Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in EgyptThe Midianites, descendants of Abraham through Keturah, were nomadic traders. Their involvement in selling Joseph highlights the ancient trade routes connecting Canaan and Egypt. This act of selling Joseph into slavery fulfills the earlier dreams Joseph had, setting the stage for his rise in Egypt. The sale of Joseph by the Midianites also foreshadows the betrayal and sale of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, drawing a typological parallel between Joseph and Christ. to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh
Potiphar is identified as an officer of Pharaoh, indicating his high status in Egyptian society. The name Potiphar means "he whom Ra has given," reflecting the Egyptian practice of naming individuals in honor of their gods. Potiphar's position as an officer suggests he was part of the royal court, which would have been a place of significant political and social influence. This connection to Pharaoh's court is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan, as it places Joseph in a position where he can eventually save his family and many others from famine. and captain of the guard.
As captain of the guard, Potiphar held a significant military and security role, likely overseeing the protection of Pharaoh and the royal household. This position would have required trustworthiness and competence, indicating that Joseph was sold into a household of considerable power and responsibility. The role of captain of the guard also implies that Potiphar had authority over the prison where Joseph would later be held, setting the stage for Joseph's interactions with Pharaoh's officials. This aspect of the narrative underscores God's providence in placing Joseph in circumstances that would lead to the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe favored son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. His journey to Egypt marks the beginning of a significant chapter in his life and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. 2. MidianitesA group of traders who transported Joseph to Egypt. They play a crucial role in moving Joseph from Canaan to Egypt, setting the stage for future events. 3. EgyptThe land where Joseph is sold into slavery. Egypt becomes a place of both trial and triumph for Joseph, as he rises to a position of power. 4. PotipharAn officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Potiphar's household becomes the initial setting for Joseph's life in Egypt. 5. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, under whose reign Joseph eventually rises to prominence. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in AdversityEven when circumstances seem dire, God is in control and working behind the scenes for His purposes. Faithfulness in Uncertain TimesJoseph's account encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God's plan, even when the future is unclear. The Role of Divine ProvidenceGod's providence is evident as He orchestrates events to fulfill His promises, reminding us that He is always at work. The Importance of IntegrityJoseph's life in Egypt, beginning with his time in Potiphar's house, underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in all situations. Preparation for Greater PurposesJoseph's journey to Egypt was a preparation for the significant role he would play in God's plan for Israel, teaching us that our trials can prepare us for future service. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's sale into slavery demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of difficult circumstances in our own lives? 2. In what ways does Joseph's account in Genesis 37:36 connect with the broader account of God's plan for Israel, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey? 3. How can we apply the principle of maintaining integrity, as seen in Joseph's life, to our own daily challenges and decisions? 4. What role does divine providence play in the unfolding of Joseph's account, and how can recognizing God's providence help us trust Him more deeply? 5. How can the trials and adversities we face today be seen as preparation for future purposes God has for us, and what steps can we take to remain faithful during these times? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 39This chapter continues Joseph's account in Egypt, detailing his time in Potiphar's house and his eventual imprisonment. Acts 7:9-10Stephen recounts Joseph's account, highlighting God's providence and Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. Psalm 105:17-22This passage reflects on Joseph's journey and God's faithfulness in using Joseph to save Israel. People Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, ZilpahPlaces Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of HebronTopics Bodyguard, Captain, Chamberlain, Egypt, Eunuch, Executioners, Guard, Joseph, Life-guard, Meanwhile, Medanites, Midian, Midianites, Mid'ianites, Officer, Officials, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Position, Potiphar, Pot'i-phar, Price, SoldDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 37:36 5245 captain
5330 guard
5587 trade Library Joseph, the Prime Minister
'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Man's Passions and God's Purpose
'And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
Thomas De Witt Talmage was born at Bound Brook, N.J., in 1832. For many years he preached to large and enthusiastic congregations at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. At one time six hundred newspapers regularly printed his sermons. He was a man of great vitality, optimistic by nature, and particularly popular with young people. His voice was rather high and unmusical, but his distinct enunciation and earnestness of manner gave a peculiar attraction to his pulpit oratory. His rhetoric has been criticized …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8 The Crucifixion.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 37:36 NIVGenesis 37:36 NLTGenesis 37:36 ESVGenesis 37:36 NASBGenesis 37:36 KJV
Genesis 37:36 Commentaries
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