“Joseph found favor in his eyes, and he served him. He appointed him overseer of his household, and everything that was his, he placed in his charge” (Genesis 39:4). “It was once he appointed him overseer of his household and over everything that was his, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was in all that he had, in the house and in the field” (Genesis 39:5).
“Joseph found…. It was once…” – Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai taught: Everywhere that the righteous go, the Divine Presence goes with them. He was there twelve years, six in the house and six in the field.23Many commentaries emend the text to read: He was there twelve months, six in the house and six in the field (see, e.g., Matnot Kehuna; Yefeh To’ar). “He left everything that he had in Joseph's charge and he did not know anything with him about his doings, except the bread that he would eat.
Joseph was of fine form, and of fair appearance” (Genesis 39:6). “He left everything that he had in Joseph's charge…except the bread that he would eat” – a euphemism.24This was a euphemism for his wife, as Joseph later says to her: “He has not withheld anything from me but you, as you are his wife” (Genesis 39:9). “Joseph was of fine form, and of fair appearance” – Rabbi Yitzḥak said: Cast a stick onto the ground and it will land on its source. Because it is written: “Rachel was of fine form [and fair appearance]” (Genesis 29:17); therefore, “Joseph was….”