Reading Plan · Day 13
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Genesis 37-39
Day 13
Previously · Day 12 · Genesis 34-36
The previous day's reading covered Jacob formally becoming the patriarch, Rachel's death during Benjamin's birth, Isaac's death, and the history of Esau and the Edomites. The last nine chapters covered the 4th Dispensation from Jacob's perspective. While Jacob remained the patriarch for the rest of the Book of Genesis, thirteen of the remaining fourteen chapters in the Book of Genesis were presented from Joseph's perspective.
Day 13 Read
Where You Stopped
Genesis 37
1And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan.
2These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought the evil report of them unto their father.
1And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
2These 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.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3Now 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 colors.
3Now 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.
Commentary · verse 3
Israel's love for Joseph was apparent to all, the coat of many colors would have signified this. This was also symbolic of a position of favor and princely standing. This would not have been a garment worn by a working man but of privilege and status.
4And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
5And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
4And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
5And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
Commentary · verses 4-5
Israel's greater love for Joseph caused his brothers to hate Joseph. Joseph had his first recorded dream/vision.
6And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7for, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves came round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
8And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
6And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
7For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
8And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
Commentary · verses 6-8
Joseph's brothers hated him more because of his dreams and his words. Notice, Joseph's brothers interpreted this dream.
9And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed yet a dream; and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
11And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.
9And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
11And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
Commentary · verses 9-11
This dream was interpreted by Jacob. Joseph's brothers were envious (jealous) of him. It did not say that Jacob was jealous of Joseph but he did consider and remember this second dream. Remember, Jacob had a powerful dream about a ladder to Heaven. Perhaps Jacob realized none of his other sons had dreams, only Joseph. The other reason Jacob may have considered the dream is that Jacob may have been wondering who the "moon" was in the dream since Rachel (Joseph's mother) was dead and wouldn't be able to bow to Joseph. Notice, Jacob rebuked Joseph with questions. Rebuke meant "to confront sharply." The best way to do this is through questions.
12And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
13And Israel said unto Joseph, Are not thy brethren feeding the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
14And he said to him, Go now, see whether it is well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
12And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
13And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
14And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Commentary · verses 12-14
Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers in Shechem. Remember, Shechem raped Dinah, their sister, and Simeon and Levi massacred all the males in the city.
15And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
16And he said, I am seeking my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.
17And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
18And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
15And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
16And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
17And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
18And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
Commentary · verses 15-18
Joseph ended up going to Dothan. Benjamin was not part of this conspiracy. He was too young.
19And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
20Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
19And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
20Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The brothers discuss the plan to kill Joseph.
Doctrines on this passage
21And Reuben heard it, and delivered him out of their hand, and said, Let us not take his life.
22And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood; cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him: that he might deliver him out of their hand, to restore him to his father.
21And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
22And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.
Commentary · verses 21-22
Remember, Reuben (Leah's eldest) laid with Bilhah (Rachel's handmaid). Perhaps, Reuben wanted to make up for what he had done to Jacob.
23And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph of his coat, the coat of many colors that was on him; 24and they took him, and cast him into the pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
25And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
23And 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;
24And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
25And 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.
Commentary · verses 23-25
The other brothers sold Joseph, without Reuben's knowledge, to the Ishmaelites (Arabs). Remember, the Ishmaelites were the result of Abram and Sarai attempting to fulfill God's promise in their own strength.
26And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood?
27Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother, our flesh. And his brethren hearkened unto him.
28And there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt.
26And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
27Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
28Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Commentary · verses 26-28
It looked like this was Judah's idea. Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver...two pieces per brother?
29And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
30And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
31And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32and they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found: know now whether it is thy son’s coat or not.
29And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
30And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
31And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
32And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.
Commentary · verses 29-32
Reuben did not want to be a part of this plan, to the point that he would not face his father. Perhaps he was even asking his brothers if they would sell him as well. The brothers came up with a plan. They did not lie to Jacob but they did not give all of the information.
33And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat: an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.
34And Jacob rent his garments, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
35And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down to Sheol to my son mourning. And his father wept for him.
33And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
34And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
35And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
Commentary · verses 33-35
"Daughters" - plural?
Commentary · verse 35
Verse 35 was the first time the word "Sheol" was used in the ASV. This is one of the Hebrew words used as a name for "hell; hades; the underworld."
36And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.
36And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.
Commentary · verse 36
Potiphar was a high ranking officer and chief of the executioners.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 38
1And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
1And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.
Commentary · verse 1
The Book of Genesis is the most read book of the Bible. The story of Joseph took up over one quarter of the Book of Genesis (thirteen of the fifty chapters). Within this one story, this chapter was dedicated to an interaction Judah had that concerned the lineage of Christ. Remember, Judah was the fourth born son. The first three had sinned, so the birthright of the patriarch would have fallen to him, and eventually Jesus Christ. This chapter was from the perspective of Judah.
2And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her, and went in unto her.
3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
4And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
5And she yet again bare a son, and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
6And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.
2And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
3And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er.
4And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
5And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.
6And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
Commentary · verses 2-6
Tamar was in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:3). This chapter explained how and why it happened.
7And Er, Judah’s first-born, was wicked in the sight of Jehovah; and Jehovah slew him.
8And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
9And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother.
10And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also.
7And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.
8And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.
9And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.
10And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
Commentary · verses 7-10
Er was evil and God killed him. Onan was evil for not performing the duty of a husband's brother, so God killed him.
11Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow in thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown up; for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
11Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
Commentary · verse 11
Judah made a deal with Tamar and his last son, Shelah.
12And in process of time Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheep-shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
13And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold, thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnah to shear his sheep.
14And she put off from her the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she was not given unto him to wife.
12And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah’s wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
13And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.
14And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
Commentary · verses 12-14
Judah was a widower. Tamar dressed as a harlot because Shelah was old enough and still was not given to her.
15When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; for she had covered her face.
16And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Come, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee: for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law. And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?
15When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face.
16And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?
Commentary · verses 15-16
Judah initiated the deal for sex not knowing the harlot was his daughter-in-law. He knew she was a prostitute because her face was covered.
17And he said, I will send thee a kid of the goats from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
18And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet and thy cord, and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave them to her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
17And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it?
18And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
Commentary · verses 17-18
This sexual intercourse limited sharing: a price was set. This was not covenantal. Apparently, prostitutes in the Bible kept their face covered before, during, and after sex.
19And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
20And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not.
21Then he asked the men of her place, saying, Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the wayside? And they said, There hath been no prostitute here.
19And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
20And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not.
21Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place.
Commentary · verses 19-21
Judah's men openly asked about the harlot/prostitute with whom Judah had sexual intercourse.
22And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here.
23And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
22And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place.
23And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Judah did not want to be put to shame. Not for being with a prostitute but for not paying for a prostitute.
24And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
24And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
Commentary · verse 24
Judah said Tamar was guilty because she was pregnant and not married.
25When she was brought forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and the cords, and the staff.
26And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She is more righteous than I, forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
25When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
26And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
Commentary · verses 25-26
Judah said Tamar was more righteous than him. He recognized that the reason for this was because he had not kept his part of their agreement: to give to Tamar his son Shelah. This was the fourth son to be mentioned specifically as having done something wrong. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah were Leah's first four sons.
27And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.
27And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb.
Commentary · verse 27
Tamar had twins. The Bible did not mention Judah taking another wife, or having any more children. Did this situation cause Judah to give up on women?
28And it came to pass, when she travailed, that one put out a hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
29And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself? therefore his name was called Perez.
28And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
29And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
Commentary · verses 28-29
Perez is in the line of Christ. "Perez" meant "breach." Remember Perez in regards to King David: The Book of Ruth ended with the lineage from Perez to David. Perez was the ancestor of two families of Judah: the Hezronites and Hamulites. From the Hezronites came the royal line of David and Christ.
Commentary · verse 29
Notice, Judah having sexual intercourse would have been a violation of God's Law in the next dispensation according to Leviticus 18:15 and was punishable by death according to Leviticus 20:12. However, this was not sin in this case and the result of a man having sexual intercourse with his daughter-in-law continued the lineage of Christ. This was another proof that sin is not the action (the WHAT), sin is the HOW/WHY. The sin (HOW/WHY) results in the action.
30And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah.
30And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.
Commentary · verse 30
"Zerah" meant "rising." Zerah was the ancestor of the Zarhites, Ezrahites, and Izrahites. The rest of the Book of Genesis was from Joseph's perspective.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 39
1And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, that had brought him down thither.
1And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Commentary · verse 1
Joseph now belonged to Potiphar.
2And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3And his master saw that Jehovah was with him, and that Jehovah made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Joseph's master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that Joseph did to prosper. "Prosper" meant "to be profitable."
4And Joseph found favor in his sight, and he ministered unto him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
5And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.
4And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
5And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Commentary · verses 4-5
God blessed Potiphar because of Joseph. In Genesis 30:27, we saw that Laban recognized he was being blessed because of Jacob (Joseph's father) shortly after Joseph was born.
6And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught that was with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.
7And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
6And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
7And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Potiphar's wife was attracted to Joseph.
8But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand: 9he is not greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
8But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
9There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
Commentary · verses 8-10
Joseph refused her advance. This seems to have caused her to increase her resolve. Potiphar's wife seduced Joseph "day by day."
11And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
12And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
11And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
12And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Joseph continued to be a man of integrity.
13And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 14that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us: he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: 15and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled, and got him out.
13And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
14That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:
15And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
Commentary · verses 13-15
Potiphar's wife must have felt embarrassed so she devised a plan to destroy Joseph.
16And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home.
17And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: 18and it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled out.
19And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
16And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
17And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
18And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
19And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
Commentary · verses 16-19
Potiphar was angry after hearing the words of his wife. He did not hear Joseph's side of the story.
20And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
20And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
Commentary · verse 20
Joseph was sent to prison.
21But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
21But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
Commentary · verses 21-22
Joseph was put in charge of the prison.
23The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand, because Jehovah was with him; and that which he did, Jehovah made it to prosper.
23The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
Commentary · verse 23
God made what Joseph did prosper to the point that the keeper of the prison did not even look into what he did. It seemed no matter where Joseph was or what his responsibilities were, God caused him to be profitable. The keeper of the prison had great trust in Joseph, just like Potiphar had with Joseph, just like Laban had with Jacob.
This day's reading began the presentation of the story of Joseph. Within this day's reading was one chapter covering Judah and Tamar because the events continued the lineage of Christ. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Pharaoh's prison.
"Sons of Bilhah" - Dan and Naphtali, "Sons of Zilpah" - Gad and Asher. Bilhah was referred to as Jacob's concubine just after Benjamin was born. Now, Bilhah, along with Zilpah, were referred to as Jacob's wives. Perhaps, Leah invited both of them into her marriage with Jacob sometime after Rachel died.