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Lesson 47

Forgiven

Genesis 50

One of the strongest weapons Satan has is guilt.  I know it is true because he has used it on me over the years.  I am not talking about conviction of the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit convicts of sin He calls me to confess that sin, to repent of it and to ask for forgiveness.  At that point that sin is done in my life.  This is where Satan shows up continually acting as an adversary who reminds me of what I have done.  His ploy is to rob me of the assurance of God’s forgiveness.  Of course he does not speak verbally, but if he drives me to dredge up old sins long forgiven what he is trying to do is convince me that God could not love someone like me because I have not been a good boy.

Thankfully, I can tell Satan to get lost.  Jesus has taken care of all my sins past, present and future on the cross.  There is a beautiful passage in Colossians that reads, “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. (Col. 2:13-14)  I do not have to worry anymore when Satan tries to use his well known tactics because Christ has made a mockery of him and his legions. Christ has gained the victory for me. 

Churches have a difficult time of letting go of past successes and failures.  The danger is to look at the past and try to replicate it.  We forget that each new generation brings with it changes and opportunities that were not always available. Trying to hold on to glories of days gone by may lead to frustration because they cannot be achieved.  Even more difficult is trying to overcome things that may have caused conflict and division in the body.  Hard feelings may still lie under the surface of civility.  We forget that history is just that history.  Unless we remember that Christ calls us to forgive others at least four hundred and ninety times then we cannot move on to a new day.  Joseph, after the death of his father, was confronted with his ten brothers who could not forget what they had done many years earlier and were afraid that Joseph may not have forgotten either.  Would the actions of Joseph help the family move forward or would they suffer the consequences of their actions?

Genesis 50:1

It was Joseph who was most affected by his father’s death.  The Scripture mentioned only him as the one who went intor mourning. The other brothers were not there at the time of death or they did not have the same love and devotion for Jacob. Joseph fell on his father and wept and kissed him for one last time. 

1. Why was Joseph so affected by his father’s death?
2. Why would the Scriptures not mention the other brothers?
3. How would their relationship with him been affected by the giving of the blessings?
4. Who are some of those who may have been relatives for whom you did not grieve as did Joseph?
5. What caused the lack of emotion on your part?
6. What did the death of Jacob signify?

Genesis 50:2-3

Once again Joseph took charge of the situation.  Normally in the Middle East the person who died was buried the same day of his/her death because of the climate.  The burial of Sarah was an example of the practice.  Even Jesus was taken straight from the cross and put into the tomb.  Joseph had the Egyptian embalmers prepare his father for burial.  Jacob had commanded that he be taken back to Canaan which would have taken several days.  For that reason alone it was necessary for Jacob to be embalmed.  The process, which does not need to be discussed here, took forty days to complete.  Out of their great love and respect for Joseph the Egyptians mourned for Jacob seventy days.

1. Why was it Joseph who stepped forward to take charge of the situation?
2. Why did he have his father embalmed?
3. What examples do we see of what would have occurred at the death of a person in Canaan?
4. How did the Egyptians show their affections for Joseph?

Genesis 50:4-6

Out of respect for the traditions of the Egyptians, Joseph waited until the official time of mourning was complete before making a formal request to Pharaoh for permission to travel to Canaan.   He did not approach the Pharaoh himself but others intercede for him.  His request indicated that he was trying to be obedient to the dictates of his father.  He also promised to return to Egypt after the burial.  There are two reasons that this promise was important. 

• For all of the Israelites, especially Joseph, to leave would have been disruptive to life of the Egyptians because they had become such an integral part of the society.
• Although not mentioned, God had said that the nation of Israel would remain in Egypt in slavery for four hundred years.

Joseph’s word was good enough for the Pharaoh.  He was a man of integrity and could be counted on to fulfill his promises.  Pharaoh then released Joseph to carry out his father’s wishes.

1. Why did Joseph have others speak to Pharaoh instead of going himself?
2. What did he tell them to say?
3. What were the words that the Pharaoh wanted to hear?
4. Why was it important for the Israelites to return to Egypt?
5. Why did Pharaoh let him go?
6. In what ways is Joseph an example for us?

Genesis 50:7-9

Having made all of the preparations that could take place in Egypt, Joseph proceeded towards Canaan to bury his father.  Not only did he and his brothers go but a large contingent of Egyptians, including the servants of the Pharaoh and the elders from his household and all of the land, also travelled with them.  To show their intentions of returning, the brothers left their children and all of their livestock behind.  There may also have been a practical reason for doing so. To carry their whole household would have made it an arduous and slow trip for them.  Moses wrote that a large company went up from the land.

1. Why did Joseph wait so long before going to Canaan?
2. What did the brothers do that showed that the intended to return to Egypt?
3. What was the meaning of the large contingent that accompanied the family?
4. What did it say of the feelings they had for Joseph?

Genesis 50:10-11

One of the commentators wrote that the travelers took the same route that the Israelites would follow over four hundred years later.  In that case the company of mourners would not have entered into Canaan but would have arrived to the east of the Jordan River to a place called the threshing floor of Atad.  It is also a possibility that the threshing floor was on the western side of the river.  This would seem to make more sense because the people living there were Canaanites.

Upon their arrival they continued with demonstrative mourning for another seven days.  The inhabitants were so impressed with the actions of the strangers, concluding that some high ranking Egyptian official must have died, they called the place Abel-Mizraim.  The meaning of the word is the mourning or meadow of the Egyptians.  The people living in the area would have naturally thought it strange that an Egyptian would be buried away from his homeland.  

