Genesis 39

Chapter Summary

Genesis 39 tells the story of Joseph, who was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, a captain of the guard. Joseph proved to be a faithful and diligent servant, and God blessed him, causing him to prosper in everything he did. However, when Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of attempting to seduce her, he was thrown into prison. Despite this setback, Joseph continued to trust in God and was eventually placed in charge of the prison. The chapter ends with Joseph interpreting the dreams of two fellow prisoners, setting the stage for his future rise to power in Egypt. Key verses include Genesis 39:2-3, which highlight God's blessing on Joseph, and Genesis 39:21, which shows God's continued favor towards him even in prison.

Context for the Chapter

Genesis 39 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation, the early history of humanity, and the patriarchs of Israel. This chapter is specifically part of the story of Joseph, which spans chapters 37-50. The events of this chapter take place in Egypt, where Joseph has been sold into slavery, and serve as a precursor to his future rise to power as a leader in the land. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of redemption through Christ.

Heart Application

As we read Genesis 39, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are encouraged to remain faithful and diligent, just like Joseph, and to seek to honor God in all areas of our lives. We are also reminded that God can use even the most difficult circumstances to prepare us for greater things, and that He is always working to bring about good in our lives, as promised in Romans 8:28.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Genesis 39 tells the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. Despite facing many challenges, Joseph remained faithful and diligent, and God blessed him and used him for His purposes. This chapter reminds us that God is sovereign and works all things together for good, and that we can trust in His providence and guidance in our lives. As we see in Genesis 39:2-3, God's presence and blessing can lead to success and prosperity, and as we see in Genesis 39:21-23, God can use even the most difficult circumstances to prepare us for greater things.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord was with Joseph, and that made all the difference. If the Lord is with us, we can face any difficulty, overcome any obstacle, and achieve great things for His glory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant are a testament to the power of God's grace in our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live a life that honors God and brings glory to His name.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Joseph in Potiphar's House (Genesis 39:1-6) — Joseph is taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, a captain of the guard. He proves to be a faithful and diligent servant, and God blesses him, causing him to prosper in everything he does.
2. The Temptation of Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39:7-18) — Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempting to seduce her, and he is thrown into prison. Despite this setback, Joseph continues to trust in God and remains faithful to his master.
3. Joseph in Prison (Genesis 39:19-23) — Joseph is placed in charge of the prison and interprets the dreams of two fellow prisoners, setting the stage for his future rise to power in Egypt. God shows him kindness and grants him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
4. The Interpretation of Dreams (Genesis 40:1-19) — Joseph interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, predicting their futures and demonstrating his wisdom and insight. This event sets the stage for Joseph's future rise to power in Egypt.
5. Conclusion (Genesis 40:20-23) — The chapter ends with Joseph's interpretation of the dreams and his continued trust in God's sovereignty and providence. Despite facing many challenges, Joseph remains faithful and diligent, and God blesses him and uses him for His purposes.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

Genesis 39 teaches us that God is sovereign and works all things together for good. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.

The Importance of Integrity

The chapter highlights the importance of integrity, as Joseph's commitment to doing what is right ultimately leads to his success and promotion. This is evident in Genesis 39:10-18, where Joseph's integrity is tested and proved.

The Power of Faithfulness

Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant are a testament to the power of God's grace in our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live a life that honors God and brings glory to His name.

The Role of Providence

Genesis 39 demonstrates the role of providence in our lives, as God works all things together for good. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.

Lessons from Genesis 39

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — Genesis 39 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.
2. The Importance of Integrity — The chapter highlights the importance of integrity, as Joseph's commitment to doing what is right ultimately leads to his success and promotion. This is evident in Genesis 39:10-18, where Joseph's integrity is tested and proved.
3. The Power of Faithfulness — Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant are a testament to the power of God's grace in our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live a life that honors God and brings glory to His name.
4. The Role of Providence — Genesis 39 demonstrates the role of providence in our lives, as God works all things together for good. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.
5. The Importance of Forgiveness — Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers and those who wronged him is a powerful lesson for us. We are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God, and to trust in His sovereignty and providence in all areas of our lives.

Themes from Genesis 39

1. God's Sovereignty — Genesis 39 teaches us that God is sovereign and works all things together for good. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.
2. The Importance of Integrity — The chapter highlights the importance of integrity, as Joseph's commitment to doing what is right ultimately leads to his success and promotion. This is evident in Genesis 39:10-18, where Joseph's integrity is tested and proved.
3. The Power of Faithfulness — Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant are a testament to the power of God's grace in our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live a life that honors God and brings glory to His name.
4. The Role of Providence — Genesis 39 demonstrates the role of providence in our lives, as God works all things together for good. We see this in the way that God guides Joseph's life, using him for His purposes and blessing him in all areas of his life.
5. The Importance of Forgiveness — Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers and those who wronged him is a powerful lesson for us. We are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God, and to trust in His sovereignty and providence in all areas of our lives.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Genesis 39 teach us about God's sovereignty in our lives? How can we apply this truth to our own circumstances?
2. How does Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant demonstrate the power of God's grace in our lives? What can we learn from his example?
3. What role does integrity play in our success and promotion? How can we cultivate integrity in our own lives?
4. How does Genesis 39 demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's providence and guidance in our lives? What are some ways that we can practically apply this truth to our own circumstances?
5. What can we learn from Joseph's experience in prison? How can we trust in God's sovereignty and providence even in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Genesis 39

	Sermon	Description
	Just Say No! by Billy Graham	This sermon addresses the common trials and temptations faced by individuals, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing a way to escape such challenges. It delves into the strugg
	(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve
	Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph, a young man of 17, is sold into slavery in Egypt by the Ishmaelites. However, despite his circum
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's commitment to serving God and maintaining a high moral standard, even in a land f
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:21-23 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights how despite the challenging circumstances Joseph faced, the Lord was with him and showed h
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:11-20 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unfortunate events that befall Joseph, a young man who faces numerous challenges and injustices. Joseph was initially favored by his fathe
	(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t
	(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi
	Better Late Than Never by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of decisions and the consequences that come with them. He shares a story of a Christian brother who made a series of bad decisions

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 39

Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 39 highlights the sovereignty of God in Joseph's life, demonstrating how He works all things together for good. Henry notes that Joseph's faithfulness and diligence as a servant are a testament to the power of God's grace in our lives, and that his integrity and commitment to doing what is right ultimately lead to his success and promotion. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's providence and guidance in our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and reminds us that God can use even the most difficult circumstances to prepare us for greater things. As Henry writes, 'The Lord was with Joseph, and that made all the difference.' This commentary reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and of living a life that honors Him and brings glory to His name. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?