An Exposition of Genesis, Genesis · Chapter 39
CHAP. XXXIX.
THe sad history of Iudah, and his lin… being dispatched, Moses returneth to the narrative of the Churches affaires in Joseph, and the events befalling him. About which in this Chapter.
1. His condition in Egypt is related. Ver. 1.6.
2, His temptation, that after sometime meets him there. Ver. 7.20.
3. The issue under providence. Ver. 21. &c.
In the first of these are these particulars observable.
1. His sale to be a servant. V. 1.
2. His respect with God in this condition. Ver. 2.3.
3. His acceptance with his master. Ver. 4.5.6.
1. As to his buying and selling we have it recorded. Ver. 1. Which is to be referred to the last verse of the 37. Chapter, for continuance of the history in order. The whole 38 Chapter is inserted in a parenthesis. Now in the last of the 37. chapter, and the first of this we have to note.
1. His arrival into Egypt. And Joseph was made to goe downe or brought downe to Egypt, Sept. and Cald. same.
1. The term of connection closeth this with the last verse of the 37. Chapter, and so note's the series of the history with that time, and not the time of Iudahs incestuous births, which was some yeares after Josephs selling by his brethren.
2. The matter connected, is the forcible carrying of Joseph into Egypt by such as bought him, he was brought downe to Egypt by them, as in the end of ths 37 Chapter. Ver. 36.
2. The merchants selling are expressed by three names.
1. Ishmaelits, as here, and Chapter 37.25.
2. Midianits Chapt. 37.28.
3. Medanits, Chapt. 37.36. All these were of a kinred out of Abrahams loines, and joined in trade, and therefore names are used promiscuously among them. The Calde calleth them Arabians, as being a mixed people.
2. The buyer of Joseph set forth.
1. By his name Potiphar.
2. By his nation, an Egyptian.
3. By his place and office.
1. An Eunuch, a courtier, or officer in general.
2. Chief of the slaughter men, or provost marshall. This man bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelits.
3. The merchandize bought and sold, was Joseph, a poor innocent youth, whom God had designed for great use in his Church. The price is not mentioned, therefore we need not stick upon that to inquire into it further.
4. The translating of him into anothers right, he was sold, and bought: and so his condition seemeth now at first to be slavish. He was the price of Potiphars. money. Ver. 1.
Learne hence.
D. 1. Histories of the wicked and righteous are set together by Gods Spirit to abase sin, and highthen grace in the Church. So of Judah, and Joseph. From the place.
D. 2. Providence determining to bring any to greatnes, leads them usually first into a low estate. Joseph dreams of dignities, but first meets with slavery.
D. 3. Men-selling though it be great sin in man, get is it permitted and ordered by God.
D. 4. Gods choicest ones may be bought and sold by the hands of strangers, and enemies.
D. 5. Providence ordereth the slavery of his own to such men, by whom more fitly they may be preferred.
D. 6. Egypt may be the house of bondage to Gods servants in order to greater freedom. Ver. 1.
2. His respect with God in his servile estate is observable. Ver. 2.3.Ver. 2. Wherein we may note,
1. The primitive, and principal argument of Gods respect to him in his low condition, which is his presence with him: so it is read, And Jehovah was with Joseph. — The Lord, Sept. — And the word of the Lord was for the help of Ioseph. Cald. Now this presence was not onelyonly of common providence, as he is in all the world, but of special indulgence unto Ioseph in his low estate. The presence of his grace is that here intended, by which he discovereth,
1. His relation unto him now, that he was his God.
2. His acceptance of him, though now a slave.
3. His assistance of him in all his needs.
4. His ordering and ruling of him in the present state unto future good. Thus the Lord was with him, not disdaining his servile condition. So the Calde read's well, the word of the Lord, even his son, was for Iosephs help.
2. The effect of this, the next evidence of Gods regard of him, and that is twofold here expressed.
1. His prosperous successe in his place, And he was a man prospering. — A fortunate man. foreign, Sep. Cald. the same- He is here called a man, though but a youth, and this is opened, wherein he was a man, as to his wise, and succesful carriage in his place; he handled all that was committed to him dexterously, in wisedom, and to good successe. This was the immediate effect of Gods presence with him.
2. His fidelity in abiding with his master, as well as acting successefully for him. And he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Cald. the same. — In the house of his Lord the Egyptian, Sept.
1. The subject spoken of, is Joseph, now a slave.
2. The correlate is the Egyptian his Lord: from whom he might pretend lawfulnes of escape.
3. The habitude of this servant to his master in respect of his relation, he was in the house, that is, he kept constantly with his master, in the houshould imployments appointed to him. House here is understood by some in opposition to imployments without doors, in the fields, &c. So that the same is, as he was fitted, for more ingenuous busines; so he continued in the same with his Lord, though an Egyptian. Ver. 2.
3. The evidence of this Gods regard unto him, as made out to Potiphar, is also added. Ver. 3.Ver. 3. Herein we have also to observe.
1. The cognisance taken of it, And his Lord saw. Cald. the same. Knew. Sept.
1. The partie taking knowledge, Potiphar now Lord, or master to Joseph.
2. The discovery taken, it was knowledge; he saw, that is by many visible, and evident arguments, he could not, but be convinced of Gods respect to Joseph.
2. The object of this discovery is twofold.
1. Gods presence with Joseph.
2. Gods prospering of him, and all that was in his hand, and that he mannaged for his master; Potiphar saw eminently, such a servant had a special blessing from God.
Quest. 1. May not slaves bought, and sold make escape from masters?
Answ. The case may admit distinction. 1. Of such as are forced to serve. 2. Of such as willingly also subject themselves, and promise fealty to their masters; in the former case it is as if they were taken in war, and they may follow providence, making offer of escape unto them; not so in the latter.
Quest. 2. Did Potipar know the Lord? How could he know els, that he respected Joseph?
Answ. 1. Knowledge of a God doubtles he had by the light of nature. 2. He might learne somthing of the true God by Ioseph. 3, All outward happines men usually ascribe to God, and so doth he. Ver. 3.
Learn from it.
D. 1. The greatnes of God disdaines not to be with the lownes of his servants. God and Joseph are together.
D. 2. Gods special presence of grace is vouchsafed to such as are more especially humbled.
D. 3. Gods gracious presence maketh souls prosperous, where ever they be.
D. 4. Gracious souls though in bondage, will abide faithful nnto Egyptian masters.
D. 5. Providence in exercising Saints usually proportions imployment to indowment. Joseph for the house. Ver. 2.
D. 6. God maketh sinful masters to see that he is present graciously with their servants.
D. 7. Gracious servants make house, and all affaires prosper unto ungracious masters.
D. 8. God maketh wicked men to see, that they prosper by reason of his servants. Ver. 3.
3. The last thing recorded in the first general is Iosephs acceptance with his master, about which we have to consider.
1. The arguments of his masters respect, these.
1. Potiphars countenance to him,Ver. 4. And Joseph found grace in his eyes. — Before his Lord. Sept. — Found mercy, &c. Cald.
1. The favourite, Ioseph, a poor bought servant.
2. The favourer, Potiphar, a mighty man in Egypt.
3. The favour, was outward respect, and admission to some nearer converse with him. The phrase is proper to the Hebrews, to note acceptance into some more then ordinary favour.
2. Potiphars admission of him neerer to himself, And he ministred to him. Cald. the same. — He pleased him. Sept.
Quest. Did not he serve Potiphar before?
Answ. Yea surely, but at a more remote distance, and inferior imployments about the house; but now he takes him more neer to attend his person onelyonly, as one of his chamber, or chief attendants. Thus was his first step to preferment.
3. Potiphars exalting of him in his house, And he made him visitor, or overseer over his house, and he had all, he gave it into his hand, or all that he gave iuto his hand. foreign. Sept. and Cald. same. In these we have to observe about preferment.
1. The place unto which he was advanced, it seemeth to be steward over his house. The word note's, he made him visit over his house, that is, to oversee, and guide the several inferior servants, and affaires thereof, which, with us, is the stewards worke. — foreign. Sept.
2. The charge he committed to him, All that he had, all as to his houshould-affaires, and charge, he gave it into the hand of Joseph to be ordered, and mannaged by him, though he were an Hebrew, a stranger, a servant, a prisoner; yet thus God orders Potiphar to pitch on him before any of his kin, or nation, to trust all with him. Ver. 4.
2. The issue and consequents of this respect are discovered in the relation, whereof.
1. The time premised, And it was from then, that he made him over-seer in his house, and over all that he had. Cald. to the sa…. foreign. Sept. After he was set or constituted. From this very time the Spirit noteth the prosperous events to Potiphar: this then is notable.
2. The issue related.
1. Blessing on his.
1. Generally, And Jehovah blessed the house of the Egyptian for Josephs sake, Sept. and Cald same.
1. The blesser, Jehovah.
2. The blessed, Potiphar, an Egyptian, far enough from God.
3. The blessing, all outward prosperity.
4. The meanes of blessing, Joseph, for his sake God did it.
2. Specially, expressed two wayes, And the blessing of Iehovah was upon all that he had in the house and in the field, Sept. and Cald. same. Soe that the blessing was two wayes eminent to him.
1. In all his houshould affairs within doors, all went well and prospered; peace was upon his house.
2. In all that he had in the field, all his herd, and flocks, &c. All thrived, and multiplied eminently to special observation, Ver. 5.Ver. 5.
2. The issue further was security and quietnes to Potiphar. And he left all that he had in the hand of Ioseph; and he knew not with him any thing, but the bread, which he was eating. Sept. and Cald. to the same. foreign Sept. Two things are here remarkable.
