Bible Commentary

Genesis 39:21

Genesis 39:21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

But (even if Joseph was harshly treated in the tower of Heliopolis) the Lord—Jehovah (vide on )—was with Joseph (vide ), and showed him mercy (literally, extended kindness unto him), and gave him favor in the eyes of the keeper (or captain) of the prison (or round house).

And the keeper of the prison (captain of the round house, or chief officer of the tower) committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it—literally, and all that they (the prisoners) were doing there, he was the person doing it, or attending to it; i.e. the keeper gave him charge to see that the prisoners obeyed whatever orders were issued for their regulation; and, having implicit confidence in Joseph's probity, the keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under (or in) his hand (i.e. he did not trouble himself about anything entrusted to Joseph); because the Lord (Jehovah) was with him, and that which he did, the Lord (Jehovah) made it to prosper.

HOMILETICS

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Genesis 39 — OverviewGenesis 39 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleAt this chapter we return to the story of Joseph. We have him here, I. A servant, a slave in Potiphar's house (ver. 1), and yet there greatly honoured and favoured, 1. By the providence of God, which made him, in…Genesis 39 — OverviewGenesis 39 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeGenesis 39:1, Joseph is bought by Potiphar, and preferred in the family; Genesis 39:7, He resists his mistress’s temptation; Genesis 39:13, He is falsely accused by her; Genesis 39:20, He is cast into prison; Genesis…Genesis 39 — OverviewGenesis 39 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter the history returns to Joseph again, who being brought down to Egypt was sold to Potiphar, with whom he found favour, and who set him over his house, the Lord prospering everything in his hands, Ge 39:1;…Genesis 39:1-23Genesis 39:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryJoseph is the house of Potiphar. I. PURCHASED AS A SLAVE. 1. A sad lot. Worse even than being kidnapped by strangers, Joseph had been first sold by his brethren; carried into Egypt, he had there been exposed for sale…Genesis 39:1-23Genesis 39:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentarySunshine and shadow. I. THE BRIGHTENING SKY. The advancement of Joseph in the house of Potiphar. 1. To Joseph's sense it was a lightening in his bondage. 2. To Joseph's faith it was the smiling of Jehovah's face. 3.…Genesis 39:1-23Genesis 39:1-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe righteous man. Again the word of the Lord tries Joseph, but not so much now as the word of prophecy, but as the word of command, the doctrine of righteousness. "The Egyptian's house is blessed for Joseph's sake."…