1. Which route would make more sense?
2. Why did the Egyptians continue to be so emotional in mourning after the seventy days?
3. What conclusions would have drawn by the inhabitants?
4. Why did they rename the place where the Egyptians spent the seven days?
5. Why would the people be perplexed about the whole affair?

Genesis 50:12-14

The sons, then following their father’s instructions, carried him to the cave which was in the field of Machpelah where his parents and grandparents were buried.  After the private burial of his father Joseph returned to Egypt as he had promised.

1. Why did the brothers leave the Egyptians behind as they proceeded to Machpelah?
2. Why was this last act so important to them?
3. How did Joseph show he was a man of integrity?

Genesis 50:15-17a

With the death of Jacob the brothers began to think about their future. In their minds there would be no further restraint placed on Joseph to keep him from taking revenge for what they had done to him so many years earlier. Sadly, the guilt that they carried for so long had never gone away. They were questioning if the kindness that their brother had shown them was just to please Jacob and was not genuine.  Rather than accepting what Joseph had told them as the total truth, they had dreaded that day when they would have to confront their sin against him. 

They chose representatives to take a message to Joseph.  The words would give the first real evidence that Jacob had known what took place by in Canaan.  It was also the first time they had  totally confessed the wrong they committed against him.  In the words of Jacob they were identified as brothers but in their confession they referred to themselves as servants.

1. What tells us that Jacob knew what the brothers had done to Joseph?
2. What does this passage tell us about the mental and spiritual condition of the brothers?
3. Why were they not able to let go of their guilt?
4. What affect did Joseph’s words spoken nineteen years earlier have on the brothers?
5. Why were they not able to see the genuine compassion he had for them all those years?
6. Why did they feel it was necessary to send a messenger instead of going themselves?
7. Why do we hold onto the sins in our lives even after we know God has forgiven us?

Genesis 50:17b

When Joseph heard the words from the messengers he began to weep. The message from his brothers had to be disappointing and would have hurt him deeply.  Surely, they could not believe he would do anything to harm them after providing for them all during and after the famine.  It probably bothered him most of all to think that Jacob would think that he was capable of revenge.  None of his family understood that he was completely different than all of all them. 

1. What caused Joseph to weep?
2. What probably hurt him more than anything said?
3. How did had his life action show that there was no basis for the concerns of the brothers?
4. In what ways do we break the heart of God when we do not believe His words to us?
5. What are some of the ways your heart has been broken by those for whom you care about great deal?
6. How have others disappointed you?
7. How did you react?
8. How did your response differ from Joseph’s?
9. In what ways did you see God working in the situation?

Genesis 50:18

Evidently the messengers carried the news back to the others about the reaction of Joseph to the words from the brothers.  At that point the brothers decided it was safe to appear before Joseph.  They came to him with a genuine sign of humility.  Once again they bowed before him and called themselves his servants.

1. What gave the brothers confidence to appear before Joseph?
2. What do you think of their words and action when they came into his presence?
3. What should our attitude be as we appear before God?
4. What indicates they were finally willing to accept the consequences for their actions?

Genesis 50:19-21

Joseph had not changed in his feelings for his brothers since the first time he had seen them in Egypt.  He truly believed that God was the One who had sent him there. What they had intended for evil turned out to be for the preservation of his family along with countless others during the famine.  He reassured that nothing had changed.  They had been forgiven and he would continue to provide for them and their families. After this incident, Moses wrote that “He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

1. What is one of the qualities that you admire about Joseph?
2. What was the one belief Joseph had held onto from the very beginning?
3. What assurance did he give to his brothers?
4. What did they need to hear?
5. How has God taken the things in your life that seemed to be bad and turned them around for good?
6. What do we receive from God in difficult times that gives the confidence to go on?

Genesis 50:22-26

The final years of Joseph’s life are given in these verses. He would have been fifty-six years old when Jacob died.  For the rest of his life he stayed in Egypt along with his brothers and their families. The length of his life was one hundred ten years.  He lived to see three generations of Ephraim’s children and also the son of Manasseh whose name was Machir.  After all he had endured, those had to be years when he experienced the contentment of a life lived in obedience to God.  

When he approached the end of his life, he called his brothers together and shared some comforting words to them. They were told

• God will take care of you.
• You will return to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
• To swear that they would take his bones back to Canaan when they returned from Egypt.

Joseph died in Egypt at the age of one hundred ten. He was embalmed but not buried because he was going back home one day. 

1. What did his last years mean to Joseph?
2. What were the prophecies shared with his brothers?
3. What one last request did he make of them?
4. Why was he just embalmed and not buried?
5. What are some of the most powerful lesson learned from the book of Genesis?
6. What are some the examples of the gospel did you see in the book?

 

• Trust God for the promises made to us through His word.
• Never question the grace He has provided through His Son.
• Do not allow the devil to keep you from the relationship God wants to have with you.
• Remember that if you have confessed and repented of a sin then God has forgiven you and you must not hold onto them any longer.
• Think about those times that seemed so difficult and remember how God has turned them around.
• Remember that guilt is the great destroyer of any relationship.
• Learn to handle hurts and disappointments with grace.

Our study in Genesis has come to the end, but is it really the end?  The lessons of new beginnings and changes will never leave us as we grow in wisdom and knowledge.  We have seen all the characteristics of man at his best and worse.  Throughout the whole book there has been the common thread that has held everything together.  God sometimes acted openly but many times behind the scenes to bring about His purpose for His people. It is after all a book about His grace from the fall of man in the garden to the reconciliation of Joseph and his family.   

