https://shillerinspires.com/a-sowing-and-reaping-effect-in-josephs-life/
Joseph’s life history unravels a pattern of life and death that is secluded from plain sight. His life comprised of hidden gems of Yahweh’s principles which you and I should actively pursue and excavate with much effort. From being a young lad to being a second in command of Pharaoh, Joseph had many things to speak to us. When we closely examine Joseph’s story, we see a pattern of unusual fluctuations, a series of extreme rises and dips from a young lad to second in command of Egypt before it becomes steady. His life was an amalgamation of bliss and hell
One might ask why Joseph’s life was comprised of good days and bad days? Why he had to suffer much when he was a fairly decent young man compared to his brothers or even many characters in the entire Bible? Truth to be told, one reaps what one sows. All things Joseph encountered irrespective of good or bad in nature were the harvests of what he sowed. It is a great principle created by Yahweh yet often ignored. As a matter of fact, every system of the world is encompassed in this principle. In the world of physics, Sir Isaac Newton describes this principle as every action has equal and opposite reaction, his third law of motion. If we ask a Hindu, he answers as karma. A biblical teacher terms it as sowing and reaping. The principle remains same yet termed differently in relation to the system it is applied.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7
Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
Now, let’s dive into Genesis 39:7 to find out the sowing and reaping effect behind Joseph’s suffering in his master’s house.
And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
Joseph became a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. As the Lord was with him, he prospered in all his works. It became evident to Potiphar that Joseph surely a blessed one of the Lord and the Lord blessed Potiphar’s house as well for the sake of Joseph. As a result, His master put Joseph in charge of everything he had. Joseph became an overseer of Potiphar’s house in a matter of time. When Bible says Joseph was good looking and well favored, some historical texts say that Joseph looked like a noble angel.
Casting Longing Eyes
Casting eyes on something or someone means to desire or covet to have or to own them. In other words, having greedy eyes.
Because of his attractiveness physically and in character, Potiphar’s wife lusted after Joseph. In rabbinic texts, Potiphar’s wife’s name is mentioned as Zelikah. Zelikah cast her coveting eyes upon Joseph as he looked like an angel not only to Zelikah but to all the Egyptians around.
Rabbinic texts give an insight of what Zelikah commented one time about Joseph to other women “What would you do if you saw him every day like I do”. On one side, this remark shows a strong feeling of lust toward Joseph, on the flip side reveals his glorious outlook.
