“But she kept back, and cried unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice.”
Genesis 39:14 is part of the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, we witness an incident involving Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
Context: Joseph had been taken as a slave by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. He found favor with Potiphar, and as a result, he was put in charge of his household.
The Temptation: Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph and enticed him to sleep with her. However, Joseph, being a man of integrity, refused her advances. He was determined to remain faithful and honorable to both Potiphar and God.
False Accusation: When Joseph rejected her, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attempting to take advantage of her. In verse 14, she cried out to the men of her household, claiming that Joseph, a Hebrew, had come to mock them and had tried to lie with her.
Joseph’s Integrity: Despite the false accusation, Joseph displayed his unwavering integrity. He maintained his innocence and did not give in to temptation. His actions were consistent with his commitment to righteousness and his fear of God.
This verse reveals several important themes:
- Temptation and Moral Integrity: Joseph faced a significant test of moral character when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. He provides an excellent example of how to resist temptation and remain faithful to God’s commands, even when faced with strong allurements.
- False Accusations: Joseph’s story highlights the consequences of false accusations. Despite his innocence, Joseph had to endure the fallout from Potiphar’s wife’s deceitful claims. This incident foreshadows future trials Joseph would face.
- God’s Faithfulness: Throughout Joseph’s life, we see God’s faithfulness and His providential care. Even in the face of false accusations and adversity, God was with Joseph and ultimately used these circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Lessons we can learn from Genesis 39:14 include the importance of maintaining moral integrity in the face of temptation, understanding the potential consequences of false accusations, and trusting in God’s faithfulness even in difficult situations.
Overall, this verse serves as a crucial turning point in Joseph’s life, shaping his journey as he ultimately rises to a position of prominence in Egypt.
