Bible Commentaries
Genesis 39

Verse 1

CONTENTS

In this Chapter the Sacred Writer reassumes the history of Joseph The account is related of Joseph's being carried down into Egypt; and of the reception he met with there. He is sold to Potiphar, a captain under Pharaoh king of Egypt: Joseph is so blessed of the LORD, that his master commits unto him the care of all his substance: Joseph, on account of the comeliness of his person, becomes an object of desire to his mistress. She attempts to seduce him; but by the grace of GOD being preserved from the temptation, her lust is changed into hatred. She accuses Joseph to her lord, who, unheard, throws him into prison. The LORD manifests his favor to his servant, so that he inclines the heart of the keeper of the prison to be kind to Joseph These are the contents of this Chapter, to which as there is much in type and figure of the LORD JESUS, we shall do well to be very attentive in the perusal.

Genesis 39:1

Genesis 37:36; Genesis 37:36 ; Psalms 105:17 . Observe how the LORD arrangeth all his providences. Joseph being sold to Potiphar, rather than to any other, became the foundation of his being known to Potiphar's master.

Verse 2

1Sa_16:18; 1Sa_18:28 ; Acts 7:9 . Read that scripture, Psalms 27:10 .

Verse 3

Deuteronomy 33:16 . Separated from his brethren.

Verses 4-9

Proverbs 16:7

Sweet argument this! It was a sin against himself. It was a sin even against his mistress! It was a sin against a kind master. But he passeth all these by as of lesser consideration, to argue the abominable nature of the sin against GOD: being particularly an Israelite, and in covenant with GOD.

Verse 5

Genesis 30:27 .

Verse 6

Proverbs 31:30 .

Verse 7

2 Peter 2:14 .

Verse 8

Proverbs 1:10 .

Verses 10-17

Proverbs 7:25

Observe, the pointed contempt on the religion of Joseph; first, the Hebrew, in order to heighten the offence she charged him with after. And is it not so now? Are not the blemishes, or the supposed blemishes of the LORD'S people, always magnified by the carnal world?

Verse 11

Job 24:15 .

Verse 12

Observe that scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:13 .

Verse 14

2 Samuel 13:15 .

Verses 18-20

How sweet that scripture in point, 1 Peter 2:17 . And again, 1 Peter 2:19-24 . See also Psalms 105:17-18 .

Verse 19

Proverbs 6:34-35 .

Verse 21

Daniel 6:22 .-It is a delightful thought, that no bars can shut out the presence of GOD from his people.

Verse 22

That scripture hath been more than once verified, Psalms 106:46 .

Verse 23

REFLECTIONS

Who doth not feel pity in the review of Joseph's unjust and cruel treatment! Behold the Patriarch a little before the object of his father's love. And now look at him as a bond slave and a prisoner in a strange land! To what a reverse of circumstances are even good men exposed, in this waste and howling wilderness. But, Reader! never forget that JESUS is with his people always, and in all their affliction he is afflicted. Suitable, seasonable grace shall be given them as they stand in need. And as their day is, so shall their strength be.

But is there nothing in this Chapter which prompts the heart to discover some faint sketches of him of whom Joseph was a type? Oh yes! certainly a greater than Joseph is here. How was the Son of GOD when upon earth sold and tempted, and led into prison and unto death! If we look at Joseph suffering by unjust imputation, can we forget for a moment him to whom our sins are imputed; though he did no sin, and in whose mouth there was found no guile. Did he not bear our sins in his own body on the tree when he died, the just for the unjust to bring us to GOD. LORD, grant that as in so much mercy, thou didst condescend to be sin for us who knew no sin, we may be made the righteousness of GOD in thee.