1. Potiphars full resignation of all to Iosephs care, which notes his confidence.
2. Potiphars cognisance of nothing, but of his bread, which he did eat, that is, as to trouble or distract himself, which noteth his security in the fidelity of Joseph. There is some variety in rendring that, he knew nothing but the bread. Some Hebrews foolishly note the bread to be a metaphor, signifying his wife, but it is groundles; others more rationally thinke, it may mean, Potiphars leaving all to Ioseph, but the care of his bread, that is, as to matter of eating, and drinking, of which other care was taken, as is thought, because Egyptians eat not with the Hebrews. But that, which seemeth to be plainest is, that Potiphar tooke care for nothing but to eat and drinke, all things were so well mannaged by Joseph; and so it noteth his security.
3. The character of Iosephs person is here added as the occasion of his following temptation, And Ioseph was fair in forme, and fair in countenance. — foreign fair in face and sight, that is in short, proper for his person, and beautiful for his countenance. The same is said of Rachel. Gen. 29.16. A beautiful son he was of a beautiful mother. So God made his person amiable, as well as his indowments. Ver. 6.Ver. 6.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Gods favour to his servants maketh them to be favoured by men. From the connection.
D. 2. Grace in the eyes of men and rulers justly gotten, is a blessing desireable here below.
D. 3. A gracious Joseph may be an Egyptians favourite.
D. 4. Favour with men of place usually draws favourites neerer to themselves.
D. 5. Gradual is the preferment, which providence ordereth to his Saints from men.
D. 6. Grace, prudence, and fidelity win hearts of great men to trust strangers rather then their own.
D. 7. Providence ordereth lowest slavery the way to greatest oversight in greatest charges. Ver. 4.
D. 8. The time of doing good and lifting up saints, is the time of good to them that do it.
D. 9. Jehovah himself rewardeth the good done unto his servants
D. 10. All outward blessings in the house and in the field are the blessings of God.
D. 11. The gracious ones of God are the meanes of procuring blessing to all where they dwell.
D. 12. Those rulers best provide for families, and States, who commit affaires to faithful ones. V. 5.
D. 13. Faithfulnes in servants worketh confidence in their rulers.
D. 14. It is the rare commendation of gracious servants, that the hearts of masters may be secure in them.
D. 15. God sometimes makes his servants beautiful in bodies, as well as mindes. V. 6.
2. The next general containes the history of Josephs temptation, which befel him after this preferment in Potiphars house, and favour, which he had both with God and man. Ver. 7.20.
The temptation herein recorded befalling Joseph was twofold.
1. A temptation to sin. Ver. 7.12.
2. A temptation by affliction. 13.20.
In the first of these we have to consider, three eminent assaults, and repulses. The first is declared. Ver. 7.8.9. Wherein note.
1. The onset of the temptation, Ver. 7.Ver. 7. whereabout.
1. The time is noted, And it was after these things. After these words, So the Seaventy, and Cald; and so Hebrew also, but that the term is used for things as wel as words, all sorts of events. The time then is pointed out in the event; that is, after Joseph was thus advanced, had so much favour, made the Egyptians house to prosper; was steward of his masters house, or as a second master: not when he was first bought, and sold for a slave; some time interveening, and when he was now chiefe in the house next to Potiphar, this temptation is ordered at this time.
2. The cause of the temptation in the party tempting, And, or that his Lords wife lifted up her eyes unto or upon Ioseph, — Cald, the same. — His Lords wife cast her eyes, &c. Sept.
1. The sex noted, a woman.
2. The relation, a wife, even his Masters wife.
3. The principle of action, an unclean heart.
4. The action itselfe, she lifted up her eyes upon Ioseph, adulterous eyes they were: No doubt but that at several times she had seen him before, but this was a violent lustful sight, sent out from an adulterous heart, to ingage him to wickednes.
3. The temptation itself, And she said, lye with me, Cald, the same, — Sleep with me, Sept. Wherein are obvious.
1. Her allurement as a woman.
2. Her power, as a mistres.
3. Her impudencie in venting her unclean desires to an innocent man. No question, but other inticements went before, Ver. 7.
Note we thence.
D. 1. Times of advance in the World may prove times of most dangerous assaults of temptation to Saints.
D. 2. Gods blessings at home and abroad, prove occasions of sin unto naughty hearts.
D. 3. Vnclean hearts have their times to set their eyes on wicked works.
D. 4. Treacherous lust may turn a wife from a husband to a servant.
D. 5. Vnclean hearts and eyes, will easily make unclean tongues.
D. 6. Lust in whorish Spirits is impudent, inviting chastest hearts to vilest uncleannes. Ver. 7.
2. The repulse now followeth, V. 8.9.Ver. 8. Wherein we have to observe.
1. His refusal of the motion from the unchast woman, And, or, but he refused, but he would not, Septuag. and Cald. same. The term connective here is best read adversatively, which carrieth in it more disdaine, and abhorrency of such a solicitation; she allured him to sleep with her, but he rejects her wicked motion: It noteth his Spirit set opposit to hers; he abhors it.
