Unfairly Imprisoned

Genesis 39:1-20

“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.” (Genesis 39:1)

Several days after his brothers sold him as a slave, Joseph arrived in Egypt, where a powerful official saw him. Just seventeen, and in good health, he should be able to work for many years, and was young enough that he could be trained easily. If handled and trained properly he would be a great investment, so Potiphar bought him.

“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 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.” (Genesis 39:2-4)

Down through the years, as I worked, people wanted to know how I learned to do some of the things I did. It was not that I was smarter, but that God blessed me by making things work, and numerous other Christian employees have described the same experience, so Joseph’s experience of prosperity in his work is rather typical for those who serve God. It wasn’t long until he was promoted to manager of Potiphar’s business.

“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. 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.” (Genesis 39:5-6a)

Promoting Joseph resulted in Potiphar’s business doing better than it ever had, freeing him to concentrate on his political career. He no longer had to spend time at home taking care of family business. This probably resulted in a growing neglect of his wife and family.

“And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:6b-7)

As her husband began neglecting her in advancing his political career, Potiphar’s wife began to crave attention. Joseph was young and good looking and smart, and equally important, he was there. It wasn’t long before she began to want joseph to fulfill her natural cravings. I Corinthians 7:1-5 warns of the danger of neglecting our marriage. She propositioned Joseph.

“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; 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? 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.” (Genesis 39:8-10)

It became a challenge to get Joseph into and affair, and before long Joseph began to see it as sexual harassment. He began to avoiding her as much as possible. This further inflamed her infatuation. As a slave, he did not have the option of finding a different job, and he had no good options to deal with the situation, as talking to her husband might well cause him to become jealous.

“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. 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. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 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: 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.” (Genesis 39:11-15)

One day, his duties caused him to be in her home when no one was around and she took advantage of the situation, attempting to force him to comply with her desire. He finally slipped out of his coat to get away. Being rejected made her really angry and as the old saying goes, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” To punish mim, she accused him of trying to rape her, first calling in the other employees.

“And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. 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: And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. 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.” (Genesis 39:16-19)

When Potiphar came home and she made her charges, his jealousy was immediately kindled, and she played on racial differences about the Hebrew servant to further inflame him. That the other servants said she’d told them the same thing made it more believable, and it was clearly Joseph’s coat, so he was assumed guilty.

“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.” (Genesis 39:20)