MPV Commentary

1. Potiphar was an officer in Pharaoh's government, and his name signifies devotion to the sun god of On or Heliopolis, indicating that he resided in the Delta region of Egypt near Canaan.

He bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites, likely due to Joseph's exceptional age, appearance, and intelligence. However, it was God who drew Potiphar's attention to Joseph for a specific purpose: to prepare him for his future role through training and adversity. This is consistent with God's practice of preparing agents for important tasks.

2. As a domestic slave purchased by money, Joseph enjoyed relatively kind treatment and more liberty than war captives, who were often subjected to harsh labor under taskmasters.

3. Potiphar noticed that the Lord was with Joseph, observing his unchanged spirit despite being stripped of his former life. Joseph continued to live in communion with God, even in an idolatrous household.

5. The Lord blessed Potiphar's house because of Joseph's faithful service, likely through a miraculous intervention. However, it is also common for worldly masters to respect and admire religion when they see it supported by principle and consistent living.

Potiphar made Joseph his overseer due to his exceptional qualities, which he had observed in Joseph's work. This advancement was not uncommon among domestic slaves but was extraordinary in Joseph's case, reflecting the Lord's hand at work.

7. As an Egyptian woman with considerable freedom, Potiphar's wife frequently interacted with Joseph and made advances towards him. Her loose morals were characteristic of many women in her social class, as evidenced by ancient monuments.

9. When confronted about his situation, Joseph expressed his moral principle: "How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" This embodied the true principle of moral purity, sufficient for those who possess it.

14. Disappointed and affronted, Potiphar's wife accused Joseph to her servants and later to her husband, claiming that he had brought an Hebrew into their household to mock them.

20. Potiphar took Joseph and threw him into a prison, likely a subterranean dungeon attached to his dwelling. This was not a common jail but rather a place for state criminals, where the keeper exercised strict vigilance.

The Lord gave Joseph favor in the sight of the prison keeper, who may have known Joseph's innocence and integrity. A higher influence was at work, as "the Lord was with Joseph, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."