Genesis was the “Bible” for the children of Israel in the land of Egypt. What would / could Israel have learned about God from these events?
An outline of the biblical text:
37:1-11 – Joseph angers his brothers: Verse 3 is a note about Jacob’s partiality towards Joseph. The varicolored tunic is a tunic with sleeves, perhaps with decorative needlework. Its other occurrence is 2 Sam 13:18ff. Such garments would indicate position, authority, and favor (Walton, 121).
Observe the intensity of this hatred noted in verses 4, 5, 8, 11 and the pejorative term: “Dreamer!” in vs 19. This title will become appropriate later when Joseph emerges as a “master and interpreter of the dreams of others” (Hamilton, Genesis 18-50, 417). Think about the instances in the Bible where someone interprets dreams, including Joseph… And observe that none ever had to consult magic books or perform some type of ritual to interpret dreams. The interpretations came directly from God.
We should be careful not to attribute impure motives to Joseph. If others had such dreams, they would no doubt, share them!
37:12-36 – Joseph is sold into slavery: Egypt was in desperate need of slave labor for its building projects. Jacob initially sent Joseph to see about the welfare of the brothers. This foreshadows Joseph, in Egypt, seeing about the welfare of his brothers. Reuben hoped to give Joseph back to their father: vs 22.
39:1-6 – Joseph brings blessings to the house of Potiphar: Observe the notices that the Lord was with Joseph: vss 2, 3, 5. “Yahweh occurs here at what is the most uncertain moment in the life of Joseph” (Hamilton, Genesis 18-50, 459). Potiphar gave all into the care of Joseph. Observe the totality of Joseph’s responsibilities: vss 4, 5, 6. A note is offered in verse 7 to explain the actions of Potiphar’s wife.
39:7-18 – Joseph is framed. Bad things happen, sometimes, to God’s servants. Potiphar’s wife “looked with desire” at Joseph and desired sexual favors. Promiscuousness between owners and slaves was a “perennial feature” in all societies dependent on slave labor. He also did not desire to “sin against God:” vs 9. Finally, the wife saw an opportunity to grab his garment to force the relationship but Joseph left the garment and fled. With that, she framed Joseph.
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39:19-23 – Joseph, rather than being killed, was thrown into prison. Prisons were not common in ancient near eastern cultures. Chapter 40 – Joseph interprets the dreams of the chief butler and baker. Joseph recognizes that “interpretations belong to God” and offers to interpret the dreams: vs 8. Egypt had dream “specialists” and manuals for this purpose.
Insights of “Joseph’s Life Before Rulership” for the nation of Israel:
Israel might have thought that God had forgotten them, in slavery in Egypt. But Joseph proved to be guided by God and to be a prophet. He said that Israel would leave Egypt: 50:24-26.
We see, especially in chapter 39, the promises given to Abraham (from Gen 12:2-3) are fulfilled in the life of Joseph.
The Law will emphasize not to be partial in judgment: Exo 23:3; Lev 19:15; Deut 1:17; 10:17; 16:19. To the thoughtful person, that principle would also apply to the parent/child relationship! Israel is also warned about adultery: Exo 20:14; Lev 20:10; Deut 5:18.
Lessons for the present generation:
What message from Genesis 39 can you carry with you on a daily basis? God does not forget us when we are in distress. Commenting on Joseph (cpt 39), Kidner (201) writes, “The good seed is buried deeper, still to push upward; the servant, faithful in a little, trains for authority in much.” God speaks through Jesus Christ: Heb 1:1-3. His word will also be fulfilled. We, too, are warned about being partial: 1 Tim 5:21; Jas 2:9. Christians certainly must avoid compromising situations that could lead to adultery: Matt 5:27-30.
Paul Holland
