Yesterday’s reading dropped us off in Egypt, where traders have sold Joseph to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. At the outset today we take a detour – back to Canaan – for a peculiar story about Judah.

Now, you’ll remember that Judah was Jacob’s fourth-oldest son. He’s the one who proposed selling Joseph, so they could both get rid of Joseph and turn a profit on it. His sons, Er and Onan, appear to be no more noble than their dad, and Judah gets caught in a web of deceit and self-protection.

You might come to the end of this story and ask, “What in the world was that?” Either the author has a purpose in adding this account, or he doesn’t. Stay tuned!

In chapter 39 we’re reacquainted with Joseph, and the text emphasizes both that Joseph brought prosperity to Potiphar’s house, and that Potiphar recognized that the LORD was behind it. But you probably can sense that there is yet another storm on his horizon.

When you reach the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, let the sense of entrapment seize you. What can Joseph possibly do? He knows that God has made him prosper and caused Potiphar to trust him. He sees that giving in to her would be a sin against both Potiphar and – importantly – against God. Is it possible that he’s left with no choice but to remain righteous and hope for the best?

Joseph’s reward is prison, but even here the inmates and warden see there is something different about him. Pay attention to the number of times the author notes, “the LORD was with Joseph.” We’re being reassured that something is going on well beyond Joseph and his current position.

In the next chapter, notice how boldly Joseph takes on the dreams of his fellow prisoners. He seems to know that something well beyond him is going on too. But as our week’s readings end, we find Joseph, and the promise, imprisoned, and forgotten.

You’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions today, so I’ll leave you now with our verse for the week, Galatians 4:28: Now you brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Genesis chapters 38 through 40. Now let’s read it!

Day 12 Guided Podcast