God continues to work in the same way today in His body, the church. In Colossians we see that Jesus was the agent carrying out the work of His Father.  It says, “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17) Ephesians also emphasizes this unity in chapter 4:15-16.

Although the book ends with the death of Joseph it also carries with it a promise that God would never leave His people.  We have that same assurance of His presence through any and every situation until He sees that His children arrive at home to be with Him.

 

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 50, Joseph is joined by all of Egypt in mourning his father’s death.  Then, accompanied by Pharoah’s officials and all the adult members of his father’s household, Joseph takes Jacob’s body back to Canaan and buries him as he requested.  Upon the family’s return to Egypt, however, the brothers begin to worry.  What if Joseph seeks revenge for what his brothers did to him, now that their father is no longer able to intervene on their behalf?  Worriedly, they send a messenger to Joseph, begging his forgiveness. Joseph weeps at their request, perhaps because they still do not seem to comprehend the love and the grace he has extended to them.  Once again, he reassures them that he has truly forgiven them and that God has turned their evil plans to good. 

 C-Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt after burying Jacob.  Although the famine was long over, the family had adapted to living in Goshen in Egypt.  There was no thought of the promise made that they would possess the land of Canaan.  They had become comforted where they were and had no intention giving up a good thing.  The only concern the brothers had expressed was,  how Joseph was going to treat them now that Jacob was dead.  This indicates that had never gotten over what they had done to Joseph. (Gen. 50:14-15)

TM-The brothers like so many of us held on to their guilt and were fearful that the one against whom they had sinned would see the current situation as an opportunity to seek retribution against them.  They could not understand or accept that Joseph had forgiven them seventeen years earlier. (Gen. 50:15-21)

WM-After seventeen years in Egypt in constant contact with Joseph, his brothers still could not rid themselves of the guilt for what they had done to him. Now that Jacob was dead the fear returned that Joseph would now get even with them.  They just could not believe that he would forgive them.  They were just not the type to do so.  They completely misread Joseph.  He still believed that is was not them but God who had sent him to Egypt for such a time as all of the people were experiencing during the famine. He truly believed and understood that he was “in God’s place.” (Gen. 50:15-22)
 M-Joseph was assured he was in God’s place for he had turned what was done for evil purposes and turned it into good. (Gen. 50:19-20)

C-Joseph still believed he was in the right place where God wanted him to be.                (Gen. 50:19-20)

TM-Joseph understood that ultimately all things are in God’s hands and how he was to forgive those whom He had sent to protect and preserve. (Gen. 50:19-21)

RT-Many times we see how the events show how the weapons the devil tried to use were turned around and on him.  Just what he intended to take place was thwarted by God’s plan for mankind.  Joseph provides one those instances.

If Joseph had been killed as his brothers first planned to do, he would not have been in Egypt to save the lives of his family during the seven year long famine.  Many years after being sold into Egypt and rising to the second most powerful position in that country he finally had the opportunity to tell his brothers that they meant their actions for evil but God had turned the evil into good. (Gen. 50:20)

C- He remembered the promise that Israel would return to the land they left.  His last request was to have his bones carried back to Canaan for burial.                                 (Gen. 50:24-26; Ex. 13:19; Josh. 24:32)

C-No longer could the brothers depend on Joseph but now had to rely on God to take of them. (Gen. 50:24) 

 

 

 

Lesson 46

Israel’s Performance Review

Genesis 49

There was always one time of year when I was working that I did not like to see come.  It was when annual performance reviews were to be done.  One of the things I disliked more than anything was the personal assessment I had to do before the review was discussed with my supervisor.  To grade oneself as the greatest thing since sliced bread bordered on pride.  At the other end of the spectrum to give oneself low marks would mean no raise and possible dismissal.  Fortunately over the years most of discussions between my superior and me were cordial.  We came to a mutual understanding the majority of the time.  I did not always agree totally but those points were not mountains upon which to die.

There is one assessment that each of us has to face.  It is the scrutiny that God places on our lives.  If I am honest with myself it is the one performance review for which I cannot receive high marks.  As hard as I try there will always be something I mess up.  I thank Him that my inclusion in His family is not dependent on what I can do, but what Christ has done for me.

Churches face scrutiny like the one we will read about in today’s lesson.  It is the court of public opinion that decides whether we bring glory to God by the very culture of the church.  If we were to sit down collectively before our own Israel and have him tell us his perception of who he thinks we are and where those characteristics will lead us, what would he say?  It really does depend on the culture and values of the church which will dictate the future.

I have often heard that over time the church will reflect the leadership.  We do need to be careful that the leadership that is selected truly represents God and not themselves.  Only when we glorify God can we expect to have a bright future. 

As we look at the words spoken by Jacob, we might see if any of the characteristics fit us. By becoming aware of any of those tendencies among us will cause us to address them by confessing, repenting and receiving repentance.

Genesis 49:1-2

Jacob’s final act was to bring his son’s together to share what the future would hold for each of them.  There was no one better to do this than Jacob who had observed them for all the years of their lives.  Not only were they going to hear the words based on Jacob’s perception but prophetic ones he would speak under the inspiration of God’s spirit. There were things said that he could not possibly know from a human stand point.  Once his sons had come to him, he seemed to be saying come close to me so I can talk with you in an intimate way.

1. What was Jacob’s final act with his family?
2. Why would he believe it was necessary to share what he did with his sons?
3. What was he going to tell them?
4. How do we know that he was speaking under the influence of God’s Spirit?

