Background and Context:
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. His account is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard (Genesis 37:28, 39:1).

Potiphar's Household:
In Potiphar's house, Joseph quickly rose to a position of trust due to his diligence and the evident blessing of God upon his work. Genesis 39:2-4 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned."

The Temptation:
Despite his success, Joseph faced a significant moral challenge. Potiphar's wife, noticing Joseph's handsome appearance and his position within the household, attempted to seduce him. Her persistent advances are recorded in Genesis 39:7 : "And after some time, his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, 'Sleep with me.'"

Joseph's Integrity:
Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife's advances is a model of integrity and faithfulness to God. He refused her, saying in Genesis 39:8-9 , "But he refused. 'Look,' he said to his master’s wife, 'with me here, my master has no concern about anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?'"

False Accusation and Imprisonment:
Despite Joseph's steadfastness, Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempting to assault her when he fled from her presence, leaving his garment behind. In her anger and humiliation, she presented the garment as evidence to Potiphar, leading to Joseph's imprisonment. Genesis 39:19-20 recounts, "When his master heard the account his wife told him, saying, 'This is what your slave did to me,' he burned with anger. So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined."

Divine Favor in Adversity:
Even in prison, the Lord's favor remained with Joseph. Genesis 39:21-23 notes, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."

Theological Significance:
Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife highlights themes of temptation, integrity, and divine providence. His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in the face of false accusation and unjust suffering, serves as an enduring example of faithfulness to God. Joseph's account underscores the belief that God is sovereign and works through all circumstances to fulfill His purposes, as later evidenced by Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his role in preserving the lives of many, including his own family.