Potiphar: Dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the
Ishmaelites sold Joseph
(Genesis 39:1) He was "captain of the guard", i.e.,
chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of
the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties
(Genesis 37:36) marg., "chief of the executioners"). Joseph, though a
foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over
all his possessions. Believing the false accusation which his
profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison,
where he remained for some years.
