Truth Rightly Divided

Genesis Study 16

Bible Class – Study #16 (Gen 39-40) – Notes and Discussion questions

Genesis Study #16: The tribulation of Joseph

Main passage of study: Gen 39:1 – 40:23

Related passages: Pt

A: Ge 28:15; 2Sa 6:12; Ps 1:3; Isa 42:1, 52:13; Mt 20:28; Lu 16:10; Ac 7:9
B: Job 24:15; 31:1; Ps 105:19; Pro 1:10; 5:8; 1Co 6:18; 1Th 5:22; 2Ti 2:22; 1Jn 2:16
C: Ps 37:12; 105:17-18; Isa 43:2; 2Ti 2:9; 1Pe 2:18-23; 3:14
D : Ge 37:5; Da 4:9; Lu 24:17
E: 1Sa 17:44; Job 33:15-16; Ps 25:14; Da 2:28; Am 3:7; Jn 1:18; Ac 20:27; 1Pe 4:11
F: Ps 31:12; Mk 6:21

Outline & Notes

  1. Joseph’s installation in Potiphar’s house– Gen 39:1-6
    1. Joseph’s prosperity in the house – Gen 39:1-3
    2. Joseph’s promotion in the house – Gen 39:4-6
  2. Joseph’s implication by Potiphar’s wife – Gen 39:7-15
    1. Joseph’s principles & objections – Gen 39:7-9
    2. Potiphar’s wife’s persistence & opportunism – Gen 39:10-12
    3. Potiphar’s wife’s perversion & obscuring of the truth – Gen 39:13-15
  3. Joseph’s incarceration in prison – Gen 39:16-23
    1. Repetition of the plot – Gen 39:16-18
    2. Restraint in the punishment – Gen 39:19-20
    3. Responsibility in the prison – Gen 39:21-23
  1. The inactivation of the officers’ duties– Gen 40:1-7
    1. Discharged servants – Gen 40:1-4
    2. Disturbed sleep – Gen 40:5-7
  2. Theinterpretation of the officer’s dreams – Gen 40:8-19
    1. The butler’s 3 branches – Gen 40:8-11
    2. An optimistic outlook – Gen 40:12-13
    3. Joseph’s request for a referral – Gen 40:14-15
    4. The baker’s 3 baskets – Gen 40:16-17
    5. An ominous outcome – Gen 40:18-19
  3. The illustration of God’s direction – Gen 40:20-23
    1. The feasting Pharaoh – Gen 40:20
    2. The fulfilled pronouncements – Gen 40:21-22
    3. The forgotten prognosticator – Gen 40:23

After the sad interlude of chapter 38, we now return to the main narrative of Joseph being carried down into Egypt where he is sold as a slave to an officer of Pharaoh named Potiphar. Just as Joseph proved himself to be faithful and trustworthy in his father’s house, he is recognized as such by Potiphar who makes him an overseer over his house. In the face of persistent propositions by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph remains faithful to God but ends up being falsely accused and put into prison where God continues to use him through a prolonged period of patient endurance and preparation for his eventual role in the very palace of Pharaoh. We continue to see beautiful glimpses of the person and work of Christ come out in the experiences of Joseph during this time of trial and tribulation but there are contrasts as well with the One whose sufferings and perfections are beyond comparison.

Textual notes

● The name Potiphar means “devoted to the sun” – a name inspired by Egyptian religious beliefs. As ‘captain of the guard’, Potiphar was probably in charge of Pharaoh’s security – obviously a very important position.

● The word ‘officer’ in Gen 39:1 and Gen 40:2 can mean ‘eunuch’ as men in ancient royal courts often were made eunuchs to show their devotion and service to the monarch. The word, however, it seems, also came to be used for any high-ranking officer.

● When Potiphar’s wife spoke of Joseph as a “Hebrew”, it would be used in a derogatory way.

● The word for ‘prison’ found in ch.39-40 is only used here in the whole of the OT and some think its origin is Egyptian.

● The prison is called the “house of the captain of the guard”. Potiphar is given the same title in Gen 39:1 but the captain in ch.40 is left unnamed. Some think that it was indeed Potiphar who was responsible for the prison.

● Ancient historical documents reveal that it was customary for the Pharaoh to release prisoners on his birthday.

Discussion questions

1. We read that the Lord was with Joseph 4 times in chapter 39. How does the Lord’s presence help us when we pass through trials?

2. Some would have difficulty seeing Joseph described as “a successful man”, working as a slave in a foreign land. What do we learn about Joseph’s character here as a worker in Potiphar’s house?

3. Joseph is said to be “handsome in form and appearance” in Gen 39:6. Only a few men in the Bible are noted for their physical beauty. Can you find the references and suggest reasons why the Spirit of God gave us this description?

4. What lessons can we learn from the way in which Joseph responded to temptation?

5. Joseph was given great responsibility in Potiphar’s household. How can being in a position of influence or trust increase the likelihood of facing temptations? What strategies can we use to remain faithful to God in such circumstances?

6. Joseph faced great injustice in being falsely accused and then imprisoned. How do you think Joseph maintained his faith in God through these trials? How can we trust God when facing injustice or difficult situations?

7. We read in Gen 40:4 that Joseph served the new prisoners. What other details in the chapter reveal to us Joseph’s servant heart and how does this remind us of the Lord Jesus?

8. We might consider Joseph’s time in prison to be wasted years as he is isolated and out of the public sphere yet God still uses him for His purposes. What are some ways in which God can use us in periods of trial and suffering?

9. Joseph says that interpretations belong to God and was able to reveal God’s truth by interpreting dreams. How might we seek out God’s wisdom and discernment today when faced with information, circumstances or situations that we don’t understand and leave us troubled?

10. What does Joseph’s request to the butler reveal to us about Joseph’s state of mind at this point?

11. What is the significance of the contrasting fates of the butler and the baker? What can we learn here about justice and the sovereignty of God?

12. Although Joseph was forgotten by the butler, we know that God eventually used Joseph in a significant way. What does this passage teach us about patience and trusting God’s timing?