We see the contrast between Judah and Joseph in Genesis 38 and 39. Judah is a free and prosperous man, but when he is bereaved of his wife, he ends up sleeping with his daughter in law. He deploys a double standard and shames his family. Outwardly, he wants Tamar to be executed for sin. But inwardly, he forgot that he himself has committed the same sin. What better definition for a hypocrite than the incompatibility of the inward and outward self?
Joseph in contrast is a slave, yet under the blessing of God retains his sexual purity and integrity. Which one is happier in the eyes of the world? Which one is happier in the light of eternity?
A second lesson we learn is that Genesis 39 is part of the march toward Joseph's elevation to leadership in Egypt. By the wretched means in Gen 37, 39-40, Joseph eventually becomes prime minister of Egypt and saves many from starvation - including his own extended family and therefore the messianic line. But Joseph could not know how all that would work out as he was going through his misery. But Joseph walks by faith in God's providence and not by sight.
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