Genesis 49:3-4

He wasted no time but launched into what he had to say to and about each son.  Not knowing what they might hear they did not utter a word, but waited for their father to begin speaking. As would be expected he began with the oldest.  To Reuben he had to say that even though you are my first born because of your impetuous nature which led to sleeping with my wife, Bilhad, you will not be considered first born.  Reuben according to the words of Jacob lost the blessing and the birthright.  There were some telling events that were a fulfillment of Jacob’s assessment of his oldest son.

• The tribe of Reuben along with Gad and the half of Manasseh did not follow God’s original instructions but took their inheritance east of the Jordan River.
• They were part of the tribes that broke away under the rule of Rehoboam. 
• The inheritance of Reuben was the first to be overrun by the Assyrians and sent into exile in 722 BC.

 

1. Why did Jacob begin his talk with his sons so quickly?
2. What indicates that they did not know what was going to happen?
3. Why did he begin with Reuben?
4. How would you characterize Reuben?
5. What events took place that fulfilled the prophecies spoken about him?
6. What characteristics that Reuben possessed might be prevalent in your own life?

Genesis 49:5-7

The two brothers, Simeon and Levi, were kindred spirits thus Jacob dealt with them together.  Their actions indicated they were violent and cruel men.  Jacob did not want any part of that kind of attitude that had led them to kill men and injure animals.  Rather than blessing them he cursed their anger and did not want to even be associated with it in any way.  Neither of them would receive an inheritance of their own in the Promised Land.  Both would be dispersed among the other tribes. Simeon eventually received some land that was part of Judah’s portion.  From Levi came the priestly family through Aaron. His family was given forty- eight cities and pasture lands scattered among the other tribes.

1. Why did Jacob speak to Simeon and Levi as one?
2. What kind of people were they like?
3. In what ways do these men reflect many in society today?
4. What was to be the consequence of their behavior and character?
5. In what ways did Jacob’s prophecy come true for each of them?

Genesis 49:8-13

When Jacob comes to his fourth son there appears to be a change in the way he views him.  There is no discussion of the past failures of Judah.  He does not mention his part in the selling of Joseph or the marriage to a pagan wife.  Nor is there any allusion to the evil sons born out of that relationship.  Something had happened in the life of Judah that now elicited praise and blessing from his father.  Judah was a changed man as has been seen in the episodes leading up to Joseph revealing himself to his brothers.  Now Jacob saw certain qualities in the man as he not only blessed him but prophesied an amazing future for his descendents.  There are a number of beautiful word pictures that are painted in describing Judah and his family. Jacob said concerning him

• He would become the leader of his family.
• He would be victorious over his enemies.
• Using the symbolism of the lion there would be a continuous line of kings born after him.
• This royalty would continue until the coming of the ultimate ruler, the prince of peace.
• Under the rule of the one referred to as Shiloh who would receive the scepter as king there would be peace and plenty.

The promises to Judah only began with David who was the ancestor of the true Lion of Judah, Jesus.

1. Why did Jacob ignore Judah’s past misdeeds?
2. In what way is this the same as God deals with each of us?
3. What occurred in his life that would lead to the blessing and prophecy given to him?
4. In what way do they indicate what would happen to Israel?
5. Which of the prophecies are truly pictures of Jesus?

Genesis 49:13

Although Zebulon was the youngest of Leah’s children, Jacob chose to put him ahead of his brother Issachar.  This meant that he would play a greater role in the history of Israel than Issachar.  The words spoken to Zebulon may seem strange.  Looking at the inheritance it received it is obvious that its borders did not originally touch either the Mediterranean Sea or the Sea of Galilee.  Although with the shifting of borders it may have eventually encompassed cities around the Sea of Galilee including Nazareth and Capernaum.  That would have given it the distinction of being the place where Jesus lived until He began His earthly ministry.  (See Isaiah 9:1-2 and Matthew 4:12-16) Jacob could have in the Spirit of God seen that Zebulon would be located on a trade route which led to Acco in Asher thus giving access to a port on the Mediterranean.

1. What was the significance of speaking to Zebulon ahead of his brother Issachar?
2. Why would what Jacob said to Zebulon seem strange?
3. How could his words have been fulfilled?
4. What was special about Zebulon’s role in the future?
5.  What was the importance of the land in the ministry of Jesus?

Genesis 49:14-15

From Jacob’s description of Issachar as a strong donkey certain images emerge.

• Usefulness coming from its strength.
• Lacking ambition
• Content with life desiring to be left alone
• Servitude

These attributes often came into play in history as this tribe was often overrun and enslaved by other countries.  It is however mentioned in a positive way as it fought alongside Deborah and Barak.  Later in the reign of David the writer of Chronicles spoke of them as men who had an understanding of the times. (1 Chronicles 12:32, 38-40)

1. What are the characteristics of Issachar that you admire? Why?
2. What are the ones that are not admirable? Why?
3. Are there some that might describe you?
4. Why is the mindset described in 1 Chronicles important in our own day?
5. Why was it important enough for the writer to mention?

Genesis 49:16-17

Dan the son of Bilhah was described as a judge and a serpent.  This tribe produced the strongest of all the judges written about in the Book of Judges. Samson would be a judge in Israel for twenty years before his untimely death.  He was a constant thorn in the side of the Philistines.

One incident in the life of the Danites reflected the characteristic of a serpent.  Dissatisfied with the inheritance given to them they went into the northeast corner of Israel and captured and destroyed the citizens of Laish who were living peacefully.  It was in Dan that Jeroboam sat up one of his calves.  Some scholars believe that it will be from the tribe of Dan that the Antichrist will come.

