#107 Are You Free? Genesis 39

So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, "your servant did to me after this manner," that his anger was aroused. Then Joseph's master took him and put him into prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper  of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. Genesis 39:19-23 NKJV

I have not done any extensive, historical research on the laws of Egypt at this time, so it is difficult to say whether Potiphar could have killed Joseph, in the case of attempted adultery or rape, with only one witness. It does say he was angry and it is hard to believe that a man in his position could not take the life of a Hebrew slave. There are tones of prejudice toward Joseph's heritage, at least from Potiphar's wife, and later in Joseph's story. She is pushing for hostility, and appealing to her husband's pride. Joseph has served him well though, and even if he is angry, Potiphar does not kill him, and this may not be because of the law. He may have doubts to the testimony of his own wife, and sending him to jail may be an act of mercy. Either way, it is where God will next be glorified by His servant. 

Joseph said to them, "do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50: 19-21 NKJV

Even in prison, God is with Joseph and again he receives favor. He is given charge of all the prisoners and with complete trust. 

Acts 16:25-34King James Version (KJV)

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

We think ourselves free men, but it is here in the prison's of man's so called justice, that Joseph, Paul and Silas show their keepers to be the prisoners and their masters to be the slaves. It is he, who the Son sets free, that shall be free indeed.