Genesis 39:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The individuals who purchased Joseph from his brothers were rough and untamed, later selling him to the chief steward of Pharaoh. Thus, the son who had been nurtured in his father's love found himself in the hands of different masters. To help us comprehend how he, still young and unfamiliar with such harsh circumstances, sustained the weight of this brutal captivity, Scripture informs us: ‘And the Lord was with Joseph: he was successful in business.’ What does it signify that ‘the Lord was with Joseph’? It indicates that divine grace accompanied him, easing the trials he faced. Grace orchestrated everything pertaining to him and softened the hearts of the merchants, guiding them to sell him to the chief steward.

After bringing him into his home, he began to inquire about his upbringing. As a genuine offspring of the holy lineage of the righteous Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Joseph thrived in virtue and goodness under the care of Pentephrius. Daily, through his appearances and speech, he endeavored to attain the highest form of purity, consistently remembering his holy God—the all-knowing God of his ancestors—who had rescued him from the grasp of death and the animosity of his brothers. Nevertheless, his heart frequently ached with sorrow for his father, St. James.

Consider the case of Leah, who, though not perfect in her faith, might remark, "It is good for me; it has come to pass." The chronicler, while recounting the account of Joseph, states that "the man was prosperous" (Gen. 39:2). If you examine the context presented earlier, the answer will become clear. It is noted that "The Lord was with Joseph," and subsequently, it is emphasized, "And the man was prosperous..." and further, "And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian" (Gen. 39:2). His master recognized that the Lord was with him, leading to the success of all that Joseph undertook, for the Lord caused it to prosper (Genesis 39:2-3). Joseph thrived in all he did because the presence of the Lord was with him. Moses conveyed a similar message when recounting Joseph’s time in prison: "All authority was in Joseph's hands, for the Lord was with him; and whatever he undertook, the Lord made to flourish" (Gen. 39:23).

The Lord accompanied Joseph, providing mysterious oversight and assistance in his life.

The Lord accompanied Joseph throughout his journey. While God's omnipresence assures that He is with every individual, in Joseph's case, it was evident. God demonstrated His presence by miraculously directing Joseph toward his significant destiny. He provided direct support by teaching and empowering Joseph, especially when he experienced abandonment from all earthly assistance. Additionally, God graciously bestowed an inner anointing, soothing the pain of external trials.