WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTERS 45-47:12:
- If you don’t forgive, payback never ends
- God goes before all of us as the great orchestrator of our lives
- What happens in our lives is God’s will
- Seasons of famines come with seasons of feasts
Tag: bsf genesis lesson 27
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12
Summary of Genesis 46:31-47:12:
Joseph advises his family to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds so that they can be allowed the land of Goshen and will be detestable to the Egyptians who despise shepherds.
Joseph tells Pharaoh that his family has come from Canaan to live in Goshen and be shepherds. Joseph chose 5 of his brothers to tell Pharaoh the same thing. Pharaoh gives them the best land in Goshen and asks for help with his flocks if any of them have any special talents.
Jacob was presented before Pharaoh who asks him how old he is. Jacob answers 130 years. He blesses Pharaoh and then they get settled. Joseph provides them with food.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12
12) Joseph tells his brothers what to say to Pharaoh
13) The years he was called by God to go to to the Promised Land. He also knows that his real home is with God in heaven.
14) He blesses Pharaoh. He’s humble about his lifetime.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12
Let’s not forget that Joseph is the whole reason Jacob and his family were saved. “Joseph settled his father.” “Joseph provided food.” Pharaoh accepted Jacob and the family only because of Joseph. If they had just been regular Hebrews looking for relief from the famine, they would have been turned away. But because of Joseph (and God) they were saved–as was God’s will.
The Egyptians considered sheep unclean; hence, everyone who worked with sheep were unclean.
Goshen was what is basically the Sinai Peninsula today. Today it is a desert land but in ancient times it was renown for it’s grazing of animals. Succinct history on Goshen HERE.
Let us also not forget that although Pharaoh is presented as a great, benevolent ruler in the Bible, he was all-powerful. He put Joseph in charge to save his people, not God’s. His people were also very poor and worked hard so he could live in luxury. We don’t see the poverty here of the vast majority of the people.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12
Joseph makes sure his family is provided for. He is their advocate, as Jesus is ours. However, not long after Joseph’s death and presumably the current pharaoh, the Israelites are made slaves (Exodus 1:8-10).
Pharaoh knows how God has blessed Joseph and probably presumes God is with Jacob as well. He accepts the blessing despite the Pharaoh being considered a god himself. Pharaoh knows that he needs God’s help, too.
Joseph you could say is now the head of the family as he is the sole provider of their food and well-being. It is presumed that every time Jacob or his family had a need, they went to Joseph who made sure they were taken care of.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
Summary of Genesis 46:1-30:
Israel/Jacob set out with all of his household and belongings for Egypt. At Beersheba he offered sacrifices to God. There God spoke to him, reassuring him to go to Egypt.
Jacob left Beersheba for Egypt, taking with him all his sons, their wives and children, his daughters and their families and all his possessions including his livestock. They numbered 66 persons who went with Jacob that were direct descendants. Counting Joseph and his two sons and Jacob the total came to 70 in Egypt.
Joseph met his family at Goshen where they were to settle in Egypt, and he threw his arms around his father and wept. Israel/Jacob said he is now ready to die since he’s seen that Joseph is still alive.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
9a) That is was God’s will for them to go since He wanted them in the Promised Land and God had told them to settle where there were at.
b) God spoke to Jacob/Israel in a vision at night, reassuring him that he was to go to Egypt and that God would build them into a great nation there.
c) God is good. He wants to reassure his people that they are doing the right thing. He also is taking care of them so that they can survive.
10) 66. For the line of Jesus to be recorded.
11a) We’ve moved recently to follow our dreams. They are still unfolding.
b) Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
ConclusionsBSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
I wonder who eventually told Jacob what had actually happened to Joseph and how he got to be in Egypt. That would have been a conversation I would have liked to have heard. “Uh, Father, well, um, we didn’t like Joseph, so we threw him in this well, and then we sold him….”
