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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:1

Verse 1 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 often happens that all things proceed with wicked men according to their wish, whom God nevertheless does not bless with his favor; still the sentiment is true and the expression of it proper,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:3

Verse 3 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 not refer all our prosperous events to God as their author; seeing that Scripture often teaches us, that nothing proceeding from men, whether counsels, or labors, or any means which they can... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:6

Verse 6 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 became the cause and origin of a harsher fortune. Joseph was governor over the whole house of Potiphar. From that post of honor he is hurried into prison, in order that he may be soon brought... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt. The narrative now preparing to recite the fortunes of Joseph in Egypt, which eventually led, through his elevation to be Pharaoh's prime minister, first to the salvation of the patriarchal family, 'and finally to their settlement in Goshen, the historian reverts, in accordance with his usual practice, to a point of time antecedent to the incidents contained in the preceding chapter, and makes a new departure in his story from the moment of Joseph's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

Joseph is the house of Potiphar. I. PURCHASED AS A SLAVE . 1. A sad lot. Worse even than being kidnapped by strangers, Joseph had been first sold by his brethren; carried into Egypt, he had there been exposed for sale in a slave-market; and now, as if he had been a beast of burden or a captive taken in war, he had been a second time purchased for money. Few fortunes are more touchingly sorrowful or more deeply humiliating than this which was now measured out to Jacob's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

Sunshine and shadow. I. THE BRIGHTENING SKY . The advancement of Joseph in the house of Potiphar. 1. To Joseph's sense it was a lightening in his bondage. 2. To Joseph's faith it was the smiling of Jehovah's face. 3. To Joseph's hope it was the dawning of a better day. II. THE THREATENING CLOUD . The temptation of Joseph by his mistress. Here was— 1. An assault upon his virtue, which, unless it were overcome, would deprive him of Jehovah's favor, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

The righteous man. Again the word of the Lord tries Joseph, but not so much now as the word of prophecy, but as the word of command, the doctrine of righteousness. "The Egyptian's house is blessed for Joseph's sake." "The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man." A lesson on the true method of prosperity. A prosperous man is one who has the Lord with him— 1. To give him favor with fellow-men. 2. To teach him wisdom, and put things into his hand. 3. To give him the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:2

And the Lord —Jehovah, as usual, because the entire chapter is the work of the Jehovist (Tuch, Colenso), with the exception of a few alterations by the redactor (Davidson), or because, though the work of the Elohist, it has been modified by the Jehovistic editor (Bleek, Vaihinger); but more likely because the advancement of Joseph in Egypt was a special fruit of the theocratic promise which belonged to the patriarchal family (Hengstenberg, Quarry)— was with Joseph (cf. Genesis 39:21 ; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:3

And his master saw that the Lord (Jehovah) was with him —this does not imply that Potiphar was acquainted with Jehovah, but simply that he concluded Joseph to be under the Divine protection— and that the Lord (Jehovah) made all that he did to prosper in his hand. That which led to the conviction of Potiphar concerning Joseph was the remarkable success which he saw attending all his efforts and undertakings. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight ,—vide Genesis 6:8 ; Genesis 18:3 ; Genesis 19:19 ; Genesis 39:21 . Most men are pleased with a good servant. Even Laban bad no objections to Jacob so long as he divided that Jehovah was multiplying his flocks for Jacob's sake ( Genesis 30:27 )— and he served him ( i.e. he waited on Potiphar, or acted as his personal attendant and comptroller of his household): and he ( i.e. Potiphar) made him overseer over his house, —a position... read more

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