1. How did the actions of Dan show the accuracy of Jacob’s prophecies?
2. Who was one the most famous of Dan’s descendents?
3. What was the event that occurred in Dan which led to the ultimate downfall of Israel?  “         (See 1 Kings 12:2-30)
4. How do we see this attitude at work in churches?

Genesis 49:18

Following his prophecy concerning Dan, Jacob was overcome with the pervasive sense of evil that would come through those who were descendants of his son. He responded by voicing a prayer.  Jacob expressed a hope for the future that man could be freed from such treachery.  His deep desire was to see the Lord save man from himself.  In the Spirit He prayed for God’s intervention into the affairs of man to break the cycle of evil. Like many others down through ages he was provided on a small glimpse of the future.  He could not have known how God was going to answer that cry from his heart.  Without understanding who, how or when, Jacob was looking forward to the time when the gospel would come to fruition.

1. What did Jacob see in Dan that caused him to fervently pray to God?
2. What was the one thing that he sought above all else?
3. Why did he not respond in this manner after speaking to his other sons?
4. In what way do we need to pray today as we see evil all around us?

Genesis 49:19

Like Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh, Gad also received his inheritance to the east of the Jordan River.  Because of his decision it was one of the tribes conquered by the Assyrians and exiled in 722 BC. Even though he would often face hostile people and would be defeated he had the staying power to gain victory over his enemies.  This ability to gain victory is seen in one its greatest warriors, Jephthah. (Judges 11:1-28)  Elijah, the greatest of all the prophets of Israel was also from the tribe of Gad.

1. What were the consequences of Gad’s decision to take his inheritance to the east of the Jordan?
2. What seemed to be one of its greatest attributes?
3. What famous men came from the tribe?

Genesis 49:20

Zilpah had given birth to both Gad and Asher.  Asher was to receive his inheritance along a fertile strip of land on the Mediterranean Sea. He would enjoy all the comforts of life because the land would be productive.  Moses would mention in Deuteronomy a reference to the oil producing Olive trees found there. See Deut. 33:34

Genesis 49:21

Naphtali was also born to Zilpah the maid servant of Leah.  Here is a picture of a man who in his youth may have been wild and untamed.  Later he became one who had come to speak words that were beautiful.

1. What hope does the change in the life of Naphtali hold out for all of us?
2. What was it that changed the wild doe into a man who was refined?

Genesis 49:22-26

Although Jacob had already spoken of the future of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh, he now turns to Joseph himself.  It is a picture of both his trials and triumphs.  Intertwined in the words are both the blessing and birthright that was to be his from his father.  The words are so powerful that unless one already had heard that Judah would be the leader and the ancestor of the future king, it would almost appear that the Joseph was the one through whom those men would come.  By human standards Joseph would have been the chosen one.  The Spirit, however, directed Jacob to prophesy that the one who Jacob cried out for to provide salvation would not come from Joseph but Judah.  God’s sovereignty overruled the desire of man.

1. How did the words spoken to Joseph give an indication of Jacob’s great affection for him?
2. How do we know that the Messiah was not to come from Joseph?
3. In what way do we see the Holy Spirit at work in Jacob’s life at this point?
4. What did Jacob give to him that the others had not received?
5. Why did he spend more time in describing Joseph than any of the others?
6. What attributes of Joseph would you like to be said of you?

Genesis 49:27

Jacob finally gets to Benjamin, the youngest son of Rachel.  According to his father he would be a warrior. The inheritance he would be given would have to be defended often.  His family would by nature well suited for the conflict.  Two prominent men would come from the tribe of Benjamin.  The first was Saul, the king, who would be the strong warrior who battled the Philistines his entire adult life.  The second was Saul who would become Paul.  He was the greatest of all the leaders of the early church spreading the gospel all over parts of Asia and Europe.  From his ministry many would become followers of Christ. Both of them showed true tenacity in the tasks they were given.

1. What do you think of the description of Benjamin?
2. In what ways did he fulfill the prophecy placed on him by Jacob?
3. In what ways were the two greatest men descended from Benjamin different?
4. In what ways were they the same?

Genesis 49:28

All twelve men heard the words of Jacob.  They were representative of the twelve tribes that would be born of them.  Each one heard words that were appropriate for them.  Because of the substance of the words it is obvious that Jacob spoke under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

1. Why was it important not to leave a single man out of the blessings given?
2. What one thing stands out to you in the words of this verse?
3. What evidence do we have that Jacob spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit?
4. If we had been there what might he have said about us?

These descriptions have been only a snapshot of the blessing given by Jacob.  What I have tried to do was to present the essence of each of them.  If there is further interest any good commentary would be a good source.

Genesis 49:29-33

Having taken care of the last details of his life by giving the blessings, he then turned to the matters of his death.  He gave all of them instructions of what he wanted them to do after he died.  He commanded them to take him back to Canaan to be buried in the cave in the field of Ephron, which was the burial spot of his family beginning with Sarah and ending with Leah.  Finally having accomplished everything and putting his house in order Jacob died in the presence of his sons.

1. Why was it important to Jacob that he be buried in Canaan?
2. Why did he not want to be buried in Egypt?
3. What had to be satisfying to him?
4. Why was it important that his sons all be present?
5. In ways are we always to be prepared for our own passing?

