Chapter XXXIX
Ver. 1-23. Joseph ix Potiphak's House. 1. Potiphar —This name, Potiphar, signifies one " devoted to the sun," the local deity of On or Hellopolis,—a circumstance which fixes the place of his residence in the Delta, the district of Egypt bordering on Canaan, officerprince of Pharaoh— t. c, in the service of government, captain of the guard—The import of the original term has bee-» variously interpreted, some considering it means "chief cook," others, "chief inspector of plantations;" but that which seems best founded is "chief of the executioners," "head of the police," the same as the captain of the watch, the zaftwZ of modern Egypt. [Wilkinson.] bought him ... of the Ishmaelites—The age, appearance, and Intelligence of the Hebrew slave would soon makehiml,e picked up in the market. But the unseen, unfelt Influence of the great Disposer drew the attention of Potlphai towards him, in order that in the house of one so closely connected with the court, he might receive that previous training which was necessary for the high office he was destined to fill, and In the school of adversity learn the
dulge his sorrow more than became one who believed In
Joseph Cast into Prison. GENESIS XL. Tlic Budo's Dream,
lessons of practical wisdom that were to be of greatest utility and importance in his future career. Thus it is, that when God has any important work to be done, He always prepares fitting agents to accomplish it. 2. lie tvas in the house of Ills master—Those slaves who had been war captives were generally sent to labour in the
tacle of state criminals; and, therefore, it may be presumed that more than ordinary strictness and vigilance were exercised over the prisoners. In general, however, the Egyptian, likeother Oriental prisons, were used solely for the purposes of detention. Accused persons were cast into them until the charges against them could be Investigated; and though the jailer was.responsible lor the appearance of those placed under his custody, yet, provided thej' were produced when called, he was never interrogated as to the way in which he had kept them. 21-33. The Lord . . . gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, &c. It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison (ch. 40. 3), that the keeper might have been previously acquainted with Joseph, and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, as well as with all the high integrity of his character. That may partly account for his showing so much kindness and confidence to his prisoner. But there was a higher influence at work; for "the Lord was with Joseph, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.''
field, and subjected to hard treatment under the "stick "
of taskmasters. But those who were bought with money were employed in domestic purposes, were kindly treated, and enjoyed as much liberty as the same class does in modern Egypt. 3. his master saw that the Lord was with him—Though changed in condition, Joseph was not changed inspirit; though stripped of the gaudy coat that had adorned his person, he. had not lost tlie moral graces that distinguished his character; though separated from his father on earth, he still lived in cortimunion with his Father In heaven; though in the house of an Idolater, he continued a worshipper of the true God. 5. tlie liord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, &c.—It might be—it probably was that a special, a miraculous blessing was poured out on a youth, who so faithfuUjand zealously served God amid all the disadvantages of his place. But it may be useful to remark that such a blessing usually follows in the ordinary course of things; and the most worldly unprincipled masters always admire and respect religion in a servant when they see that profession supported by conscientious principle and a consistent life, made him overseer In his house—We do not know in wliat capacity Joseph entered into the service of Potiphar; but the observant eye of his master soon discovered his superior qualities, and made him his chief, his confidential servant (cf. Ephesians 6. 7; Colossians 3. 23). The advancement of domestic slaves is not uncommon, and it is considered a great disgrace not to raise one who has been a year or two in the family. But this extraordinary advancement of Josepti was tlie doing of the Lord, though on the part of Potiphar it was the consequence of observing the astonisliing prosperity that attended him in all that he did. 7. his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph—Egyptian women were not kept in the same secluded manner as females are in most Oriental countries now. They were treated in a manner more worthy of a civilized people—in fact, enJoyed as much freedom both at home and abroad as ladies do in Britain. Hence Potiphar's wife had constant opportunity of meeting Joseph. But the ancient women of Egypt were very loose in their morals. Intrigues and Intemperance were vices verj' prevalent amongst the sex, as the monuments too plainly attest. [Wii.kin.son.] Potiphar's wife was pr()l)ably not worse than many of the sanie rank, and her infamous advances made to Jos<>pli arose from her superiority of station. 9. Ho^»- then enu I do this great wickedness, and sin a{;;ains( Ooil