So . . . let's set the stage . . . Mr. Potiphar was the captain of the guard for Pharaoh. He wasn't the local "sheriff" - he was responsible for all of Egypt. That meant he was a pretty high ranking official in Pharaoh's court. Only wealthy men could afford to own slaves. He probably owned a lot of slaves . . . so no big deal to purchase one more - for 20 shekels. This one he purchased from the Ishmaelites. His name was Joseph. He lived in the house with his master. The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered (smart move on Mr. Potiphar's part to keep Joseph close at hand - so that he too would prosper - even more). Remember, as Liz (the author) told us . . . the Lord was with Joseph and then he prospered - he didn't prosper first and then the Lord was with him.
Now we come to our Bad Girl of the week. We know she is nameless and shameless,. Scripture does not tell us her age, her physical description, or her background. We only know that she was married (to a powerful man), she was Egyptian, and she was definitely Bad to the Bone.
She's referred to as "Potiphar's wife" (called Mrs. P by our author). Being the wife of a wealthy high ranking official she would have lived at the palace with her husband - they would have have their own living space. We have no idea what she did during the day - but we can assume she wasn't off working on charitable causes or ministries. She was probably busy focusing on herself. Slaves probably attended to her every need and desire - day in and day. Likely they were kept busy - making her beautiful - helping her try on new clothes, new wigs/hair styles, make up - pampering her with baths, massages, manicures / pedicures - the full spa treatment. We can assume that she was seldom alone - without her slaves attending to her every need. As luxurious as this all sounds - it probably would get old after awhile (yeah right! Okay - so give me "awhile" to be pampered and I'll let you know when it gets old . . . just sayin'!!!)
We don't read that her husband is loving or attentive. Can you blame her? Who wouldn't take notice of Joseph? He was young, virile and "easy on the eyes". Mrs. P. takes a huge gamble by even approaching her husband's favored slave for sexual favors. A married woman, in ancient days, would be killed - stoned to death - for adultery. She's crossed the line from sinning within her mind - lusting after Joseph in her mind - to trying to entice him into her bed - then upon his rejection - to lying about his involvement. After all - if someone is going to die for this infidelity, it certainly isn't going to be her! The trap had been set - it was a lose/lose situation for Joseph. (After I wrote this I read the Chapter and really liked the way the author depicts this on page 55 . . . "letting her lust turn to anger, then revenge, then a bold-faced lie")
All right then! We've read our Scripture - now let's read Chapter 2 "Bored to Distraction" - pgs 41 - 58 in our Study book - then come back here and think about the questions asked . . .
What Lessons can We Learn from Mrs. P?
- We gotta stay on our toes!
- It's smart to surround ourselves with support
- Let's seek out our husbands before . . . no after
- When we stumble, confession beats a cover-up. Amen??? Amen!
DISCUSSION QUESTION - Please post your comments so we have an opportunity to share and fellowship with the rest of the group.
The tawdry story of Mrs. P demonstrates what can happen when we have too much time on our hands—or not enough attention from loved ones. Boredom, restlessness, and a sense of entitlement can lead to trouble with a capital T.
When you have an hour to spare, are you sometimes drawn to questionable choices in movies, novels, or other forms of entertainment? What steps might you take to steer clear of those things that appeal to your flesh at the risk of your spiritual growth?