 

• Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves.”  This is a good plan for each person to do every day as he/she reviews the day.
• Look back at the lesson to see if which characteristics you admire in each man and those that you do not like. 
• See if any of them fit who you are and what you want to do about them.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn about your personality and spiritual gifts.
• Unlike Jacob, who could only pray and hope for the coming Messiah, realize how fortunate you are that He has come and you can know Him and have Him live in your life.
• Imitate Christ in every way possible. This can only happen if you truly love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.

We as the body of Christ must take every opportunity to evaluate ourselves in light of the life of Christ.  Much time needs to be spent in discerning who we are by spending time in prayer and the study of His word.  There is one thing for sure if we do not examine ourselves the world will do it for us.  It is a difficult thing to honestly look within and to see how others may view us.  Only by doing so can we remove those areas of our life that hinder the spread of God’s kingdom.  From the lesson today we have seen that Jacob was only able to look at two of his sons as having praiseworthy qualities.  He saw in Judah a man who had changed from being self-centered to one who genuinely put others ahead of himself. This was a Christ like characteristic that would be displayed in Judah’s descendant.  Joseph was a godly man and remained steadfast in his faith through many trials and tribulation.  This is the kind of man that would receive the blessings of God and the inheritance given to the saints.  What kind of church do we want to be?  How do we want the world to see us?  More important than either of those is how do we want God to see in us?

It is the choice that we can make.  Remember what we have been does not have to be a reflection of what God wants to do with us in the future.  In the same way that God has been changing lives since the time of Judah, He can lead us to be the church He wants us to be in the future.

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 49, Jacob/Israel gathers his sons around him in order to bless them, a blessing that is also prophetic concerning the future of their descendants.  Reuben, as the firstborn, should have excelled in honor and power; but by sleeping with his father’s concubine, he became a source of shame instead.  His tribe never crossed the Jordan to permanently live in the Promised Land, nor did any leaders come from Reuben. Simeon and Levi are cursed for the savage anger they displayed in avenging their sister Dinah’s rape. Later, Simeon’s tribe inherited only a small pocket of land within the middle of Judah’s territory.  Levi’s descendants became a tribe of priests due to their valor in Exodus 32, but the only land they inherited were cities scattered throughout Israel.  Judah’s blessing points to his royal descendants, King David and later, Christ Jesus. Zebulun’s tribe would trade with sea peoples to the north; Issachar’s would be strong and well-protected.  From Dan would come some of Israel’s judges, like Samson; but they also led Israel’s descent into idolatry and are not mentioned among the tribes in Revelation 7.  Gad, whose tribe settled east of the Jordan, was often under attack from the enemies of Canaan.  Asher inherited the rich seacoast area of Israel; and Naphtali, Asher’s neighbor to the west, is described as a doe with beautiful fawns (?).  Benjamin, north of Judah, is likened to a ravenous wolf, aggressive and passionate, but with a tendency to be cruel–his descendants included King Saul of the Old Testament and Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul.  Joseph, whose descendants are split between Ephaim and two half-tribes of Manasseh,  receives the largest blessing and is called “the prince among his brothers.”  Following the blessing, Jacob gives instructions for his burial–his body is to be returned to Canaan and buried with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah in the cave near Mamre.  With that, Jacob/Israel breathes his last.

GC-Jacob had the gift of prophecy.  The things that Jacob proclaimed about his sons came true down through the history of Israel. (Gen. 49:2-28)

GC- A Christian’s life is such that he begins to see people as God sees them.  Jacob’s blessings show real sensitivity, insight, wisdom and discernment which could only come from God. (Gen. 49:1-27)

WM-By looking at prophesies concerning his sons, Jacob showed that he had never totally forgiven some of them.  He did not seem to take into account they may had matured and changed.  To be fair we also do not know if Reuben ever repented or asked for forgiveness after committing adultery with Bilhah.  There is also no indication that Levi and Simeon had become different men. (Gen. 49:1-7)

GC-Reuben, must have self control (Gen. 49:4; Prov. 16:32: 25:28; 29:18)

M-Reuben had all the potential but no control over his appetites, so he was to miss out on what he could have had. (Gen. 49:3)

GC-Simeon and Levi, Not to be violent (Gen. 49:5; Prov. 6:17; 21:7; 24:2)

GC-Jacob wanted to make it very plain that he would have no part in the actions of Simeon and Levi.  David expressed Jacob’s feelings when he admonished us not to walk in the council of the ungodly. (Gen. 49:6; 2 Chron. 19:2: Ps. 1:1; Prov. 1:15; 18:5)

GC-Simeon and Levi also committed murder. (Gen. 49:6; Ex. 20:13; 1 Kings. 21:13: Neh. 9:26; Prov. 6:17; Lev. 24:17; Judges 19:27-30; 2 Sam. 11:15, 25; 12:9; 13:28; 20:10; 2 Kings 8:15; 11:1; 12:20; 24:4; 2 Chron. 21:4, 13; 33:24)

GC-Simeon and Levi let their anger result in the killing innocent men.                       (Gen. 49:6; 2 Chron. 26:17)

GC- Simeon and Levi, Does not let self-will but God’s will dominated actions.               (Gen. 49:6)

TM-In response to the characteristics describing Dan given by Jacob seeing his descendents as:

1. Judge
2. Serpent
3. Horned snake who cause riders to fall from the horse

Jacob would say” For your salvation I wait, O Lord.”  He must have seen in Dan the one who would be in total opposition to God. (Gen. 49:16-18)

WM-It was said of Dan that he was like a serpent cunning and crafty.  He was not to be trusted.  He certainly would be one to whom you would turn your back. (Gen. 49:16-17)

GC-Joseph remained firm in his faith no matter what the enemy brought into his life.  (Gen. 49:23-24)

M-Did not lose faith even when under attack. (Gen. 49:23-24)

WM-There was a cruelty in Benjamin’s future. (Gen. 49:27)

GC-Jacob displayed an insight in his prophetic blessings of his son that was gained from a lifetime of experiencing God’s love and guidance. (Gen. 49:28)

C-Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons reflected some of the events that would occur in the life of each of the tribes that would be descended from them.  They also indicated the status that each of them would hold in history.

