Because God prospered him: and so he made religion to serve his profit.
Historical and theological verse study from Book of Genesis, Chapter 39.
Apply the spiritual lesson of Genesis 39:4 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of Genesis 39:4 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Invenitque Joseph gratiam coram domino suo, et ministrabat ei : a quo præpositus omnibus gubernabat creditam sibi domum, et universa quæ ei tradita fuerant :”
“And 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.”
“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.”
“Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.”
“And 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.”
Because God prospered him: and so he made religion to serve his profit.
Because God prospered him: and so he made religion to serve his profit.
2. His master preferred him, by degrees made him steward of his household, v. 4. Note, (1.) Industry and honesty are the surest and safest way both of rising and thriving: Seest thou a man prudent, and faithful, and diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings at length, and not always before mean men. (2.) It is the wisdom of those that are in any sort of authority to countenance and employ those with whom it appears that the presence of God is, Ps 101 6. Potiphar knew what he did when he put all into the hands of Joseph; for he knew it would prosper better there than in his own hand. (3.) He that is faithful in a few things stand fair for being made ruler over many things, Matt 25 21. Christ goes by this rule with his servants. (4.) It is a great ease to a master to have those employed under him that are trusty. Potiphar was so well satisfied with Joseph's conduct that he knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat, v. 6. The servant had all the care and trouble of the estate; the master had only the enjoyment of it: an example not to be imitated by any master, unless he could be sure that he had one in all respects like Joseph for a servant.
Verses 1-6 Our enemies may strip us of outward distinctions and ornaments; but wisdom and grace cannot be taken from us. They may separate us from friends, relatives, and country; but they cannot take from us the presence of the Lord. They may shut us from outward blessings, rob us of liberty, and confine us in dungeons; but they cannot shut us out from communion with God, from the throne of grace, or take from us the blessings of salvation. Joseph was blessed, wonderfully blessed, even in the house where he was a slave. God's presence with us, makes all we do prosperous. Good men are the blessings of the place where they live; good servants may be so, though mean and lightly esteemed. The prosperity of the wicked is, one way or other, for the sake of the godly. Here was a wicked family blessed for the sake of one good servant in it.
“And Abram said: Lord God, what wilt thou give me? I shall go without children: and the son of the steward of my house is this Damascus Eliezer.”