And Joseph, was, &c.— These words should properly begin the next verse. Joseph's mental accomplishments had scarcely recommended him to his master's favour, before his graces of person won the heart of his mistress. But he bravely repelled her temptations; and his answer, Genesis 39:8-9. deserves to be held in everlasting honour. See the reflections at the end of the chapter.
REFLECTIONS.—1st. Joseph is now the servant of Potiphar, and a diligent servant he is. He is not pining under the servitude to which he is reduced, but diligently industrious in his station, conforming his mind to his circumstances. Learn, It is a blessed symptom of a gracious state to be content and satisfied, when reduced low. Potiphar's house was a good school; while he learned to obey as a servant, he learned also to rule as a master. God was with him; and the evident blessing, which attended him, hastened that advancement which his industry and fidelity deserved. And now, from a purchased slave, he becomes lord of all; and, for Joseph's sake, all things prospered in the AEgyptian's house. Learn, 1. If God be with us, it is well, wherever we are. 2. His blessing it is which maketh rich; without it, we labour in vain, and spend our strength for nought. 3. A godly trusty servant is an inestimable treasure: they who are wise, will know how to value and prefer him.
2nd. Joseph is handsome, and that is his snare. Note; Beauty, though so highly valued, is oftentimes a dangerous gift, and brings us into many difficulties, which otherwise we might have avoided.
1. Potiphar's wife beheld the pleasing youth, and, hurried on by lawless passion, and lost to all shame and modesty, she with ceaseless importunity wearies him from day to day. Note; (1.) When a woman becomes abandoned, she is vile indeed; she forgets to blush, and stops at nothing to gratify her rage. (2.) They who would keep a guard over their heart, must make a covenant with their eyes.
2. We have Joseph's resolute chastity: a noble instance of true virtue, and highly worthy of imitation. Satan had tried the severity of affliction: Joseph supports it: but Satan fetches now a more fiery dart from his quiver; and how many have fallen thereby, who have withstood the bitterest crosses! A fiery furnace is less to be feared, than a beautiful abandoned woman. But what cannot Almighty Grace effect? Though in the prime of youth, living in plenty at his master's table, his mistress the tempter, from whose favour he had every thing to hope, and from whose displeasure every thing to fear; though alone, where no discovery could be feared, and even suspicion must be banished; though solicited, importuned, repeatedly, nay, with violence assaulted; he can resist, refuse, yea, suffer severe punishment, rather than wound his own conscience and his master's honour. It were base ingratitude for the favours he had received; it were unbecoming a son of Israel; it was a crime of aggravated guilt; and, above all, it was against God. Determined therefore, he turns a deaf ear to her entreaties: and when she seized his cloak, as one escaping for his life, he leaves his garment in her hand. Learn, (1.) Flight is the best preservative from violent temptations to such sins. (2.) It is better for us to hazard life, than wound our consciences. (3.) A deep sense of the evil of sin, is the great preservative against it.