Genesis 39:21-23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 39:19-23

Here is, 1. Joseph wronged by his master. He believed the accusation, and either Joseph durst not make his defence by telling the truth, as it would reflect too much upon his mistress, or his master would not hear it, or would not believe it, and there is no remedy, he is condemned to perpetual imprisonment, Gen. 39:19, 20. God restrained his wrath, else he had put him to death; and that wrath which imprisoned him God made to turn to his praise, in order to which Providence so disposed that he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 39:21

And the Lord was with Joseph ,.... Comforting him with his presence under his afflictions; supporting him with his right hand; sanctifying all his troubles to him, and so causing him to bear them patiently and cheerfully: and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison ; who was the underkeeper to Potiphar; God so wrought upon the heart of this man, that he was merciful to him, and took off the iron fetters, which hurt his feet, and gave him liberty to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 39:22

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prisons ,.... Who, as they were state prisoners, were a considerable charge; and this gave Joseph great honour, credit, and influence in the prison: and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it ; not that he learned and exercised every trade the prisoners were of, to get a living by, which is the sense of some, as Aben Ezra relates; or that he in fact did everything that was done in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 39:23

The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand ,.... Under the hand of Joseph; he did not inquire into and examine his conduct and management of things; he took no account of what was in his hands, nor required any of him; so satisfied was he with what he did, and had such an opinion of his prudence and faithfulness. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan paraphrase it,"he saw no crime in him,'either in the management of affairs he committed to him, or for which he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:21

The Lord was with Joseph - It is but of little consequence where the lot of a servant of God may be cast; like Joseph he is ever employed for his master, and God honors him and prospers his work. He who acknowledges God in all his ways, has the promise that God shall direct all his steps. Joseph's captivity shall promote God's glory; and to this end God works in him, for him, by him. Even the irreligious can see when the Most High distinguishes his followers. Joseph's master saw that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:21

Verse 21 21.But the Lord was with Joseph. It appears, from the testimony of the Psalmist just cited, that Joseph’s extreme sufferings were not immediately alleviated. The Lord purposely suffered him to be reduced to extremity, that he might bring him back as from the grave. We know that as the light of the sun is most clearly seen when we are looking from a dark place; so, in the darkness of our miseries, the grace of God shines more brightly when, beyond expectation, he succors us. Moreover,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

Joseph is the house of Potiphar. I. PURCHASED AS A SLAVE . 1. A sad lot. Worse even than being kidnapped by strangers, Joseph had been first sold by his brethren; carried into Egypt, he had there been exposed for sale in a slave-market; and now, as if he had been a beast of burden or a captive taken in war, he had been a second time purchased for money. Few fortunes are more touchingly sorrowful or more deeply humiliating than this which was now measured out to Jacob's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

Sunshine and shadow. I. THE BRIGHTENING SKY . The advancement of Joseph in the house of Potiphar. 1. To Joseph's sense it was a lightening in his bondage. 2. To Joseph's faith it was the smiling of Jehovah's face. 3. To Joseph's hope it was the dawning of a better day. II. THE THREATENING CLOUD . The temptation of Joseph by his mistress. Here was— 1. An assault upon his virtue, which, unless it were overcome, would deprive him of Jehovah's favor, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

The righteous man. Again the word of the Lord tries Joseph, but not so much now as the word of prophecy, but as the word of command, the doctrine of righteousness. "The Egyptian's house is blessed for Joseph's sake." "The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man." A lesson on the true method of prosperity. A prosperous man is one who has the Lord with him— 1. To give him favor with fellow-men. 2. To teach him wisdom, and put things into his hand. 3. To give him the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:7-23

Joseph and the wife of Potiphar. I. THE GREAT TEMPTATION . 1. The time of it. Never perhaps had Joseph's prospects been brighter since he left his father's house than towards the close of that decade of years which he spent in the Egyptian officer's employ; and yet then it was that, like a thunderbolt shot from a clear sky, a fierce temptation burst upon him. 2. The occasion of it. This was the beauty of Joseph''s person. Things innocent and lovely in themselves may... read more

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