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
We’ve seen Beersheba before in Genesis. (Genesis 22:19), (Genesis 26:23). Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, and God spoke to Isaac here Genesis 21:33), repeating his covenant promise. Genesis 26:24-25). Jacob was making a huge move to a land far away. He needed God’s approval. God told him it was okay to find his wife away from the Promised Land as well (Genesis 28:12-17).
By God telling Jacob to not be afraid to go to Egypt indicates he probably was, as most of us would be. Remember in ancient times, people did not travel very far from where they were born. This is a huge move.
We’ve seen Egypt play a big role already in the Bible:
- Abraham went to Egypt the last time there was a famine in the land, but this was against God’s will (Genesis 12:10-20)
- Isaac was told to not go to Egypt during a famine: (Genesis 26:2).
- Jacob probably knew that God had foretold his people would be strangers/slaves in a land for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). Was this the beginning of 400 years?
God’s Promises to Jacob/Israel:
- “I will make you a great nation there.”
- “I will go down to Egypt with you.”
- “I will surely bring you back again.”
- “Joseph will close your eyes.”
The Israelites will be left alone as the Egyptians will not intermarry with them. This allows God’s people to grow in faith. God will be with them. God will bring them back to the Promised Land. Joseph is alive!
Carts were a sign of wealth, so Jacob was thrilled to see these. Plus, he probably wasn’t looking forward to walking or riding a donkey that far!
The sons of Judah lead to Jesus: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron
70 males total from God’s people went to or were in Egypt. In Acts 7:14, Stephen tells us 75 went to Egypt. This number includes the sons and grandsons of Joseph who were born in Egypt
Once Abraham waited years for Isaac, 60 years passed before Jacob came alone. Then Jacob had his sons throughout his lifetime. After being in Egypt for 430 years, the Israelites would leave with 600,000 men and 2 million people. God is good, indeed.
Judah is chosen since he was the one with the most repentant heart.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28
Summary of Genesis 45:16-28:
Pharaoh was very happy that Joseph’s brothers had come. He gave Joseph’s family the best of the land in Egypt. He gave them carts to travel in. Joseph gave his brothers the carts and provisions for their journey to retrieve their father and families. He gave them new clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. He sent 10 donkeys loaded with the best of Egyptian goods as well as 10 donkeys with provisions. He told his brothers to not quarrel along the way.
The brothers told Jacob that Joseph was alive and the ruler in Egypt. He did not believe them at first (understandable, since they have lied before), but after seeing all of the goods and hearing the tale, Jacob was convinced, and will go to Egypt.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28
6) Pharaoh first welcomed foreigners into the land. He gave them the best land in Egypt with which to prosper. He gave them provisions for the journey and carts to ride in. He said the best of all Egypt will be theirs. Sometimes it pays to have connections.
7) Stunned. He was skeptical, but when he saw all of the goods and heard the tale, he was convinced.
8a) Times when we’ve moved.
b) Trust that God put us here for a reason and that everything will work out as planned.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28
This shows just how valued Joseph was. Otherwise, I don’t see Pharaoh doing this for anyone else, especially non-Egyptians
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28
We can think of carts as limos in today’s world. Jacob’s travels would be in luxury and a place of prominence to Egypt. Joseph warned his brothers not to quarrel since, as siblings, they may be tempted to.
Jacob is over-the-moon happy when he finally believes his favorite son is alive. Jacob goes from wallowing in self-pity Genesis 42:36) to a man of faith.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
Summary of Genesis 45:1-15:
Joseph sent all of his attendants away, and he revealed himself to his brothers. He wept so loudly that Pharaoh’s household was informed. His brothers were scared, thinking retribution would be coming. Instead, Joseph explained to them that this was God’s plan to send Joseph ahead so that he could save lives and preserve a remnant for the future. God sent him to Egypt and has made him lord over Pharaoh’s entire household and ruler of all of Egypt.
