“And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Joseph, the son of Jacob (also known as Israel). Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers because of their jealousy and resentment towards him. The verse specifically mentions that the Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar, who was an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard in Egypt.
This event marked a significant turning point in Joseph’s life. It ultimately led to a series of events that shaped his character and positioned him for a prominent role in Egypt.
There are a few important lessons we can glean from this verse:
- Betrayal and God’s Providence: Joseph’s brothers’ betrayal and their decision to sell him into slavery were acts driven by envy and ill will. However, despite this betrayal, God’s providence was at work. God used these circumstances to fulfill His plan for Joseph’s life and ultimately to bring about the deliverance of Jacob’s family during a severe famine. This reminds us that even in the face of betrayal and difficult circumstances, God is still in control. He can use even the darkest moments for His purposes and bring about good from them.
- The Sovereignty of God: Joseph’s journey to Egypt was not a random occurrence. It was part of God’s sovereign plan for his life. God orchestrated events in such a way that Joseph ended up in Egypt, where he would eventually rise to a position of great authority and influence. This teaches us that God’s sovereign hand is at work in our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It may seem like we are at the mercy of random events, but in reality, God is directing our paths and using every situation for His purposes.
- Faithfulness in Servanthood: After being sold into slavery, Joseph found himself in the household of Potiphar. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and diligent in his service. He honored God in his work and was entrusted with increasing responsibility by Potiphar. This serves as a reminder that no matter where we find ourselves in life, we are called to be faithful and diligent in the tasks at hand. Our attitude and actions in even the most challenging circumstances can have a profound impact on our future opportunities and the lives of those around us.
- God’s Presence in Foreign Lands: Joseph was a foreigner in Egypt, far away from his homeland and family. However, even in this foreign land, God’s presence was with Joseph. We see evidence of God’s favor and blessing upon Joseph as he prospered in Potiphar’s house. This highlights the comforting truth that God is not limited by geographical boundaries. Wherever we may find ourselves, God is present, and His favor can rest upon us.
In summary, Genesis 37:36 teaches us about the faithfulness of God in the face of betrayal, the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events, the importance of being faithful in our service, and the assurance of God’s presence in foreign lands. It reminds us that God can work through challenging circumstances and use them to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