2. The reasons of his refusal offered to his mistres, very forcible to make her with shame desist, but that lust was brutish, & would hear no reason: these are four following.
1. He reasons from the trust which his master put in him, and confidence, which he had of him; and should I be perfidious to my master, and abuse my trust. And he said unto his Lords wife, behold my Lord knoweth not what is with me in his house, and all that he hath, he hath given into my hand. — If my Lord know not any thing in his house for my sake, Sept. — Any of those things, which are in his house. Cald. In the rendring of this reason we may note.
1. His return to the tempter, He said unto his Lords wise, for her unclean solicitation, he returneth pure and wholsome words to abate her unruly lust.
2. The matter proposed to her, which was the confidence and security, which her husband, and his Lord had now in him: he hath trusted me with all, and committed his whole house, and family into my hand, to be in my power, and at my disposal; and now his heart rests on me, that I will not injure him; should I then be so perfidious, as for all this trust to deal so wickedly as to defile his bed? Ver. 8.
2.Ver. 9. He reasons from his power delegated unto him, Not he is is great in this house before me, neither hath he kept back any thing from me, but thee. — And there is not in this house, neither doth he take from me any thing, but thee. Sept. Cald. as the Hebr. There is a little difference about the pronoun, he, some read it relative, denoting Potiphar his Lord, not he himselfe, is greater in this house, as to the rule of it, then I, he had given all his lordly power over the family to me; others read it indefinit, there is not he, that is, not any one in the family greater then I, &c. In this reason he supposeth a twofold power in his Lord. 1. Herilem. 2. Maritalem; and thence he thus reasons.
1. From the largenes of his power delegated as to command over the family, my Lord himselfe hath given me so much, as that he hath not more himselfe, then I have.
2. From his limitation, his marital power he hath reserved to himselfe, and reserved nothing from me but thee, and should I so abuse my Lord?
3. He reasons from his relation, Because thou art his wise. Septua. Cald. same. — This is the reason suggested, why Potiphar gave Joseph no power over her, neither justly could he, because she was his wife by Covenant, and therefore incommunicable to another: so he urgeth it unto her. Thou art my Lords wife by the Covenant of God given into his right onelyonly; and shouldst thou do so treacherously, and I so wickedly to sin against thee, and against my Lord?
4. He reasons from the greatnes of the sin, against her temptation, And how shall I do this great evil, or wickedness? Cald. the same. — How shall I do this evill word, or work? Sept. foreign.
1. He considers his own person, I, how can I dare yeeld, so much ingaged to my Lord?
2. The thing thou movest is great sin, Adultery, against Gods command, and Covenant of marriage, against my own body and thine, against the family of my Lord, and threatnings of God, I would not do the least sin, and should I commit this great one?
3. The injury, & therefore the impossibility of fact, How shall I do this? I cannot, I dare not; thus he repells temptation.
5. His last reason is his religion, and respect unto God, And how shall I sin against God? — Be…ore God? Sept. and Cald. In this is the weightiest reason as to men that know God, though perhaps of no worth with a lascivious woman; but upon Iosephs own heart it is a bearing argument: This thing to which thou dost solicit me, is against the command of my God, and dare I sin against God, he that hath cared for me from my mothers breasts, he that is holy & pure, for whome I must keep my body a pure temple; should I defile my self, and sin against him? Now though this were a sin immediately against the neighbour, yet it is transgression against God in his law; yea, and such as this was, to have dealt so treacherously, were an high provocation against the Lord, as David crieth, against thee, thee, &c. Ps. 51.4. Thus for present he puts of the first assault. Ver. 9.
Learn hence.
D. 1. Grace kept to worke refuseth with disdaine the strongest temptations to uncleannes.
D. 2. Gracious hearts are ready to return saving instruction for unclean suggestion to the tempter.
D. 3. It is rational as well as Christian to all unclean tempters to consider reason. Behold.
D. 4. Confidence, and trust of Lords in their servants should make them more faithful, and unwilling to injure them. Ver. 8.
D. 5. Power delegated to largest bounds should be improved to the greatest good of superiors.
D. 6. Power despotical may be delegated to others, but marital, or husband power to none.
D. 7. Conjugal Covenant maketh the power of man and wife reciprocal.
D. 8. Breach of marriage Covenant by adultery is most grievous wickednes.
D. 9. Treacherous adultery carrieth a special malignity against God, and is observed by him.
D. 10. True religion towards God, makes men fear to sin, and provoke the eyes of his glory. Ver. 9.
2. The next assault, and repulse follow. Ver. 10.Ver. 10. Herein.
1. The partmacious continuance of the whorish woman is eminent, And it was as she spake to Joseph day by day to lye by her, to be with her. Cald. the same. — To sleep with her, or to be together with her, Sept.
1. The tempters solicitations, notwithstanding so rational, and just repulse, she still speak's and solicits Joseph to sin.