Joseph tells his brothers to go back to return to his father, Jacob, and bring him here. Bring everything they have, and they shall live in Goshen near him. He tells them he will provide for them; otherwise, they will not make it for there is still 5 more years of the famine left. He hugged and kissed Benjamin. He kissed all his brothers, and they talked.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
3a) He tried to calm their fears that he would enact retribution by explaining that God had sent him to Egypt, not them. It communicated love for them and forgiveness, not evil or revenge.
b) Joseph gives God all of the credit always. He is able to see God’s plan in his circumstances. Although we don’t know the future like Joseph, we should be able to see God’s purposes in our lives.
c) At first they were terrified, and probably a little shocked. It had been over 20 years, and they thought he was dead. They probably still felt guilty for what they had done and how they had lied to Jacob. They probably all thought they deserved retribution.
4) The hurt and the pain make it hard to forgive. Prayer, God, and remembering how God forgives us when we don’t deserve it.
5) There is always hope for reconciliation for family. Look at Joseph. Odds are, our hurts from family members don’t include them trying to kill us and selling us into slavery. If Joseph can overcome all that pain and still see God’s hand in it, then so we should be able to overcome that of our family members.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
It must be so cool to know the future as Joseph did. This reference to the remnant reminded me of Revelation. How amazing is the Bible!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
This is the third time Joseph has cried with his brothers, but the first time publicly.
It is understandable that the brothers were in shock and afraid. Here is the man who is the second most powerful person in all of the ancient world at that time, so Joseph could have them all killed with one word.
Joseph is over what his brothers did to him, and he wants his brothers to know that. It was all God’s divine plan. Do note that Joseph does not dismiss their role when he says “whom you sold into slavery.” The brothers still have to repent of their evilness. However, Joseph forgave because he understood God’s plan for all of this. He had a Godly-perspective that many of us need to adopt as well.
Joseph knew that the reason he was second to Pharaoh was not to save Egyptians, but to save his family, God’s people, and those who would bring forth Jesus. God used the most powerful nation on the planet to preserve His people. Simply beautiful. God always goes ahead of us, orchestrating our lives, too.
Man acts but God overrules these actions. Man has free will; God’s plan still prevails despite man’s evils. All things work for our good.
Jacob needed to hear that his favorite son, Joseph, was still alive. Joseph loved all his brothers, even the ones most cruel to him. He must have had a great time catching up on the happenings of the last 20 years with his brothers.
BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 40
Summary of passage: Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker offended him so he threw them in jail. Potiphar assigned them to Joseph. After some time, both men had a dream and Joseph noticed they were downcast about it. So he asked them why they were gloom and they said because they had a dream they did not understand. Joseph asked them to tell him his dreams because God can interpret them.
The chief cupbearer dreamed of a vine with three branches. Grapes bloomed on the branches and the cupbearer squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup and gave him the cup. Joseph said in three days time the cupbearer will be restored to his position as cupbearer. He asked him to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh so that Joseph may be released.
The chief baker dreamed of three baskets on his head of which the first baskets contained baked goods for the Pharaoh but birds were eating all the food. Joseph said in three days Pharaoh will remove his head and hang him on a tree while the birds eat his flesh.
In three days time, it was Pharaoh’s birthday and he gave a feast for all of his officials. Just like Joseph had said, the chief cupbearer was restored and the chief baker was hanged (or impaled). The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph.
Questions:
11a) To remember him and show him kindness and to mention him to Pharaoh to get him out of this prison.
b) It is not recorded if the cupbearer agreed or didn’t agree to mention Joseph to Pharaoh. All we know is that the cupbearer did not; he promptly forgot about Joseph.
12) Personal Question. My answer: I think Joseph was discouraged at times and did lose heart. Those times are just not recorded. Joseph was human. What happened to Joseph would make anyone cry. It was deplorable, unimaginable conditions and Joseph must have lamented his lot. However, Joseph never forgot he had God. God was with him. Joseph had outward signs of this due to how others saw God in him and put him in charge of all the prison and all that was done there.
Joseph never let his circumstances dictate his actions. He probably was bummed for a while but then would pray and be cheered.
