The Bible tells us that Potiphar is a "captain of the guard" and "an officer of Pharaoh." The Hebrew word for guard can mean a bodyguard, executioner, or prison warden (which we see in chapter 41). The word officer is interpreted in the Old Testament as a eunuch (which suggests some interesting implications) or officer of the court. Either way, he is powerful.
Upon Joseph's sale, Moses does not tell us what Joseph is thinking. It is reasonable to assume that he is sad, perplexed, and perhaps a bit angry. But we do not know. We are told the most important thing: that God is with him. This theme of God's presence is crucial in the story of Joseph. Early on, we can see Joseph prospers because God is with him. Then he runs into all sorts of troubles, including getting cast into prison. But the circumstances neither confirm nor deny the doctrine. It is a statement of fact. God is with him, whether Joseph knows it or not, and whether he feels God's presence. We then examine what it means for God to "be with us."
Potiphar recognizes Joseph and promotes him as overseer or steward of his entire estate. It is reasonable to conclude that he is responsible for earning a profit from buying and selling fruits, vegetables, and livestock as he deals with buyers and suppliers. He is in charge of the workers, including fellow slaves. The fields and livestock would be under his care. And everything prospers.
The last thing we read in this section is that Joseph is "handsome of form and appearance." But we can't help but wonder, "Is this one blessing too far?" It seems as if everything is going almost too well. Indeed, with this phrase, Moses foreshadows the next turn in the plot.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