2. The instancie and perpetuity of her incitation, day by day.
3. The matter of solicitation, that which he denyed, to lye by her, or be with her.
2. Iosephs repulse againe, But he harkened not unto her. — He obeyed her not, Sept. — He rested not in her. Cald That is, he gave no way to this soule suggestion, no nor to be in her company, least he might increase the temptation. V. 10.
Learn thence.
D. 1. Lustful hearts are pertinacious in the pursuit of their unclean desires. Tempt every day.
D. 2. Grace is too hard for seconds in solicitation to uncleannes.
D. 3. Gracious hearts refuse not onel… the greatest sin, but the occasions to it. Ver. 10.
3. The last assault of lust, and repulse of grace followeth. Ver. 11.12. Wherein we may note.
1. The attempt of lust, and therein observable.
1. The opportunity, set forth in two particulars.
1. And it was in such a day as this, that he went into the house to do his worke. — Sept. the same. — To seek writings or bills of accounts. Cald. This was the season of Iosephs necessary imployment at home; which she well knew, and therefore watcheth her opportunity.
2. That which maketh the opportunity more advantagious to her wicked designe, was the absence of the people of the house, And there was not a man of the men of the house then in the house. — Cald. the same. — None of the house were within, Sept. This absence gave fairer advantage, there being no witnesses by. It is said by Josephus, that it was a great festival of the Egyptians, and thereupon Potiphar, and his men were absent, his wife making excuse to stay at home, upon pretence of sicknes: but nothing of this is written by Moses; therefore no stresse is to be laid upon it; onelyonly it is certaine such a time was ordered by providence, that she had a fair occasion to discover her wicked heart more freely. Ver. 11.Ver. 11.
2. The assault made by her upon Ioseph, two wayes.
1. By deed, And she caught him by his garment. — She drew him by his garments, Sept. — She caught his garments. Cald. Here is the violence of lust in a wicked woman, to force a man if she could: it was a signe of an imperious whorish woman grown shameles.
2. By word againe, Saying, lye with me. Cald. the same. — Sleep with me. Sept. It was her former solicitation, but now aggravated by impudencie, and multiplying of the same. See the violence, and shamelesnes of lust.
2. The repulse now againe made by Ioseph, And he left his garment in her hands, and fled, and went forth, or got him out, Sept. and Cald. same. In this last repulse are to be observed.
1. Iosephs relinquishing his garments, rather then to indanger his grace.
2. His escape, he flyeth out of the snare of an whorish woman.
3. His breaking out of doors, not induring wickednes in the house. In all which the power, and victory of grace is eminent, Ver. 12.Ver. 12.
Learn we from it.
D. 1. The times of mens exercise about their honest imployments, may prove their seasons of temptation to them.
D. 2. Absence of witnesses, and such as may hinder lust, is a fair opportunity for it.
D. 3. Providence ordereth both these together sometimes, to try his own, and discry wicked hearts. Ver. 11.
D. 4. Lustful hearts upon such occasions grow impudent to tempt by word and deed.
D. 5. Whorish lust catcheth garments, holds bodies, and insnares soules with its temptations.
D. 6. Gracious souls rather loose their garments, then indanger their graces.
D. 7. Grace flyeth from temptation, when it cannot cease it, and make it still.
D. 8. Grace chooseth to be out of doors with innocency rather then in the house with sin. Ver. 12.
2. Ioseph being by grace delivered from the temptation to sin, and kept innocent; now providence ordereth a temptation for him by affliction, something harder then what he suffered from his brethren. Hereabout we have to consider.
1. The occasion of it, which was his flight from sin, being insnared by a whorish woman. Ver. 13.
2. The cause of it, the most false, and unjust crimination of him by his mistres.
1. To the family, such as were in the house. Ver. 14.15.
2. To her husband. Ver. 16.17.18.
3. The tryal of affliction itself. V. 19.20.
To the first, the occasion of this trouble was Iosephs fllight from sin, and care to keep himselfe spotles toward God and man, by rejecting the enticements of an adulterous woman. Whereabout note.
1. The adulteresses sense of her frustration, And it was when she saw, Ver. 13.Sept. Cald. same. — In summe, after all her solicitations, and at last her violent assault, she saw she availed nothing upon Iosephs heart to yeild to her motion, this was evident by two things, which she saw.
1. That he had left his garment in her hand, Sept. and Cald. same. That is, she had now experiences, that Ioseph was inexorable, and would loose his coat rather then his chastity.
2. And that he was fled forth. — Cald. the same. — Was fled and gon forth, Sept. She perceived now, that he was escaped, and had scorned her filthy motions, and threw her behinde his backe; her unclean love hereupon stops and takes occasion hence to turn into the bitterest hatred of him even unto death; and Satan is not wanting to assist the wit, and lust of such an unclean soul, now to attempt his life, when she could not draw him to sin; she hereupon resolves to be the first accuser.
Learn thence.