I’m sure Joseph was disappointed the cupbearer forgot him for Joseph was pinning his hopes on this for release. But Joseph knew God was still with him. And the time was just not right.
13) Jesus is saying that if a kernel of wheat remains on the stalk, nothing happens. But when the kernel falls to the ground it “dies” meaning it is no longer a seed but it grows anew, into a plant that is useful and will feed people and eventually produce many more seeds.
Joseph “died” to who he was. He was given a new name by Pharaoh (Genesis 41:45), Zaphenath-Paneah, married an Egyptian woman, and became Egyptian for all purposes. He dressed like one. He led an Egyptian life. But out of this life, he fed people and produced many more seeds (including the seed for Jesus when he saved his family) through the saving of these people as they survived and had children. But Joseph had to “die” first.
This is the literal meaning. Spiritually, Jesus had to die in order to give life to many. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:36-38; 42-44 that you must die first in order to be raised from the dead and have eternal life. You plant the seed and God gives it a body, which is perishable, weak, natural, and in dishonor. But then God raises the body in glory, honor, power, and spiritualness.
Conclusions: We must remember that the cupbearer and the baker were in prison for the sole reason of meeting Joseph and having their dreams interpreted. God sent them their dream and gifted Joseph to interpret them all to get the attention of Pharaoh (whom God sent dreams as well). God is everywhere in our circumstances and the story of Joseph in particular is a great example of God’s hand in every facet of our lives.
Question 13 nailed the lesson on the head: you must die to who you were in order to become who you were meant to be. Die to self in order to live forever.
The moment Joseph’s life changed forever and he died to self is recorded powerfully in Scripture–when his brothers sold him to slavery. He ceased being Joseph and became God’s instead–living, trusting, and doing God’s work.
Great lesson for Easter. Jesus died so that we may live. Something we cannot praise God enough for.
BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 40
Summary of passage: Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker offended him so he threw them in jail. Potiphar assigned them to Joseph. After some time, both men had a dream and Joseph noticed they were downcast about it. So he asked them why they were gloom and they said because they had a dream they did not understand. Joseph asked them to tell him his dreams because God can interpret them.
The chief cupbearer dreamed of a vine with three branches. Grapes bloomed on the branches and the cupbearer squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup and gave him the cup. Joseph said in three days time the cupbearer will be restored to his position as cupbearer. He asked him to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh so that Joseph may be released.
The chief baker dreamed of three baskets on his head of which the first baskets contained baked goods for the Pharaoh but birds were eating all the food. Joseph said in three days Pharaoh will remove his head and hang him on a tree while the birds eat his flesh.
In three days time, it was Pharaoh’s birthday and he gave a feast for all of his officials. Just like Joseph had said, the chief cupbearer was restored and the chief baker was hanged (or impaled). The chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph.
Questions:
8a) He asked them why they appeared so gloom. So he had to have noticed a change in them, meaning he had to have been monitoring their condition. He offered to help through dream interpretation and give them hope by mentioning God.
b) Several opportunities. On a personal level he was able to lift one man’s spirits with good news and warn the other man to cherish his last days before his life was taken. He had the chance to prove that God was with him and that God was interpreting dreams correctly–so to show God’s powers. It gave him a chance to tell them about God and perhaps convert them before their death.
And it gave Joseph an opportunity to get out of jail if the cupbearer mentioned him to Pharaoh. It gave Joseph hope that he may still be free.
c) Personal Question. My answer: Take note of people. See when they are down. Ask them about it. Encourage them with the Word. Tell them of God and His strength to lift them up. Pray over them.
9a) Omnipotent, omniscient, control the future, blesses those who belong to Him and believe in Him. God is good, faithful, and just.
b) Personal Question. My answer: Acknowledgment from others. That the cupbearer forgot him. That he may languish in prison for the rest of his life. I don’t think he ever doubted God. But we all get depressed and down by our circumstances. And I’m sure Joseph did as well. He was probably disappointed he had to wait another two years in prison. But he trusted. And that made all the difference.
