Genesis 39:3–12

Bible Studies for Life
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church

Overcome Temptation

Genesis 39:3–12

The Lord Was With Joseph and Blessed Him. (3–6)

That the Lord was with Joseph is evident in how, out of being sold into enslavement, he prospered in Potiphar’s house. Not only did Joseph recognize that Yahweh was the source of his success, Potiphar recognized it as well. “Now his master saw that the Lord was with him” (verse 3). Joseph was a hard-working young man and the outworking of his faith was evident to his supervisor. Joseph’s labors reflect Proverbs 22:29 which praises the skilled laborer who will serve before kings rather than obscure men.

Because of Joseph’s diligence, Potiphar increases his responsibilities and his authority. Ultimately the captain of the guard puts Joseph in charge of his own household. Put another way, he put all that he possessed under Joseph’s jurisdiction. The Hebrew reads literally, “All that came to him he put in his charge.” In a short time Joseph has been elevated from common slave — probably one among a host of slaves in Potiphar’s house — to running the household of a top military man in Egypt. The trust that the captain has for Joseph is underscored with the statement that Potiphar did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Overcoming Temptation Begins by Having Standards and Convictions Already in Place. (7–10)

The temptation carried out by Potiphar’s wife was brazen and shamelessly aggressive. One must keep in mind that Joseph is not immune to temptation. He is a red-blooded young man in his late 20s. He is in a private chamber, safe with the master’s wife who had set up the entire seductive scenario. Potiphar’s wife refuses to take no for an answer. She tempts the young bachelor day after day.

How was Joseph able to withstand the temptress? First he was loyal to his earthly master. He did not want to violate his master’s trust. Second Joseph was loyal to his God. Even if no one else ever found out about it, Joseph knew his Lord would know.

Joseph also had the clear theological perspective of temptation James addressed centuries later: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt any one. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” God is not responsible for sin; Satan is. And when we give in to temptation — sexual or otherwise — we are responsible for it.

When Temptation Comes, Run! (11–12)

Joseph’s righteous rebuffs lead to a dramatic scene. The garment he had to leave in the woman’s hands was likely the undergarment, a long shirt tied around the hips. It was probably not the coat-like cape, which was not worn indoors. Some suggest therefore that Joseph fled completely undressed. Though it could appear a disgraceful exit, in reality it was an honorable, righteous one. “Out of the house” likely does not mean that Joseph ran out onto the street; rather the living quarters of this type of near-eastern house would be surrounded by a courtyard.

Despite the temptation and the resulting imprisonment, Joseph trusts the Lord is with him. That affirmation is threaded four times through this part of his story. It is worth noting two familiar passages that echo this theme in different ways. In Psalm 23, a song of trust, the promise of the Lord’s presence is stated by David, “You are with me” (v. 4). And in the Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:20, Jesus prepares the disciples for His imminent departure with His ultimate promise to the church: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” All of us face temptation, betrayal, false accusation and injustice at some point in our lives. But we must remain faithful like Joseph and trust that our Lord will work it for good.