1._And Joseph was brought down_. For the purpose of connecting it with
the remaining part of the history, Moses repeats what he had briefly
touched upon, that Joseph had been sold to Potiphar the Egyptian: he
then subjoins that God was with Joseph, so that he prospered in all
things. For although it... [ Continue Reading ]
3._And his master saw_. Here that which has been lately alluded to
more clearly appears, that the grace of God shone forth in Joseph, in
no common or usual manner; since it became thus manifest to a man who
was a heathen, and, in this respect, blind. How much more base is our
ingratitude, if we do n... [ Continue Reading ]
6._And he left all that he had _(144) Joseph reaped this fruit of the
divine love and kindness towards him, that he was cheered by some
alleviation of his servitude, at least, for a short time. But a new
temptation soon assailed him. For the favor which he had obtained was
not only annihilated, but... [ Continue Reading ]
7._Lie with me _(145) Moses only briefly touches upon the chief
points, and the sum of the things he relates. For there is no doubt
that this impure woman endeavored, by various arts, to allure the
pious youth, and that she insinuated herself by indirect
blandishments, before she broke forth to such... [ Continue Reading ]
10._As she spake to Joseph day by day_. The constancy of Joseph is
commended; from which it appears that a real fear of God reigned in
his mind. Whence it came to pass that he not only repelled one attack,
but stood forth, to the last, the conqueror of all temptations. We
know how easy it is to fall... [ Continue Reading ]
11._And it came to pass about this time_. That is, in the process of
time, seeing she will not desist from soliciting holy Joseph, it
happens at length, that she adds force to blandishments. Now, Moses
here describes the crisis (147) of the combat. Joseph had already
exhibited a noble and memorable... [ Continue Reading ]
19._When his master heard the words of his wife_. Seeing that a color
so probable was given to the transaction, there is no wonder that
jealousy, the motions of which are exceedingly vehement and ardent,
should so far have prevailed with Potiphar, as to cause him to credit
the calumnies of his wife.... [ Continue Reading ]
20._And put him into the prison_. Though Moses does not state with
what degree of severity Joseph was afflicted at the beginning of his
imprisonment, yet we readily gather that he was not allowed any
liberty, but was thrust into some obscure dungeon. The authority of
Potiphar was paramount; he had t... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]