1. Reuben lost his pre-eminent place in leadership because of his sexual promis- cuity.  He forfeited both his birthright and his blessing.
2. Simeon and Levi are listed together because they were of like nature.  They would neither have a inheritance of their own in the Promised Land but would be dependent on the other tribes.
3. Judah would become the leader of Israel.  He was given the birthright that had been Reuben’s.  From him would come not only the rulers of Israel but also the Messiah, the eternal ruler.
4. Zebulun would be a safe harbor.  Isaiah prophesied and Matthew wrote of that prophecy.
5. Issachar would become a slave.
6. Dan would be a judge of his people and a serpent.
7. Gad would be at war.
8. Asher would have the pleasures of life.
9. Naphtali would be a poet
10.  Joseph received the blessing that could have been Reuben’s.  He had experienced much and had remained strong and firm.
11. Benjamin was described as a ravenous wolf.                                                          (Gen. 49:1-28; 1 Chron. 5:1-2)

C-Jacob died at the age of 147. No longer would the nation have a central figure to whom it could turn.  The age of the patriarchs ended with the death of Jacob.  Israel would have to wait for over four hundred years for a leader until Moses came onto the scene.     (Gen. 49:33)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 45

Jacob’s Last Days

Genesis 47:27- 48:22

None of us know the number of days we have been given. Even though long life has been prevalent on my grandmothers side of the family guarantees nothing. Jacob was given an additional seventeen years to enjoy with his beloved Joseph. As I contemplate getting older my thoughts often drift to what I want that time to hold for me and those I love.  One thing is for certain is I want to as useful as possible.  I have often said that when the day of passing comes my desire is to be closer to Christ than I have at any other time in my life.  As long as I can I want to study His word and teach it to others.  These precious days are not to be wasted. 

Over the years I have often wondered if I have made any impact in the lives of people.  If my life was reviewed and the future pronounced for me by someone like Jacob what would be said.  I will not go into the failures because there are many.  My hope is that along the path I have traveled that at least one person has been encouraged in their walk with the Lord.

What does the history of the church tell us about its impact in the community where it is located?  There are, of course Jacob like individuals outside our doors judging us every day.  The witness of our church in relationship to those people in way will determine the future.  When we stand before the ultimate judge will His words be ones that applaud our service or condemn us for not using the resources given to us to the fullest.  A church can be around for a long time just because there may be a faithful few holding it together. That is now how we want to be remembered.  For the sake of God’s kingdom the word on the street should be that under the influence of the Holy Spirit we did everything to proclaim the gospel to the world.

Genesis 47:27

The use of the name Israel now becomes connected to the descendents of Jacob.  As the family took root they began to purchase land in Egypt.  As God had promised they became numerous in number. 

There is no indication how Jacob spent the last seventeen years of his life.  Although left unsaid he probably enjoyed his time under the care of his son Joseph.  No longer did he have to concern himself with anything.  Moses gives one last terse sentence to describe Jacob’s time.  He said he was there for seventeen years and the total years of his life were one hundred forty-seven.

1. How did Moses begin to use the word Israel?
2. What did it describe?
3. What took place among Jacob’s descendents during the final years of Jacob’s life?
4. What are we told about those final years of Jacob’s life?
5. How differently might you want your life described?

Genesis 47:29-31

As Jacob came to the realization that his time was short he called Joseph to him.  From Joseph he elicited a promise that he would be returned to the land of Canaan to be buried.  This was way of making sure his wishes were carried out before he died.  Jacob never for a moment thought of Egypt was home.  It was the place where his beloved son lived and that was enough for him. Once plans for his burial were made he bowed in worship.

1. What indicated that Jacob’s heart was not in Egypt?
2. Why did he want to be buried in Canaan?
3. Why did Joseph agree to his father’s wishes?
4. What does this say about the future of the nation of Israel?
5. What did the time spent in worship mean to Jacob?

Genesis 48:1-2

When Joseph heard that his father was sick he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim with him to see their grandfather.  Joseph had no way of knowing if Jacob was about to die and wanted to make sure that he saw his grandsons for the last time.  Also it provided the opportunity for them to spend some time with him. Hearing the news that Joseph was coming to see him, Jacob’s strength was renewed and he was able to sit up on his bed.      

1. What was Joseph’s response to the news his father was ill?
2. What affect did Joseph’s visit have on his father?
3. Why did he take his two sons with him?
4. What did it mean for them and for Jacob?
5. What did Joseph expect to happen?

Genesis 48:3-6

As a prologue to what he wanted to say to Joseph, Jacob recounted the words that he had received from God when he was in Luz.  God had promised to enlarge his family and to give him the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.  Having spoken of the promise he then told Joseph that the descendents of Ephraim and Manasseh would be named among the sons of Israel.  Joseph was to be given double the inheritance of the other brothers.  This was in line with Joseph receiving the birthright and the blessing from his father instead of Reuben.  He essentially gave him all the rights and privileges due the first born of the family. Jacob did one other thing.  He put the younger brother, Ephraim ahead of his brother Manasseh. Jacob adopted Joseph’s two sons as his own.  Any other children that may have been born to Joseph would take the name of their father.

