After we are told that Joseph is handsome, Potiphar's wife, one of the more cunning enemies of the Gospel, walks into his life. Without any introduction or warning, she propositions him. She is blunt and to the point. It's not a question or an invitation; it is a command. As a slave, he risks his life if he turns her down.
Like any other teenager, he would've been tempted. He could've used many excuses to justify giving in, but he knows it is a sin. Although the Ten Commandments had not yet been given, he had been taught the Bible. He knows God ordained the institution of marriage, in part for taking dominion by becoming one flesh — the fulfillment of the promise of the seed is accomplished within the confines of being one flesh in a marriage covenant.
No doubt, to her surprise, he refuses. He gives three reasons. First, as a good steward, he is concerned for his master. It is an expression of love for Potiphar. Second, he reminds her of her marriage covenant. "Thou art his wife." Finally, he declares adultery a "great wickedness" because it is a sin against God. The last reason is the most important. Like David confessing his sin in Psalm 51, he acknowledges that such a sin is, first and foremost, against God. But how is he able to resist? We are told the reason earlier in the chapter: God is with him.
But she doesn't give in. She continues to pester him. She springs her final trap when the rest of the household staff are gone. She violently seizes him, no doubt in a state of undress. He is not taken unprepared, however. Considering her character and persistence, he would've known that she would attack again. He does the only thing that he can do. He flees.
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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.