10) Leadership, trustworthiness, caring, empathy, dream interpretation, desire to help others, patience, kindness, trusting in God, honesty
Conclusions: I liked how Joseph approached the cupbearer and baker. That they did not come to him. That Joseph took the initiative and noticed they were down. If Joseph hadn’t of said anything, Pharaoh would have never of known of his abilities. Joseph took concrete action about his circumstances. He still had a heart when many would have lost it long ago.
Note Joseph never abused his power. “He attended them” (Genesis 40:4). He served. He cared about others. Just like Jesus.
God notes our good deeds even when others do not. God remembers us even when others do not. God rewards us even when others do not. God promotes us and demotes us–all according to His will–not our own.
BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 39
Summary of passage: Joseph was taken to Egypt and purchased by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Because the Lord was with Joseph, he became Potiphar’s attendant and then put in charge of his household and everything in it. Because of Joseph’s presence, the Lord blessed Potiphar and everything in his house and in his fields.
Potiphar’s wife tried to get Joseph to sleep with her but Joseph refused, saying he is to care for everything that is his master’s and he cannot sin against God committing adultery. She tried daily and he avoided her.
One day Joseph was alone with Potiphar’s wife and she grabbed him by his cloak. He slipped out of his cloak and ran outside. She told her servants that he had come to her to try to sleep with her and had left his cloak behind. She told Potiphar who put Joseph in prison.
Still, the Lord was with Joseph so Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners and all the happenings there and had success in whatever he did.
Questions:
6a) He refused, telling her it would be a sin against God and a wicked thing to betray his master’s trust. He avoided her the best he could.
b) Personal Question. My answer: Same. Try to avoid whatever is causing the sin. Pray to God for strength to overcome.
7a) He gained experience running a household that I imagined was quite large. He had to delegate tasks. He had to learn about both the farming and the domestic aspects. He then ran a prison, which probably entailed much of the same tasks but some new ones. All throughout God was building Joseph’s trust in Him, which is the most important skill Joseph would need to lead others.
b) Personal Question. My answer: I don’t know. Honestly. Not sure where I’m supposed to be.
Conclusions: Yesterday I was mixed. Today I’m just disappointed. There was a lot of history in this chapter that was just glossed over. I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on how these events could only have happened because of God. A Hebrew (foreign) slave running a household? Never. Running a prison? Doubtful.
BSF usually sends us to other places in the Bible when we discuss a topic such as temptation. This lesson they did not. I would have liked to have read more on that.
Not all of us are called to be leaders. We just can’t be. Then we’d all be butting heads for decision making. I’m just not for sure I’m being trained for leadership for God and how (or if) my present circumstances are contributing to that.
BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 39
Summary of passage: Joseph was taken to Egypt and purchased by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Because the Lord was with Joseph, he became Potiphar’s attendant and then put in charge of his household and everything in it. Because of Joseph’s presence, the Lord blessed Potiphar and everything in his house and in his fields.
Potiphar’s wife tried to get Joseph to sleep with her but Joseph refused, saying he is to care for everything that is his master’s and he cannot sin against God committing adultery. She tried daily and he avoided her.
One day Joseph was alone with Potiphar’s wife and she grabbed him by his cloak. He slipped out of his cloak and ran outside. She told her servants that he had come to her to try to sleep with her and had left his cloak behind. She told Potiphar who put Joseph in prison.
Still, the Lord was with Joseph so Joseph was put in charge of all the prisoners and all the happenings there and had success in whatever he did.
Questions:
3a) Genesis 39:3, 23: When God is with you, you have success in whatever you do.
Genesis 39:21: When God is with you, God shows you kindness and others see you favorably.
Joshua 1:7-9: Follow and obey the law and meditate on it day and night and you will be successful and prosperous wherever you go.
b) Joshua 1: God promises to never leave us or forsake us. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. Be strong and courageous. Follow and obey the law and meditate on it day and night and you will be successful and prosperous wherever you go. God will be with us wherever we go.
