There has been an emergence of “girl power” in recent years. In this passage the woman is out to tempt the man. She is coming from a position of power.

1 – An offer that was hard to refuse (vs. 7)

Potipher’s wife fancied Joseph. She tried to set a sexual trap. It was not unambiguous. She had “the hots” for Joseph. Joseph was being handed on a plate the chance for a sexual relationship with a very powerful woman. She was applying pressure on Joseph to comply. All “soaps” and newspapers use sex. Sex sells.

2 – An action that needed to be taken (vs. 8-10)

Joseph had much to lose in turning this woman down. She has great influence with Potipher. She tries to persuade Joseph to change his mind. She is trying to seduce him. Joseph has no family and reputation. He has been used to getting what he wants. He has been changed by his “pit” experience. He is a young man with normal sexual urges and she is her superior. Joseph says “No!” How can he do it?

• Respect for her husband (vs. 8) – Potipher trusted Joseph and Joseph would not betray that trust. Many marriages have been wrecked by a third party. We often run from temptation but leave a forwarding address! We need to discourage it completely.
• Reverence for God (vs. 9) Many Bible references talk about sex outside of marriage. We need God’s help and strength to face the world so that we do not sin.

3 – An attitude that never gave up (vs. 10)

She does not take “No!” for an answer. Joseph is equally insistent that the answer is still “No!” The Lord was with Joseph throughout. He does what is right and yet he is wrongly accused. God uses this miscarriage of justice to bring Joseph to where he wants to train him for a greater purpose.

Categories: Genesis