Genesis 39:6-126And 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 favored. 7And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8But 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; 9There 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? 10And 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. 11And 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. 12And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. (Genesis 39:6‑12)
“And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well-favored.” v. 6. Potiphar’s trust in Joseph was not misplaced, for he was a faithful steward, bringing prosperity to his master and conducting himself wisely from day to day as a child of God should.
“And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph.” v. 7. We are not informed just how long Joseph had served Potiphar, but perhaps a year or two, or even more, had elapsed when he was confronted by his master’s wife with a proposal of unfaithfulness. This, of course, was Satan’s effort to destroy the young man who had thus far been faithful to God through every trial. Unsuccessful in breaking him down through his brother’s treachery, or in his resultant bondage, this enemy of the soul would seek to appeal to him through a sinful woman. But Joseph was on a higher standard than that of the wife of Potiphar, replying to her temptations: “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 anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
How refreshing it is to see this firm stand against a temptation in which so many have failed to their sorrow and disgrace. The secret of his strength at this time is found in his expression: “How can I, sin against God?”
Oh, dear young reader, the devil well knows how to put temptation in the pathway, and knows too he will be victorious with the one who endeavors to meet him in his own strength. But when the heart and conscience turn to God in these trials and testings, divine strength will be provided to safely escape the temptation.
May the admonition of the Apostle James ever exercise our conscience: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1: 13-15.
The tempter was indeed present with Joseph, but his resource was in God and he proved He was able to see him safely through it. But we will note to our profit that he was an example of the admonition: “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Prov. 4: 14,15. It is folly to linger in the place of temptation. “Flee fornication.” 1 Cor. 6: 18. Joseph showed wisdom, not only in looking to God, but also in that he “fled, and got him out.”
ML 03/19/1967