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Egyptain, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither..

And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a pros perous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake: and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in the house, and in the field.

And 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 favoured.

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But 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 band; there is none greater in this house than Is 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 Goo?

And 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.

And 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.

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with

me:

me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, 'See, ye have brought in an Hebrew unto us, to mock us: he came in unto me to lie with me, and 1 cried with a loud voice: and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice, and cried, that he left 'his garment with me, and fled, and got him out."

And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

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And she spake unto Potiphar according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me

pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, garment with me, and fled out.

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that he left his

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And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

LA

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison: and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him: and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

ANNOTATIONS

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ANNOTATIONS AND REFLECTIONS.

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Though Joseph's cruel brethren sold him into the hands of strangers, who carried him far from that sacred spot, where the LORD was worshipped as the only Goo; and into a country rendered abominable by the practice of many corruptions; yet was he not forsaken, or abandoned. In the anguish of his soul, he cried unto the LORD, and He heard him; and though infinite wisdom saw fit to try the virtues, that he might prove a bright example to the world, Divine goodness accompanied him whithersoever he went for we may regard it as an instance of God's providential care, that he did not fall into the hands of a cruel master.

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We may reasonably conclude, from the blessing which attended Joseph's services, that, like his father Jacob when an hireling to Laban, he resolved that his righteousness should answer for him in the time to come*. It appears that Potiphar, though an Egyptian, had a knowledge of the LORD, and an idea of a particular providence, by his perceiving that a Divine blessing attended the services of Joseph, and by the trust which, in consequence of this conviction, he reposed in him. It is likely that Joseph was not invested with the stewardship, till Potiphar had experienced his fidelity in an inferior capacity; during which period he might attain a knowledge of the Egyptian language, which bore great affinity to that of Canaan.

The expression He knew not what he had, save the bread which he did eat, implies the highest degree of confidence.

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It is a sad reflection, that a man of so much merit as Potiphar appears to have been, should have had so abandoned a woman for his wife. Her behaviour

See Section xxxvii.

needs

needs no comment; every virtuous person who reads an account of it, must condemn and despise her, for dishonouring her husband, and disgracing her sex. On the other hand, how amiable does the conduct of Joseph appear! I

It was very natural for Potiphar to believe his wife's tale; and considering the provocation which he supposed Joseph had given him, he shewed great lenity in on-> ly committing him to prison. For such a crime, Potiphar would have been justified in the eye of the world, had Joseph been condemned to death.

What a dreadful reverse of fortune did Joseph expe.. rience! Instead of enjoying the friendship and confidence of a kind master, he was regarded as a monster of ingratitude. The fair character he had enjoyed in the world was blasted. Ease and plenty were exchanged for the: horrors of a dungeon. His feet were hurt in the stocks; and the iron of his cruel, chains, rivetted by calumny, entered into his very soul.

How pleasing it is to read in the same chapter, that the LORD extended his kindness to the injured youth. and lessened the evils of imprisonment! As we are told that there was an interposition of Providence in his favour, we may conclude, that the LORD graciously inclined the heart of the keeper to believe the account: which Joseph gave of himself; and that the same be haviour which had before gained him the confidence of: Potiphar, through the blessing of GOD, procured him that of his keeper.

Fortunate were those who were committed to Joseph's> care; and happy was he in the opportunities he had oft exercising the benevolence of his heart, by comforting and doing good offices to his fellow prisoners!

Whether Potiphar was afterwards convinced of › Jo

* Psalm cv. 18.

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seph's innocence or not, we are not told ; but as he was an officer of high rank, we may suppose that the keeper would otherwise have been fearful of giving such indulgence as he did, to a prisoner committed to strict confinement for such an atrocious offence against Potiphar himself.

From this section we learn, to ascribe prosperity in our worldly concerns to God. As the LORD was with Joseph, so may we hope He will be with every one, who reposes a sincere trust in him, and conscientiously discharges the duties of his station. We also learn, in moral actions, to have a becoming reverence for the DEITY. If Joseph's reflection, How can I do this great wickedness" and sin against GOD, were allowed to have its due influence, it would be found an excellent preservative against a dissolute course of life; for no one, who feels an inward esteem for God, will dare to violate his laws. Domestics may, from Joseph's example, derive encouragement to serve their masters with fidelity and uprightness. This is the most likely way to gain the good will and confidence of their employers; and the certain way to obtain the favour of the LORD: persons in particular, who are unexpectedly reduced to a state of servitude, may from hence conceive hopes, that, by a steady course of integrity, they shall obtain esteem, and find their situation much more comfortable than could have been expected, nay, perhaps, rise to inde pendence again. Masters may conclude, from this in stance, that it is their interest to commit the management of their houshold affairs to persons of a religious turn of mind.

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What an excellent lesson does this portion of Scripture afford to such youths as are exposed to the allurements of wanton women! Happy would it be for thousands, should they take example from Joseph !

Persons

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