D. 1. Disappointments of lust occasion it to rage, and turns it into madnes.
D. 2. Innocencies flight from sin may occasion its misery.
D. 3. Sight of lusts defeat by chastity, stirr's up the wicked to accuse the righteous. Ver. 13.
2. The cause of Iosephs trouble is the harlots crimination of him, and that was two wayes.
1. To the houshould, & in her addresse to them note.
Ver. 14.1. Her outcry to call them in, And she called, or then she cryed to the men of her house, and spake to them saying. Cald. the same. — She called those who were in the house, Sept: Herein occurre.
1. The season, immediatly up on Iosephs escape, she is first in accusing, who was all in sinning.
2. The act, she crieth out as a woman assaulted.
3. The persons called, the men of her house, or the servants generally, to come to her rescue, such as were left.
2. Her charge upon her husband, See he hath brought in to us an Hebrew man to mock us, Sep. & Cal. same. Herein we have.
1. The scope of her outcry to them, come, see, consider, and justifie me, she would make all fair to them, and therefore sets before them to see.
2. The matter presented in several things about the present fact.
1. Her husbands oversight, or worse, He, that is, Potiphar, hath brought into us, that is, taken into his house, an Hebrew man, spoken by contempt, a base captive Hebrew, whom she wooed, now she brands, and this is the issue, he is brought in to mocke us: not that Potiphar intended it; but that proved the issue of it, as she pretends The plural (us) seemeth to ingage them in her quarrel, he is set over you, and hath abused me.
3. Her charge on Ioseph, He came in unto me to lye with mee. Cald. the same. — Saying, I will sleep with thee, Sept. Here.
1. The accuser is the very woman, who sollicited him to sin.
2. The accused Ioseph; whose heart abhorred this evil, and flew from it.
3. The crime charged, a rape, or violent attempt of his mistres bed. In which act we may perceive in her.
1. Subtilty in accusing another better then herselfe.
2. Malice, her pretended love being turned into hatred.
3. Impudency, in that she chargeth him with that sin so boldly, whereof she alone was guilty. But what more shameles then the whores forehead? Shame should confound her for unclean solicitations, and she brands poor Ioseph, who denyed her, as guilty of a rape.
4. Her justification of herselfe, And I cried with a great voyce, &c, Sept. and Cald. same. Wherein she perswades her people.
1. Of her lojalty, she cryed vehemently, when she was attempted; a foul lye. Ver. 14.
2. Of Josephs treachery, And it was, as he heard, that I lifted up my voyce and cryed, that he left his garment with me, and fled & got him out, Sept. and Cald. same.— Here is a fair tale, but an abominable untruth. She cried indeed but after was gon, and he left his garment to avoyd her unclean violence, & not upon her clamors; but so the adulteresse wipes her mouth, and saith, she hath not sinned, nor done wickednes. Ver. 15.Ver. 15. This no doubt made the ignorant servants exclaime with full mouth upon Ioseph, as a most vile, and sinful wretch to make such an attempt.
2. Her accusation of him in like manner unto her husband, maketh up the cause of his trouble: her artifice herein is visible,
1. In laying up his garment, which was the token of his innocency, to make it a testimony of violence against him,Ver. 16. And she kept, or layd up his garment by her, until his Lord came to his house, Sept. and Cald. same. Thus Satan instructs her to maintaine her wickednes, and doubtles she prepares crocodile teares enough to present it to her husband at his returne. Ver. 16.
2. In laying home her charge, wherein.
1. The form of words, the same as to the servants before,Ver. 17. And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, Sept. Cald. same. She telleth the same tale.
2. In the matter, the same things.
1. She criminates Joseph, The Hebrew servant, which thou broughtest unto us, came in unto me to mock me. Sept. Cald. same. wherein we read.
1. Her vilifying of Ioseph, under the style of an Hebrew servant, or slave.
2. Her reflection on her husband for his respect unto him, thou broughtest him into the house.
3. Her charge of violence to ravish her, he came in to mock me, that is, by such wickednes, to make me, and you a reproach, as being corrupted by such filthines, And said, I will sleep with thee, Sept. Ver. 7.
2. She justifieth herselfe.
1. That she cryed out as being oppressed, And it was as I lifted up my voice, and cried, — And as he heard. Sept. herein she must be judged innocent, by crying.
2. That Ioseph gave these testimonies of his guilt,
1. He left his garment with me.
2. That he fled out; and by these, which were done to save his innocency, must he now be accused as guilty: So God orders it to him; so the Devill instructs her. Ver. 18.Ver. 18.
3. Now followeth the tryal itself in his masters dealing with him, after this tale was told him, and it is declared in two things.
1. In his wrath that did arise, And it was when his Lord heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, according to these words, or after this manner, did thy servant unto me, then his anger was kindled. Cald. the same. — He was wroth with anger. Sept.
1. His audience.
2. His credence of his wifes charge.
3. His indignation thereupon burning, are the contents of this verse; this was one sad tryall upon Ioseph, his masters burning wrath, who had so much favoured him before. Ver. 19.Ver. 19.
