John Calvin Commentary Genesis 39:6

"And he left all that he had in Joseph`s hand; and he knew not aught [that was] with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored." — Genesis 39:6 (ASV)

And he left all that he had Joseph reaped this fruit of the divine love and kindness towards him, that he was cheered by some alleviation of his servitude, at least for a short time. But a new temptation soon assailed him. For the favor which he had obtained was not only annihilated but became the cause and origin of a harsher fortune.

Joseph was governor over the whole house of Potiphar. From that post of honor, he is hurried into prison, so that he might soon be brought forth to the punishment of death. What then could enter his mind, but that he was forsaken and abandoned by God, and was continually exposed to new dangers?

He might even imagine that God had declared himself his enemy. This history, therefore, teaches us that the pious need special discernment to enable them, with the eyes of faith, to consider those benefits of God by which he mitigates the severity of their crosses.

For when he seems to stretch out his hand to them to bring them assistance, the light which had shone forth often vanishes in a moment, and denser darkness follows in its place. But here it is evident that the Lord, though he often plunges his own people into the waves of adversity, yet does not deceive them, since, by sometimes moderating their sufferings, he grants them time to breathe.

So Joseph, though fallen from his office as governor of the house, was yet never deserted; nor had that respite from his sufferings proved in vain, by which his mind was raised, not to pride, but to the patient endurance of a new cross. And truly for this purpose, God meets us in our difficulties, so that then, with collected strength, like refreshed men, we may be better prepared for other conflicts.

And Joseph was a goodly person, and well-favored. Since elegance of form was the cause of great calamity to holy Joseph, let us learn not to greatly desire those personal graces which may win the favor of the world; but rather let each be content with his own lot.

We see to how many dangers they are exposed, who excel in beauty; for it is very difficult for such to restrain themselves from all lascivious desires. Although in Joseph, religion so prevailed that he abhorred all impurity, yet Satan contrived a means of destruction for him from another quarter, just as he is accustomed to turn the gifts of God into snares by which to catch souls.

Therefore, we must earnestly ask God that, amid so many dangers, he would govern us by his Spirit and preserve those gifts with which he has adorned us, pure from every stain. When it is said that Potiphar’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph, the Holy Spirit, by this form of speech, admonishes all women that if they have chastity in their heart, they must guard it by modesty of demeanor.

For, on this account also, they wear a veil on their heads, so that they may restrain themselves from every sinful allurement: not that it is wrong for a woman to look at men; but Moses here describes an impure and dissolute look. She had often before looked upon Joseph without sin: but now, for the first time, she casts her eyes upon him and contemplates his beauty more boldly and wantonly than was fitting for a modest woman.

Thus we see that the eyes were like torches to inflame the heart to lust. From this example, we are taught that nothing is easier than for all our senses to infect our minds with depraved desires, unless we are very earnestly on our guard. For Satan never ceases diligently to suggest those things which may incite us to sin.

The senses both readily embrace the occasion of sin which is presented to them and also eagerly and quickly convey it to the mind. Therefore, let every one diligently endeavor to govern his eyes, and his ears, and the other members of his body, unless he wishes to open so many doors to Satan into the innermost affections of his heart. And especially, as the sense of sight is the most vulnerable, great care must be taken in putting them under restraint.