A GODLY VIEW OF MORAL CLEANNESS

Joseph-Blessed for His Moral Conduct

Likely you are familiar with the Bible example of Joseph, the son of Jacob.  At the age of 17, he found himself a slave belonging to Potiphar, chief of the bodyguard for Pharaoh of Egypt.  Jehovah blessed Joseph, and in time was appointed  over all the house  of Potiphar.  By the time he reached his 20's, Joseph had become "beautiful in form and beautiful in appearance."  He attracted the attention of Potiphar's wife, who tried to seduce him.   Joseph  made clear his position, explaining that to consent would be not only a betrayal of his master but also a "sin against God."  Why did Joseph reason as he did? -Genesis39:1-9.

Evidently, Joseph's decision was not based on fear of being found out by humans.  Joseph's family  lived far away, and his father thought  he was dead.  If Joseph engaged in sexual immorality,  his family would never know of it.  Such a sin could probably also be concealed from Potiphar and his male servants, since there were times when they were not allowed in the house.  (Genesis  39:11) Yet, Joseph knew that  such conduct could not be hidden from God.

Joseph must have reasoned on what he knew about Jehovah. Doubtless he knew what Jehovah had proclaimed in the garden of Eden: "That is why a man will never leave  his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become  one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)  Further, Joseph was likely aware  of what Jehovah had told a Philistine king who was bent on seducing Joseph
  great-grandmother Sarah.  Jehovah told  that king:  "Here you are as good as dead because of the woman whom you have taken, since she is owned  by another owner as his wife . . .And I was also holding you back from sinning against me.  That is why I did not allow you to touch her."  (Genesis 20:3, 6) So while Joseph had not yet provided a written law, his feelings about marriage were clear.  Joseph's moral sense, along with his desire to please Jehovah, made him reject immorality.

Potiphar's wife, however, was persistent, imploring him "day after day" to lie with her.  Why did Joseph not simply avoid her?  Well, as a slave, he had duties to perform  and could do little to change his situation.  Archaeological evidence suggests that the design of Egyptian houses made it necessary to pass through the main part of the home to reach the storerooms.  Hence, it may have been impossible for Joseph to avoid Potiphar's wife. -Genesis 39:10.

The day came when they were alone in the house.  Potiphar's wife reached for Joseph and cried out:  "Lie down with me!"  He fled.  Stung by his rejection , she accused him of attempted rape.  What were the consequences?  Did Jehovah immediately reward him for his course of integrity?  No.  Joseph was thrown into prison and bound in fetters.  (Genesis 39:12, 20; Psalm 105:18)  Jehovah saw the injustice and eventually elevated Joseph from a prison to a palace.  He became the second most powerful person in Egypt and was blessed with a wife and children.  (Genesis 41:14, 15, 39-45, 50-52)  Further, the account of Joseph's integrity was recorded 3,500 years ago for the consideration of God's servants ever since.  What wonderful blessings for adhering to God's righteous laws!  Similarly, we today may not always wee the immediate benefits of maintaining moral integrity, but we can be assured that Jehovah sees and will bless us in due time. -2 Corinthians 16:9.

Next time: Job's Covenant With His Eyes

Watchtower, 2000