2. In his prosecution of him as a malefactor. And Josephs Lord took him, and committed him into the tower-house, a place where the Kings prisoners were bound; and he was there in the tower-house. Cald. the same. — foreign. Sept. Herein.
1. His apprehension, his Lord tooke him, by some ministers of justice, as lictors, or the like.
2. His commitment, he was put into a sad prison, safe, and grievous enough, where the King punished offenders against him.
3. His durance, there he was kept in hardship a while, being put into the stocks, and shackles about his heels. Ps. 105.18.19. as the Psalmist expresseth, though not mentioned here, Whose feet they hurt with fetters, he was laid in iron. Thus poor Joseph suffers for his innocency, until God appeare. Ver. 20.Ver. 20.
Quest. 1. Did Ioseph say nothing in his own defence?
Answ. 1. Nothing is here recorded, the Spirit minding the more to set out his suffering like a lamb. 2. Yet it is to be presumed, that he did deny the charge, and plead his innocency, as he might, so he speakes afterward to Pharaohs butler. Here I have done nothing, that they should put me into the dungeon. Chap. 40.15. But the first cry of a wife, with fair pretences, cuts off all defence from Joseph to any purpose.
Quest. 2. Why was not Joseph put to death for such a charge as this?
Answ. 1. Surely this was the mark, …t which the wicked woman aimed. 2. The hand of God was that alone, which put that restraint upon Potiphar, and ordered his imprisonment to his preferment; where God will save, men shall not destroy.
Learn here.
D. 1. The first at sinning will be first at accusing, though most falsely; so the Devil prompts her.
D. 2. Lust shuns witnes to its injoyments, but calleth it in to justifie upon disappointments.
D. 3. Lust makes souls impudent, and of brazen forhead, justifying themselves.
D. 4. Lust when it cannot get its delight by woeing, labours to make it odious by branding.
D. 5. Wicked souls stick not to charge nearest relations, for making their own cause fairer.
D. 6. It is the property of guilt to make others of their party, for more security. So doth she the servants.
D. 7. Lust is a shameles lyar, and chargeth the innocent to the highest for its own justifying.
D. 8. Whorish Spirits may pretend to cry for honesty, when they cry for shame. Ver. 14.
D. 9. The garment left to avoyd sin, may be turned against the innocent to prove guilt. God yet seeth it unspotted.
D. 10. Flight from evil may be charged as a flight for it, by ungodly wretches. Ver. 15.
D. 11. Guilty souls are apt to keep false evidences by them to condemne the righteous.
D. 12. Subtilty and malice the Devil supplie's unto wicked hearts to persecute Gods Saints. Ver. 16.
D. 13. The same lyes, over and over, will whorish spirits tell to destroy the innocent.
D. 14. Double reproaches doth lust cast upon honest souls, who do not obey it. Hebrew slave.
D. 15. Vncleannes maketh souls vile, and a scorne in the judgement of harlots themselves.
D. 16. Hardened lust is impudent, in justifying itself, and charging the innocent. Ver. 17.18.
D. 17. Hearing one party without another, is apt to pervert men in judgement. So Potiphar.
D. 18. Foolish husbands are apt to be too credulous towards treacherous wives.
D. 19. VponUpon such partial hearing, men are apt to be angry, where no cause is given.
D. 20. Burning wrath usually turns away the ear from its best friends, wrongfully accused. Ubi ira obtinet, praesertim in hâc causâ, ibi nasus est, non auris, furor, non ratio. Musc.
D. 21. Favours of wicked men may be soon turned to frowns, upon groundles charges. Ver. 19.
D. 22. The purest innocency may be apprehended and imprisoned by men, as guilty upon false accusation.
D. 23. The worst of prisons is thought fit for the best of men by sinners.
D. 24. Such humblings God orders to his saints before exaltings. V. 24.
3. The last general of the Chapter followeth: which is the issue of these temptations, whereunto God order's them, while Ioseph was in prison, which was the mitigation of his sorrow by some mixture of favour, and respect with it. This issue is evident.
1. In the principal and primitive favour exprest to him at this time from God, in two things.
1. In his presence with him,Ver. 21. so it is written, And Jehovah was with Ioseph. — The Lord, Sept. — The word of the Lord was for an help to Ioseph. Cald. In which passage are considerable.
1. The connection of it to the precedent history, he was there in the prison, and, or, but the Lord was with him.
2. The matter immediately connected, Iehovah was with him, which noteth Gods presence: of which here may be observed.
1. The nature of it, which is the manifestation of his union with him through grace. So Ver. 2.
2. The fruit of it, and that is to share in the same lot with Ioseph, to suffer, what he suffers with him.
3. The duration of it.
1 From Canaan to Egypt in sale.
2. In Potiphars house, when he was a captive.
3. In the prison, where his soul enters into irons. God is with him still, sold with him, inslaved with him, accused with him, imprisoned with him, God will be in the same condition with his Joseph, Isaiah. 63.9.
2. In Gods influence upon Ioseph, And extended mercy to him, or, bent his kindnes, or grace unto him. — And he powred out his mercy, Sept. — He dealt mercy with him. Cald.