Psalm 1: Blessed is he who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. Whatever he does prospers. The Lord watches over the righteous.
4) Personal Question. My answer: Potiphar probably witnessed the abundance Joseph brought in whatever tasks he was doing before he was promoted. Joseph was honest (as shown by not sleeping with his wife), which was hard to find in slaves back then. I would imagine Joseph was one of those people whom you just know God is with him. He probably had an aura about him that just attracted others to him.
5a) Personal Question. My answer: He trusted in God and God’s plans. He was also young. He hadn’t experienced yet how hard the world could be until this moment so he probably took a positive attitude and made the best of every situation.
b) By prospering those around Joseph. It was like Midas and the Golden Touch. Everywhere it seemed Joseph made everything turn to gold so to speak and everyone knew it. Even in prison God blessed him and made that life tolerable. God allowed others to see how Joseph was the reason for all the good in their lives; hence, they showed him favor.
Conclusions: Mixed on this lesson. The theme was if you obey and trust in God you will prosper no matter your circumstances, which is a good lesson. God blesses. However, something was missing–depth perhaps?
Prisons of ancient times were NOTHING like prisons of today. No regular meals. No sanitary conditions. No toilets. No showers. And definitely no human rights. Prisoners were tortured, beaten, and starved to death. No one cared if you lived or died back then and if you were thrown in prison for a crime (like Joseph was), odds are you’d never get out and you would die there. You’d literally be left to rot, especially if you had no money in which to buy your freedom.
A prisoner being put in charge of prisoners was rare. Yet God had to intervene here or Joseph would die.
Fun Fact: The name Potiphar means “devoted to the sun”. In Ancient Egypt, the Sun God, Ra, was considered the King of the gods and was worshipped by some as the creator god. Pharaoh was seen as the son of Ra. He was said to command the chariot that rode across the sky and brought day to the world. He was universally worshipped throughout the entire Ancient Egyptian reign (3000 years).
Hence, Potiphar’s name means devoted to this god as well as to Pharaoh since Pharaoh is the son of Ra and considered his embodiment on earth.
Potiphar’s job was personal security to Pharaoh. He wasn’t in charge of the army. Hence, he was very important in Egypt.
Joseph was in Potiphar’s house for 11 years. We are not told how long it took him to work his way up but we can assume it took a bit of time. We must remember Joseph is a foreigner. He didn’t know the language, the culture, the customs, the religion, etc. There had to have been a learning time and an adjustment period.
Interesting Fact: Joseph is one of only 3 men called handsome in the Bible. The other two are David (1 Samuel 16:12) and Absalom (2 Samuel 14:25). Hence, I think it is safe to say he would have been voted Time’s Sexiest Man Alive!
Why is Potiphar’s wife coming on to Joseph? Besides the fact Joseph is handsome, there is debate amongst scholars on whether or not Potiphar was a eunuch. The Hebrew word for “official” in verse 1 may be translated as eunuch and it was common for high officials serving the Pharaoh to be castrated in order to ensure complete loyalty. This may be another reason his wife was seeking attention elsewhere.
Plus, Joseph, a mere slave, said no to a woman of noble status–very rare in ancient times. I’m sure she felt the need for retribution (and indeed she had her revenge). When she tired of the challenge, she had Joseph thrown in jail. End of story.
Egyptian religion was lax when it came to marriage rites and being unfaithful was not uncommon.
The temptation Joseph endured could have gone on for years. We are not told–only that it happened “day after day”. This was definitely a test of strength for Joseph–one in which we are to gain strength from.
Joseph did everything right: he avoided temptation, never being alone with her; he knew it was a sin; he said no; and then he ran when she trapped him. Yet he still paid a price for following God. As we all do.
Joseph could have been killed but instead was put in prison. This hints that Potiphar probably suspected his wife’s lies (what husband doesn’t know his wife is flirting in his own household?). Also, this shows how God saves.