Studies In Genesis: Chapter 39 Series

Note: When doing a study on a book in the Bible you use a lot of resources. The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris.

In Genesis 39 there is one phrase that seem to be the common theme of this chapter. It is found in verses 2,3,21, and 23. The phrase is "the Lord was with Joseph." This is an important part of this chapter and the rest of the book of Genesis.

In this phrase we see that God is working. Even in the trials and persecutions of Joseph God has a plan. As we will see God has a plan for Joseph. A plan of separation for the Israelites.

Joseph expressed this to his brothers at the end of Genesis

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

I am reminded of Romans 8:28* And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

It is the same with our lives. God has a plan for our lives. Never think that God does not know what he is doing. He always does. He can take the worst events and turn them to his purpose. It is all a matter of how we handle and face each situtation. Now let us see how Joseph handled each situtation.

Genesis 39:1. 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.

2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

He we see the first mention of the phrase "the LORD was with Joseph" And because of this he was prosperous. Was he prosperous fininically? Was he prosperous materially? No. He was a slave. But I believe God gave him wisdom. Management skills. One thing about followers of God is they have a tendecy to have a clearer picture with few distractions. They prosper in wisdom and management when it comes to doing God's will. They should be good and faithful stewards. It is very bad when a Christian is a bad steward. In debt and broke. This is not God's way. God always provides but he leaves it up to us to decide what to do with what he provides.

Many of Christians I have met who could not manage their home fininically. And honestly you can see it in their character and their relationship with God. In their priorities and the way they pay their tithes. It is clear as a crystal.

3 And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4 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.

When the world sees the faithfulness and the consitent Godlly character of a Christian they will always want them to oversee their work. It makes sense so they take advantage. I wonder though what some bosses do think? It is very pitiful for a person to do a 1/2 job on their work force. To come in late consistently or be a bad image.

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

5 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.

6 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. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

He trusted him so much that he allowed him to take care of all with no worry of what would happen. No checking just trust.

7. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8 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;