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Chapter 38
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Genesis, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God, Humanity, and Creation
Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death
Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises
The Role of Women
Summary
Analysis
In Egypt, Joseph, despite having been bought by Potiphar as a slave, becomes very successful, because God is with him. Potiphar puts Joseph in charge of his house and possessions, and God blesses Potiphar’s house accordingly. Meanwhile, Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph, but he refuses to betray his master. But Potiphar’s wife keeps pursuing him, and one day she grabs Joseph’s garment as he flees. Then she accuses Joseph before Potiphar, claiming that he tried to rape her. Furious, Potiphar throws Joseph in jail. While Joseph is imprisoned, however, God continues making Joseph prosper. Soon the chief jailer puts Joseph in charge of the prison, too.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, God protects Joseph and even causes him to prosper in this foreign land. Joseph wins favor wherever he goes, although he also attracts unwanted attention. However, even the accusation against Joseph and his imprisonment end up being part of God’s plan—another example of how God demonstrates his faithfulness even in the midst of unfavorable circumstances.
Themes
