only thing Joseph is not in charge of is Potiphar's food. There is no other God except Me.. - Genesis 39:21 a NLT Props: A mousetrap, cheese Background/Review It will be fun! Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. If I have a mouse on the loose in my house, I want to keep it out of the good supply of food in my kitchen. He put Joseph in charge of all of the prisoners. Perhaps Mesu Andrews novel, Potiphars Wife,gives her a brighter future than I have predicted. The Holy Spirit guides us and gives us the power to make the right moral decisions and honor God. An Egyptian named Potiphar had bought him from the Ishmaelite traders who had taken him there. All rights reserved. He refused to even be around her. Two credible sources, the Quran and Louis Ginzbergs study Legends of the Jews, name Potiphars wife Zuleika, which sounds like a wily woman. His name meant devoted to the sun, which demonstrated his pagan, religious background.1 He was captain of Pharaohs bodyguard, which was a prestigious position. We learn a great deal from Josephs triumphant example, as he faced multiple temptations as a slave and later a prisoner in Potiphars house. (1) When it says, he became furious (v. 19), it does not say that he became furious at Joseph. It would seem that his judgment should have been swift and brutal if, indeed, Joseph had sexually assaulted her. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?. Say: God did NOT abandon Joseph! God is working all things for our good and to make us into his Sons image (Rom 8:28-29). Therefore, in order to conquer temptation, we must trust God and what his Word says. She was married to a rich man and had class and wealth on her side. [3] McKinlay (1995) noted that Potiphar's wife is treated as an object in his master's possession (Gen 39:89), and the reason Joseph refuses is not because he doesn't want to have sex with her, but because it would violate his master's trust and be a sin against the God Yahweh. Say: The most important man in Egypt was Pharaoh. Potiphar believes his high-pedigree wife and throws Joseph in prison. Some people make things with their own hands, such as a statue, and worship it (Isaiah 37:19). If Joseph had been cheating in business matters, such as stealing money from Potiphar or lying about certain things under his care, it would have been a lot easier to have an affair with Mrs. Potiphar. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. Sometimes, the evilness of sin is lowered by calling it a disease. How do we know this? According to Genesis 39:1 (NKJV), Potiphar was "an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian.". Im a great-looking older woman! How else can you tell if youre compatible for marriage? Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity: How Did the Apostle Paul Die?Who are the Nicolaitans in Revelation?Who Was Deborah in the Bible?Who Was Moses in the Bible? It seems quite likely that Potiphar did not believe his wife. - Genesis 39:1-2. Application Question: In what ways does the world and Satan aim to make sin more acceptable and less heinous? He was the captain of the palace guard. . My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. 37-1: Why isn't Joseph considered a Patriarch? Oh, getting drunk and abusing your wife, thats not your fault! What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? We may not have clear, predictive dreams from God, but we do have a clearer word than Joseph had. A former high school English teacher and editor, she works on writing projects from her home in West Michigan, where she enjoys woods, water, pets, and family. 40-2: The importance of dreams in ancient Egypt. Do you think Joseph will be all alone this time? Indeed, you were of the sinful." Gen 50:20, Rom 8:28). Joseph had lost his masters respect and he was forced to become lower than a slave - he became a PRISONER. God was enabling him to be strong and wise. Q. Joseph's reasons for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife are found in Genesis 39:8-9. Did they have children? First Corinthians 10:9-10 warns us about complaining like Israel did in the wilderness, because if we do, God will discipline us. They not only protected Pharaoh, but when he was upset with somebody, they executed that person. 25. 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. Have you ever been the only one who followed God on your team, or in your class at school? Husbands, especially if they were wealthy, commonly had concubines or mistresses. There is no one greater in this household than I am. The narrator said, Soon after these things (v. 7). How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?. Many fail to submit to God in the midst of their trials and temptations and instead succumb to them. Say: Joseph went from being the favorite son to becoming a SLAVE! He told Joseph to take good care of everything he owned. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. I imagine she rolled away from her husbands side, estranged from him by her deception. Do you follow God in everything you do? Say: As far as we know, Joseph was probably the only believer in the entire nation of Egypt! Its OK to cheat on a testEverybody else is doing it! they say. By Gods grace, Joseph did not become bitter, holding onto his anger as his brothers had done. The Egyptians had a long list of gods. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Application: You must be aware of Satans traps. Why did the most important official of the most important man in Egypt choose Joseph out of all the other slaves? Application: Satan loves to tempt people with what God has forbidden. Potiphars wifes frustration with seducing Joseph lights up her anger. You can even get angry at God! In the pagan world, adultery was normal. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God? Even though she continued to speak to Joseph day after day, he did not respond to her invitation to have sex with her. 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. We can discern this by two things: (1) If he were bitter about his family, bitter about being enslaved, and mad at God, it would have negatively affected his attitude while working, which would have kept him from being so quickly promoted. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. It says, We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.. 24. According to Liz Higgins Curtis inBad Girls of the Bible, the name Zuleika means fair, brilliant, and lovely in Arabic. In your hardest times, God will not leave you. He was in charge of whatever they were doing. Sin drastically affects us and others around us. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. 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. Say: Joseph didnt know anyone in this new country. She is the wealthy seductress of young, rising star Joseph. Also, it would be easier for him to stand when other major temptations would come while he oversaw matters in Egypt. 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. Potiphars wife knows the ancient Egyptian punishment for a woman committing adultery was to have her nose cut off. The blessing is on everything Potiphar owns - his fields, his house, his possessions. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39) Related Media Lesson PPT TITLE Main Point: The Lord is with those who trust Him, even in the most difficult times. 5 Guzik, D. (2013). How could I sin against God?" Some Bible translations (such as NIrV) are very explicit in the wording of her offer. These gifts of Joseph lead to his becoming governor of the land (Genesis 42:6) in Egypt and Gods leader of the Jewish people (Genesis 45:7-8). Similarly, to not punish Joseph would have been an extreme loss of face for Potiphar and, obviously, would have further hurt his relationship with his wife. Related Topics: Children, Children's Curriculum, Jodi is part of the Childrens Ministry team at Grace Fellowship Church, outside of Atlanta. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. When Joseph's master (Potiphar) heard her story, he became very angry. 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. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. She was used to getting her way, and she kept flirting with Joseph.

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