The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions. (Psalm 105:20-21)

Jewish commentary teaches that when Joseph was brought from prison and made Pharaoh’s viceroy, all the princes of Egypt — including Potiphar — protested saying, “Shall a slave become a king?” In response to this opposition, Pharaoh had all those princes put in prison. Obviously, the Bible doesn’t record such an incident but, knowing people the way we do, it is not hard to imagine that something like this may have occurred. For the sake of our devotion, let’s assume that it did and consider what it may portend for the people of God.

Joseph’s imprisonment was based on a lie. A powerful man declared him to be guilty and condemned him to a cell, all because his wife hurled baseless accusations at him. Therefore, the injustice was not limited to the physical chains placed on his feet; his reputation was abused along with his body. When Pharaoh sent word to release him from his bonds, more than physical chains were removed. As supreme ruler of the land, Pharaoh overruled Potiphar’s decision and released Joseph from the stigma of guilt that Potiphar and others had placed on him through accusations. In so doing, those who had condemned him unjustly were brought to shame.

One Jewish commentator interprets the statement, “The king sent and released him” to mean that it was the King of kings who sent the word to release Joseph. In other words, the God of Israel impressed upon Pharaoh that he should release him from his bonds and elevate him to a position of power and influence. It was ordained that Joseph be in the appointed place during the famine in order to save God’s people. But don’t miss this: because Joseph was faithful to endure the suffering of prison and the pain of knowing he was falsely accused, in time, God delivered him, vindicated him and shamed his enemies.

In time, God will deliver and vindicate His trusted servants; He will expose the lies of the enemy and cause those who hurl false accusations at God’s beloved to be shamed. It’s not so much that we should hope for their punishment as much as it is we hope for our redemption and deliverance. That is enough satisfaction for me; to know that the King of kings considers me His faithful servant and desires to use me for His purpose.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill