Genesis 39:22 Commentary and Bible Study

Joseph is not destroyed even by this experience. He goes on showing Christian character. These years in prison must have been very hard for him, for he would have asked himself how God could ever fulfil the dream. But even before this happens he has a sign that God is with him. That sign comes in the form of the favour he finds with the jailor, and the trust which is once again placed in him. In some measure Joseph is vindicated even in prison, for his character soon begins to show itself to be incapable of the crime of which he is accused, so that he is again given a position of trust, Bishop Hall says, ‘No prison would serve him but Pharaoh's. Joseph had lain obscure, and not been known to Pharaoh, if he had not been cast into Pharaoh's dungeon. The afflictions of God's children turn ever to their advantages. No sooner is Joseph a prisoner, than a guardian of the prisoners. Trust and honour accompany him wheresoever he is: in his father's house, in Potiphar's, in the jail, in the court; still he hath both favour and rule.’The jailor must have asked himself, what is such an honest man doing in a place like this? Again he would have been looking for an easy life, and the presence of someone who could be trusted and was willing to take responsibility for the care of the other prisoners was too good an opportunity to miss. Joseph’s wisdom could have made him proud – not once but twice his endowment had won him favour, and a position of authority – but it doesn’t go to his head. He is loved inordinately by Jacob, but it doesn’t ruin him. He is given the coat by his father and the oracles by the Lord. Special privileges do lift up pride, hence Paul’s thorn in the flesh to keep him from spiritual danger. Joseph suffered gross injustice from his brothers. Is he filled with vengeance? No, he sees God’s hand in it all.