Contexts & Connections #1-3 Genesis 39:1-23 September 23, Joseph s Hope. God s Promises Bring Hope. Contexts

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1 Joseph s Hope God s Promises Bring Hope The Point God s presence and goodness bring hope and new possibilities. Key Verse But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love. - Genesis 39:21 Summary Through God s providential activity, Joseph rises to prominence in the house of his master, only to have his fortunes come crashing down due to a false charge. His unexpected return to prominence is further evidence of God s steadfast love. Accompanying Text Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12 Contexts Linguistics The term lie found in the command of Potiphar s wife, Lie with me, in Genesis 39:6b, 12 (in Hebrew škb) is also used in 2 Samuel 11 to describe David s adulterous actions done with/to Bethsheba. In both cases individuals with power use that power selfishly and sinfully. 1 In addition to God s presence with Joseph, the LORD s steadfast love (in Hebrew hesed). This word is also used to describe human kindness (Genesis 40:14; 47:29) but here is attributed to God. 2 God is mentioned nine times in Genesis 39 and eight of those come from the narrator. God is mentioned by a character only once (Genesis 39:9). The use of the name yhwh for God by the narrator links this story with Israel s subsequent history in the Exodus and beyond. 3 Geography/Setting Today s story takes place in the land of Egypt, probably during the second millennium, BCE (see History). It is impossible to connect Joseph s story to a particular time, however. The Pharaoh of this story is never named, for instance. It is abundantly clear, however, that Joseph is a foreigner in Egypt, a fact used against him by Potiphar s wife (Genesis 39:17). Despite being an outsider, however, Joseph is still able to prosper because of God s presence and steadfast love Spirit and Truth Publishing All Rights Reserved 1

2 History Today s story begins with Joseph s arrival in Egypt and sale to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh (Genesis 39:1). Many of the details in the Joseph story describing Egyptian life can be corroborated with Egyptian monuments and documents from the second millennium BCE. There is documented evidence of slaves from Asia arriving in Egypt through trade and/or warfare from approximately 1730 BCE. 4 There are second millennium BCE Egyptian tales that include unfaithful wives such as The Tale of Two Brothers and The Tales of the Magicians. 5 There is evidence of non-egyptian, Semitic officials in Egypt during the second millennium BCE so it makes sense that Potiphar would need to be identified as an Egyptian as opposed to an official with foreign roots (Genesis 39:1). 6 Like much of the rest of Genesis, there is little scholarly consensus concerning the original sources of the Joseph story (Genesis 37-50). Many scholars see the Joseph story as a composite work with at least two and perhaps more sources. Recent scholarship see Genesis as a more unified story placed at the end of Genesis. It is possible that early versions of the Joseph story were passed down through oral tradition and then written during the time of the Israelite united monarchy ( BCE) or in the kingdom of Judah ( BCE) when the Israelites were living in their own land. The story probably found its present form during the exilic period ( BCE) when exiles from Judah were living in Babylon. 7 Culture/Religion In Genesis 39:9 Joseph explicitly connects sleeping with Potiphar s wife as wickedness and a sin against God. This is the first time that Joseph has spoken of God in this story. Adultery is strongly condemned throughout the Pentateuch, especially in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18). Adultery was considered sexual intercourse with a married woman, the exact thing that Joseph is able to avoid. 8 Joseph is sold as a slave to Potiphar but is able to achieve great status and levels of responsibility. This was a common characteristic of slavery in the ancient Near East, it is also seen in Genesis 15:2; 24:2 with Eliezer, Abraham s chief servant. 9 Literature/Genre The Joseph story (Genesis 37-50) is considered an example of excellent ancient literature; it displays literary craftsmanship and excellent story-telling. It serves as a bridge between the stories of the earlier patriarchs and the story of the Exodus. 10 Joseph s story began in Genesis 37, which began with Joseph s favored status and his brother s jealousy and concluded with their sale of him to Ishmaelite traders. Chapter 38 provides an interlude with the story of Judah and Tamar. Not only does this ratchet up the Joseph story s suspense, Judah s actions are held in contrast with Joseph s. Judah must admit that Tamar is more in the right than I, (Genesis 38:26) while Joseph refuses to sin against God (Genesis 39:9). 11 Today s story can be divided into two separate sections. In the first (Genesis 39:1-6a) Joseph rises to prominence in Potiphar s house. In the second (Genesis 39:7-23) Joseph s career and reputation are degraded. Genesis 39:6b ( Now Joseph was handsome and good looking. ) serves as an ominous bridge between his rise and fall. 12 Genesis 39:17-19 is the second example of Joseph s clothing being used in a misleading way. Just as Potiphar s wife uses his garment to convince Potiphar of Joseph s guilt, his brothers use his long robe to convince their father of his death (Genesis 37:31-32). The reactions of Potiphar and the chief jailer mirror one another: both recognize Joseph s value and favor him. Potiphar recognizes that the LORD is with Joseph (Genesis 39:3); the chief jailer favored Joseph, but it is not clear whether he knew Joseph s success was due to the LORD Spirit and Truth Publishing All Rights Reserved 2

