Genesis — Chapter 39

AND THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH, AND HE WAS A PROSPEROUS MAN. — Joseph in Potiphar's house: \"the Lord was with Joseph.\" The central theological phrase of the Joseph story. Despite being sold into slavery in a foreign land, God's presence made everything Joseph did prosper. Lapide: God is with the just man even in adversity; indeed, especially in adversity — for in it He purifies, strengthens, and prepares His servants for their mission.

HOW THEN CAN I DO THIS GREAT WICKEDNESS, AND SIN AGAINST GOD? — Joseph's heroic chastity before Potiphar's wife: the great model of the virtue of chastity for all the Fathers. Lapide gives four great weapons Joseph used: (1) flight (v. 12) — \"Flee fornication\" (1 Cor. 6:18); (2) remembrance of his master's trust; (3) remembrance of God's presence; (4) the habitual virtue built up over years of purity. Chrysostom: \"He considered not only the shamelessness of the woman, nor the danger of the prison, but he looked to God only.\" Lapide: Joseph's chastity in the face of persistent temptation is a greater victory than his later governance of Egypt.