John Calvin Commentary Genesis 39:21

"But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." — Genesis 39:21 (ASV)

But the Lord was with Joseph. It appears, from the testimony of the Psalmist just cited, that Joseph’s extreme sufferings were not immediately alleviated. The Lord purposely allowed him to be reduced to extremity, so that He might bring him back as if from the grave. We know that just as the light of the sun is most clearly seen when we are looking from a dark place, so, in the darkness of our miseries, the grace of God shines more brightly when, beyond expectation, He helps us.

Moreover, Moses says, the Lord was with Joseph, because He extended this grace or mercy toward him; from this we may learn that God, even when He delivers us from unjust violence, or when He assists us in a good cause, is nevertheless prompted to do so by His own goodness.

For since we are unworthy for Him to grant us His help, the cause of its communication must be in Himself, since He is merciful. Certainly, if merits that would place God under obligation were to be sought in men, they would have been found in Joseph; yet Moses declares that he was assisted by the gratuitous favor of God.

This, however, is no obstacle to his having received the reward of his piety, which is perfectly consistent with the gratuitous kindness of God. The manner of exercising this kindness is also described: namely, that the Lord gave him favor with the keeper of the prison.

Indeed, there is no doubt that Joseph was acceptable to the keeper for many reasons, for even virtue wins favor for itself, and Moses has previously shown that the holy man was amiable in many ways. But because it often happens that the children of God are treated with as great inhumanity as if they were the worst of all men, Moses expressly states that the keeper of the prison eventually became humane because his mind, which was not naturally inclined to fairness, had been divinely inclined to it.

Therefore, the fact that the keeper of the prison, having laid aside his cruelty, acted with kindness and gentleness, was a change that proceeded from God, who governs the hearts of men according to His own will. However, it is a wonder that the keeper of the prison did not fear incurring Potiphar's displeasure, and even that Potiphar himself, who could easily have interfered, should nevertheless have allowed a man he mortally hated to be treated so kindly and liberally.

It may truthfully be said that Potiphar's cruelty had been divinely restrained, but it is also probable that he had suspected, and eventually been made aware of, his wife's subtle scheme. However, although he might have been appeased toward holy Joseph, he was unwilling to acquit him if it meant his own dishonor. Meanwhile, Joseph's remarkable integrity is shown in this: when he is made the guard of the prison and has free administration of it, he nevertheless does not attempt to escape but waits for the right time for his liberation.

CHAPTER 40.