If Joseph "got too close" emotionally to Potiphar's wife, was he then lying when he said to the chief cupbearer, "Now I'm here in jail, but I did nothing to deserve it"? (40:15)
This is a question with broad application: 1. Often, even "good" people in biblical narratives say things that aren't true; they may be lying, they may be saying something they believe to be true, which is not true. 2. Always trust the narrator: the narrator describes the motives known and leaves unknown things unmentioned.
Also, realize that in Joseph's own mind, he may not have fully realized his culpability with his brothers.
I would guess that Joseph has overstated things: he did deserve discipline by his brothers, though not as severe as they supplied; he was in prison innocently, but God designed that imprisonment to get him away from Mrs. Potiphar and to introduce him to the Pharoah's courtiers.
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This is a question with broad application:
1. Often, even "good" people in biblical narratives say things that aren't true; they may be lying, they may be saying something they believe to be true, which is not true.
2. Always trust the narrator: the narrator describes the motives known and leaves unknown things unmentioned.
Also, realize that in Joseph's own mind, he may not have fully realized his culpability with his brothers.
I would guess that Joseph has overstated things: he did deserve discipline by his brothers, though not as severe as they supplied; he was in prison innocently, but God designed that imprisonment to get him away from Mrs. Potiphar and to introduce him to the Pharoah's courtiers.
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