Genesis 39:1

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

Potiphar ... captain of the guard. This name, Potiphar, signifies one 'devoted to the sun,' the local deity of On or Heliopolis-a circumstance which fixes the place of his residence in the Delta, the district of Egypt bordering on Canaan.

Officer - literally, prince of Pharaoh; i:e., in the service of the government.

Captain of the guard. The import of the original term has been variously interpreted; some considering it means 'chief cook,' others, 'chief respecter of plantations;' but that which seems best founded is 'chief of the executioners,' 'head of the police,' the same as the captain of the watch, the zabut of modern Egypt (Wilkinson). See the note at Genesis 37:36.

Bought him ... of the Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites and Midianites, both descendants of Abraham, lived in the same country, and had so close and constant relationship that, as merchants, they were indifferently known by the one name or the other (see the note at Genesis 37:25; Genesis 37:28; Genesis 37:36). The age appearance, and intelligence of the Hebrew slave would soon make him picked up in the market. But the unseen, unfelt influence of the great Disposer drew the attention of Potiphar toward him, in order that in the house of one so closely connected with the court he might receive that previous training which was necessary for the high office he was destined to fill, and in the school of adversity learn the lessons of practical wisdom that were to be of greatest utility and importance in his future career. Thus it is, that when God has any important work to be done, He always prepares fitting agents to accomplish it.