What does Genesis 39:3 mean?
From an outsider's perspective, Joseph's life had taken a terrible turn. He had been cruelly betrayed by his jealous brothers and sold into slavery in a foreign country (Genesis 37:26–28). His story did not end there, though, because the Lord remained with Joseph. The evidence of the Lord's presence was that Joseph succeeded in everything he did above and beyond what would have been considered normal for a slave (Genesis 39:2).Potiphar, as well, concluded that Joseph's success was due to the influence of God. It's likely Joseph was quick to give God the credit for his own superb performance. His reputation for success will result in Potiphar giving Joseph enormous trust (Genesis 39:6).
Genesis 39:1–18 describes Joseph's rise and fall as the slave of Potiphar, the captain of the guard in Egypt. He arrives in this situation after being sold by his own brothers (Genesis 37:26–28). The Lord continues to be with Joseph and to bless him. Potiphar promotes Joseph to the head manager of his household, even giving credit to the Joseph's God for all the success that follows. Potiphar's wife is also impressed with Joseph, but in a less honorable way. She persistently tempts him to sleep with her. When Joseph refuses, she unfairly frames the young Hebrew slave for attempted rape.
Joseph's arrival as a slave in Egypt is not the end of his story. The Lord continues to be with him and to bless him. Joseph rises to become the right-hand man of his master, Potiphar, the captain of the guard. Eventually, he is betrayed by a false accusation of rape by his master's scorned wife. Even then, Joseph finds the Lord is still with him, still blessing him, even in prison. Soon Joseph oversees every aspect of the prison, serving once again under God's faithful blessing.