3 Authorial Intention/Occasion The author(s) of this story wish to emphasize the theme of divine providence: God actively works behind the scenes to bless Joseph in order to show steadfast love toward the people of Israel and to bless all the families of the earth through Abram and his descendants. 14 The Joseph story as a whole is a part of the people of Israel s origin story and answers important questions such as why the Israelites resided in Egypt and why certain Israelite tribes were more important than others. 15 In addition to the important theological themes of God s providential care and God steadfast love, the Joseph story is simply an exciting and colorful story meant for entertainment. There are plot twists, suspense, intrigue, and staggering reversals of fortune. It has captivated audiences from ancient times to the present. 16 Joseph is portrayed as the ideal courtier: responsible, hard-working, intelligent, and honest. He could serve as the model for royal officials of the kings of Israel and Judah, or as an example for exiled Jews in the service of foreign rulers. 17 Audience The Joseph story has entertained and informed many different audiences in Israel s history (see History). Audiences in the time of the monarchy ( BCE), the kingdom of Judah ( BCE) or the exile ( BCE) were given a family history with the Joseph story which explained their origins as well as assuring them of God s continued steadfast love (hesed). Joseph also serves as a sterling example to Israelites and Jews throughout the ancient world who served under foreign rulers in lands other than their own (see Authorial Intention/Occasion). Common Misunderstandings Joseph s encounter with Potiphar s wife are often interpreted as a morality tale which sets limits on sexuality. More recently scholars have noted the power dynamics involved in the unnamed wife s pursuit of Joseph. As events progress, each character is shaped by their place in society. Potiphar s wife does not see Joseph as an equal and approaches him with a command, not a request ( Lie with me. Genesis 39:7b, 12). This shows that she is attempting to exert dominance over a servant. Joseph responds to her command in terms of authority, rather than sexuality, speaking of the trust Potiphar has placed in him. Later she reminds Potiphar that Joseph is a Hebrew, invoking the power dynamic between native Egyptians and foreigners. 18 More Information See how the story of Joseph fits into that larger Patriarchal History of Genesis through videos and study notes from the Bible Project: video/. Learn more about Genesis as a whole and the Joseph story in particular (including a video of Professor Terry Fretheim speaking about Joseph: Learn more about the lives of ancient Egyptian women from the second millennium BCE: Spirit and Truth Publishing All Rights Reserved 3

4 Connections Narrative Lectionary Connections Last Week (Genesis 12:1-9) Last week we saw God promise Abram to bless the world through his descendants (Genesis 12:3). We see those blessings appear this week as God blesses Potiphar s house (Genesis 39:5) and the Egyptian prison (Genesis 39:23) through Joseph. God s plan to bless the world is being carried out in unexpected ways. Next Week (Exodus 14:5-7, 10-14, 21-29) Joseph s career in Egypt will ultimately bring about his family s reunion and salvation. In the years ahead, when Egypt turned from a place of sanctuary to enslavement, God once again protected them. God s providential plan led them into Egypt and then led them out. Other Year 1 Connections Joseph s success in both Potiphar s household and in prison is an extension of God s promise to Abram in Genesis 12 (9/16/18). Like Joseph, Esther and Mordecai must navigate life in a foreign land while facing great hostility in Esther 4 (12/9/18). Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar s wife, making him a candidate for blessing in Jesus Beatitudes (Matthew 5 on 1/27/19). Other Bible Connections Joseph s success in a foreign land bear remarkable similarities to the exiles from Judah: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego portrayed in the Book of Daniel. Like Joseph they are intelligent and hardworking. Like Joseph, they also face great adversity. Like so many other figures from the Old Testament, Joseph is held up as a person of faith in Hebrews 11 (Hebrews 11:21-22). Thematic Connections Guided by God s Promises If Joseph is aware of God s particular providential activity in his life he does not voice it here. He does, however, show his devotion to God by linking his refusal to lie with his master s wife (Genesis 39:8-9). This faithful connection with God will appear to ruin his circumstances (by landing him in jail), but actually create the opportunity for even greater blessing (Genesis 40-48). God s Promises Bring Hope People throughout the ages have seen and continue to see God at work in seemingly terrible situations in Joseph s life in order to fulfill the promises God made to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3. The awareness that God is following up God s promise with action has brought and continues to bring hope to those who put their trust in God. Liturgical/Seasonal Connections With summer vacations firmly in the past and days of work and school the present reality for many, this story can serve as a guide for faithful workplace and classroom behavior. What does a professional or academic career of integrity look like? What do we do when our honest decisions appear to bring punishment rather than reward? Hymns/ Music Some hymns that dwell on God s help in time of trouble include Healer of Our Every Ill, Great is Thy Faithfulness, and When the Pain of the World Surrounds Us. Hymns that center on the guidance of God include Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me, and What God Ordains is Good Indeed. Some praise songs that deal with help in times of trouble include, Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns, Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin, and Desert Song, by Hillsong United Spirit and Truth Publishing All Rights Reserved 4

5 Media Connections Today s story is portrayed in the world-famous Broadway Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The songs Potiphar, Close Every Door, and Go, Go, Go Joseph cover the parts of the story from Genesis 39. Today s story is also found in the made-for-tv movie Joseph (1995), made by Turner Network Television. Joseph s story has been depicted in art for centuries, including his encounter with Potiphar s wife, painted by Rembrandt in 1655: 1 Walter Brueggemann, Genesis (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982), Terence Fretheim, Genesis in The New Interpreter s Bible Commentary, Vol. I (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994), Ibid, Kenneth A. Kitchen, Egypt, in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), Ibid., Ibid., Fretheim, Joe M. Sprinkle, Sexuality, Sexual Ethics, in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, Guenther H. Haas, Slave, Slavery, in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, Robert E. Longacre, Joseph, in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, Brueggemann, Robert E. Longacre, Brueggemann, George W. Coats Jr. and Mark Allan Powell, Joseph, in The Harper Collins Bible Dictionary (New York: HarperOne, 2011), Robert E. Longacre, John J. Collins. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004), Spirit and Truth Publishing All Rights Reserved 5