Genesis 39 Commentary

Genesis 39 Commentary

“… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” 12v3.

The Abrahamic blessing had this important line to it. The nations receive the blessing of the LORD as they associate with Joseph. We saw how Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob provided a conduit for the blessing of the nations.

There is more to Joseph’s presence in Egypt than we want to believe. The nations must be blessed. The nations must be saved. Joseph is the conduit for this divine task.

Potiphar is first on the list, but others will follow. Eventually, the nation of Egypt will be blessed. The entire region – the known world will be blessed via the machinery the LORD puts up through Joseph. There is a practical end to the Abrahamic blessing.

Abraham rescued several kings. Abimelek sought an alliance with Isaac to tap into Isaac’s fortune. Laban couldn’t let go of Jacob as his fortunes depended on Jacob. Potiphar didn’t have to care for anything when Joseph was around. We could underlines several words: military prowess, economic space, and favor.

The sermon isn’t complete until you mention that Joseph serves the nations without Abraham’s military prowess, Isaac’s economic power, and Jacob’s favor. He is a slave in Potiphar’s house, and later, he will be in prison!

Part of Joseph’s toolbox are masterly administration of all things (small and big), the ability to interpret dreams, divine wisdom, and blamelessness – easily described as the fear of God. It is the driving force behind the decision to resist sexual advances from Potiphar’s wife.

The Abrahamic blessing has many faces!

Joseph is a unique situation! Joseph’s life outshines the indiscretions of Reuben, the violence of Simeon and Levi, and the immoral practices of Judah. The holy script has shown us the way by highlighting the gray areas elsewhere in the family.

Judah mingles with the nations. He is one with them in his conduct. Simeon and Levi annihilate an entire nation – it shouldn’t exist! But Joseph is in the world but not of the world! He won’t do as they do!

The chapter leaves us with plenty to ponder. The blessed must bless the nations. The nations must see the LORD behind the conduit of the blessing. You don’t have to wait until you are a manager to bless the nations. Let your space see and feel the Presence of the LORD!

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