The story shifts from the wilderness to Egypt. Joseph, who is sold by his brothers to traders, is again sold to Potiphar, a captain in Pharaoh’s guard. Joseph serves Potiphar faithfully, and the Lord blessed him with favor. Potiphar recognized Joseph’s success and puts him over everything in his household. 

Things go swimmingly until Potiphar’s wife notices Joseph and starts pressuring him to sleep with her. He keeps resisting her advances out of loyalty to his boss and respects his marriage. Finally, one day she grabs hold of his coat, and he ducks out, leaving it in her hands. She then starts yelling and comes out of the house, claiming that Joseph has tried to assault her. She uses the clothing as evidence against him. Potiphar is really offended and has Joseph thrown into prison.

This would seem like the end of the story, but it is just the beginning. The Lord shows favor to Joseph in prison, and the jailer puts him in charge of everything there. We can see here that although other people’s actions cause suffering, God can still turn a bad situation into a better one. There is a bigger plan unfolding than Joseph’s current circumstances reveal.

Egyptian fresco of soldiers having their heads shaved.