Genesis 39:7-12

Fleeing From Temptation"And Joseph was handsome in form and appearance." This simple statement at the end of verse six introduces the reason for another serious problem which was to arise in Joseph's life. Potiphar's wife was attracted to the young Hebrew slave. She tried to entice him daily. He refused for two reasons. First, his master had placed great trust in him which he did not want to abuse. Second, he asked, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" However, she would not be put off. She spoke to him daily and asked him to lie with her.

Though he continued to refuse her advances, she kept seeking an opportunity to have her way. At last, a day came when Joseph was the only one in the house with her. She caught his coat and asked him to lie with her. He ran away, leaving his coat in her hand (Genesis 39:7-12). It is as if Joseph was obeying Paul's later instruction to "Flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18; Proverbs 4:14-18). Paul instructed another young man to, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).

It should be observed that the advances of Potiphar's wife follow a normal course of temptation. First, she looked at him (compare Matthew 5:28). Next, she began to entice him with her words (remember Satan's discussion with Eve in Genesis 3:1-24). Finally, she caught him by his garment. As in the temptation of our Lord, Satan does not give up easily. If one advance is turned aside, he takes another approach (Matthew 4:1-11).