17 She told him the same story. She said, "The Hebrew slave, the one you brought to us, came after me and tried to use me for his plaything. 18 When I yelled and screamed, he left his coat with me and ran outside."
19 When his master heard his wife's story, telling him, "These are the things your slave did to me," he was furious. 20 Joseph's master took him and threw him into the jail where the king's prisoners were locked up. But there in jail 21 God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. 22 The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners - he ended up managing the whole operation. 23 The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 39:17-23
Commentary on Genesis 39:13-18
(Read Genesis 39:13-18)
Joseph's mistress, having tried in vain to make him a guilty man, endeavoured to be avenged on him. Those that have broken the bonds of modesty, will never be held by the bonds of truth. It is no new thing for the best of men to be falsely accused of the worst of crimes, by those who themselves are the worst of criminals. It is well there is a day of discovery coming, in which all shall appear in their true characters.
Commentary on Genesis 39:19-23
(Read Genesis 39:19-23)
Joseph's master believed the accusation. Potiphar, it is likely, chose that prison, because it was the worst; but God designed to open the way to Joseph's honour. Joseph was owned and righted by his God. He was away from all his friends and relations; he had none to help or comfort him; but the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy. Those that have a good conscience in a prison, have a good God there. God gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison; he trusted him to manage the affairs of the prison. A good man will do good wherever he is, and will be a blessing even in bonds and banishment. Let us not forget, through Joseph, to look unto Jesus, who suffered being tempted, yet without sin; who was slandered, and persecuted, and imprisoned, but without cause; who by the cross ascended to the throne. May we be enabled to follow the same path in submitting and in suffering, to the same place of glory.