1. The connective term shews that Gods presence was not in vain, but it did work this effect here mentioned.
2. The effect itselfe, Gods extending grace or mercy, whereof.
1. The nature of it is the fruit of Gods Spirit in inward grace, faith, patience, contentation, joy of the Holy ghost, &c. This was good indeed.
2. The intention of it, God bent, and inclined this grace to him.
3. The extension or measure, he inlarged all this grace abundantly in Ioseph.
2. The mitigation of Josephs tryal appears in the secondary favour, which God worketh for him with man, expressed in three steps or degrees.
1. In the countenance of the keeper, And gave him favour, or, grace in the eyes of the chief keeper of the tower-house, or rather, he gave his grace in the eyes, &c. — He gave him favour before the chief gaoler, Sept. — Bowells before the master of the prison. Cald. Some difference is in the grammatical reading of a pronoun inclitick. — foreign — Which is read, to him favour, that is, to Joseph; but it is conceived, that (to), were more proper for the relative, or if the inclytick had been to the verb, then it were to be read, he gave him. But it being an affixe to grace; it seems just to read it (he) that is, God gave his owne grace, or favour in the eyes of the keeper, whereby he was moved in bowells to Joseph; and so the affixe is a Pronoun possessive. The issue is the same. And the first effect of Gods presence with, and grace in Joseph, is, that the heart and eyes of the chief keeper were turned for good to Joseph. It may possibly be also, that after some time Joseph did declare his innocency unto him, whereupon God moveth him to bowells towards him. Ver. 21.
2. In the trust, which the chief Gaoler puts to Ioseph. And the chief keeper of the tower-house committed to Josephs hand, all the prisoners that were in the tower-house, and all that they did there he was the doer of it. Cald. the same. — He gave the prison, and all that were brought into prison, &c. Sept. Herein alsoe observe.
1. The order from favour to trust given in the connection.
2. The person trusting, the chief gaole, who upon Potiphars charge had dealt rigorously with Joseph.
3. The partie trusted. Joseph, a poor prisoner.
4. The trust itselfe, all the charge of the prisoners.
5. The discharge of it, he did and ordered all things. Ver. 22.Ver. 22.
3. In his security, no lesse then Potiphar had in Joseph formerly, Neither did the chiefe keeper of the tower-house looke to any thing at all in his hand: because Jehovah was with him, and that which he did, Jehovah made it to prosper. — He knew nothing for his sake. — Prospered in his hands, Sept. — Saw no fault in his hand, because the word of the Lord was his help, and what he did the Lord directed. Cald. herein note.
1. A large expression of favour to Joseph from the keeper, that his heart rested in him, he looked after nothing, that is, with a suspicious eye, all was left about the prison into Josephs hand securely.
2. A strong reason for it.
1. From Gods presence with Joseph, of which before.
2. From Gods blessing of him; he made all his works in his charge to prosper, all went well with the chief keeper. Ver. 23.
We conclude.
D. 1. Gods help is not farre behind mens oppression of his saints.
D. 2. Gods presence in grace by union with his Saints is certainly vouchsafed in their lowest estates.
D. 3. By this gracious presence G…d himselfe is afflicted, accused, and imprisoned with his Saints.
D. 4. God is not weary to abide with his Saints in the whole course of their affliction.
D. 5. Gods gracious presence is not without his gracious influence upon his people.
D. 6. Gods influence upon his innocent prisoners is inward, in faith, patience, &c.
D. 7. Gracious influence from God, countervails all violence of men in oppressing his.
D. 8. God affords, not onelyonly intended, but extended grace, according to the measure of affliction.
D. 9. Not onelyonly inward grace, but outward, doth God worke from men to his Saints in their distresses.
D. 10. It is all Gods grace, and bowells, which men shew to oppressed Saints. God giveth it.
D. 11. God can make churlish gaolers become courteous favourers of his innocent prisoners. V. 21.
D. 12. When God favours his oppressed, Enemies do not onelyonly favour them, but trust them.
D. 13. God can make his innocent prisoners become keepers; and give them liberty in prison.
D. 14. A gracious hand is fit for any trust committed to it.
D. 15. God makes his prisoners sometimes the best instruments to order the affairs of keepers. Ver. 22.
D. 16. God maketh mens hearts secure in his Saints, when they favour, and trust them.
D. 17. Gods presence with his in prison, makes them so much honoured by their oppressors.
D. 18. There is prosperity in prison, which the Lord giveth to his, and to others by them.
D. 19. Such prosperity maketh Gods Saints desirable, when they are prisoners.
D. 20. Gods Josephs are no loosers by being in prison. They are blessed and give blessing also. Ver. 23. A precious example is this to all young men as well as others to study holines, and keep innocency, no prisons can do hurt to such.
Thus farre of the issue of Josephs temptation; while he was in prison,
1. In respect of God. 2. In respect of the chiefe keeper.