1. Why did Jacob recount the promise made to him from God?
2. Why did he take Ephraim and Manasseh as his own?
3. By placing them alongside Joseph’s brothers what did Jacob do?
4. What rights and privileges did he give Joseph?
5. Why did he place Ephraim before Manasseh?

Genesis 48:7

Jacob then told Joseph about the passing of his mother Rachel.  He shared how her death had grieved him.  The site of her burial was given.  He possibly did this in case Joseph might have the opportunity to visit the grave of his mother.

1. Why did Jacob tell Joseph about the death of his mother?
2. What do we see in Jacob’s description?
3. Why did he specifically spell out where she was buried?
4. What would it mean to Joseph to know about the death of his mother?

Genesis 48:8-10

Beginning with this verse Moses reverts back to the name Israel which had been bestowed on Jacob by God. It appears that either he had not seen Joseph’s sons or had been so engrossed in his conversation with Joseph that he had ignored them.  He then saw two people with Joseph but did not know who they were because of his poor eyesight.  Joseph explained to his father that they were the two sons that God had given him in Egypt.  Israel then directed him to bring them close to him so he could bless them.

Moses indicates the reason that Israel did not recognize the boys.  He said that his eyes were dim because of old age. Joseph obeyed his father and brought them close enough for him to kiss and hug them.    

1. How is it that Jacob had not noticed the two sons of Joseph?
2. Why did Joseph need to explain who they were?
3. Why was it necessary for them to be blessed?
4. What did Israel’s actions indicate had happened to him over the years?

Genesis 48:11

One can read into Israel’s words all to the sadness of the years when he and Joseph were apart.  The other side is the joy that not only had he been able to spend seventeen years with his son but he had been allowed to live long enough to see his grandsons as well. Notice he gave God all the glory for the events that had taken place.

1. What is expressed in Israel’s words to his son?
2. What did the last seventeen years mean to him?
3. To whom did he give credit for bringing the family back together?
4. How does this reflect a change in his life?

Genesis 48:12-13

In order for Israel to be able to bless the children, Joseph took them from Israel’s lap.  Then in gratitude for all that had occurred he bowed in worship.  Rising from the ground, Joseph took the two boys and brought them forward that they might receive the blessing.  According to the tradition of the oldest receiving the blessing and birthright of the father, he moved them into a position where Manasseh would be at Israel’s right hand and Ephraim to the left.

1. Why did Joseph remove the boys from his father’s lap?
2. Why did Joseph fall down and worship?
3. What tradition was he following in positioning the boys before his father?

Genesis 48:14

Although Israel could not see which of the boys were before him crossed his arms and laid his right hand on Ephraim and his left on Manasseh.  By his actions he indicated that Ephraim would be the greater of the two sons of Joseph. He could not have known what would happen in the future but had a sense of what God wanted him to do even if it went against the conventions of man.

1. What did he indicate by crossing his arms and laying his right hand on Ephraim?
2. What had Joseph wanted done?
3. Who was in charge of Israel’s actions?
4. In what ways has God sometimes led you to do opposite of what the world would do?

Genesis 48:15-16

The blessing was really meant for Joseph. Through his sons would be the fulfillment of all Israel and God was planning for his people. He asked that the God of Abraham, Isaac and the one he had served bless the lads.  It was through them that Joseph’s name would continue down through history.  He then pronounced the same blessing on them that had been given to those who had gone on before them.  He said, “May they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

1. Why was the blessing really meant for Joseph?
2. Why did he include the names of Abraham and Isaac in his blessing?
3. What was the part of the blessing that had been given to his ancestors?

Genesis 48:17-18

Joseph became upset when he saw that his father was in the process of blessing Ephraim over his brother.  According to the ways of man that was not the proper thing to do.  The older brother was to receive the birthright and the blessing thus making him head over the family.  Joseph tried to stop his father but to no avail. Israel was carrying out God’s plan for the two boys and would not be thwarted.  As a prophet he let Joseph know that it was Ephraim that God had chosen to be greater of the two and father of many nations.  It was by the name Ephraim by which all of the family would be called in the future.

Once that was said he continued with his blessing. The blessing for all of Israel would occur as God made them like Ephraim and Manasseh.  He put Ephraim first as the example for the nation of Israel. 

1. What upset Joseph?
2. Why would he question his father?
3. Why did Israel refuse to head Joseph’s words?
4. How was God using Jacob at that moment?

Genesis 48:21-22

Israel had issued his blessings and then spoke to Joseph once again.  If the nation of Israel was like what he saw in Joseph’s sons then the nation would have a long and successful history.  His last words indicated that he knew he was close to death.  He spoke of confidence in God sure that He would fulfill His promises to His people.  Jacob knew that God would return the people to Canaan. 

By blessing both of Joseph’s sons he was giving him two portions in the Promised Land.  Verse 22 speaks of something that Jacob had not done.  It was a prophecy that would be accomplished after the Israel’s time in Egypt and the forty years in the desert. It was a true example of prophecy.  Israel saw an event that was in the future as if it was already accomplished.

1. What did Jacob see as the future for Israel?
2. Why could he die in peace?
3. What is prophecy?
4. What examples do we see of Jacob as a prophet?
5. By reading this chapter what confidence does it give us that God will accomplish what He has promised?

 

• View every day as the one when Christ may return for His people.
• Make sure that you are prepared by having confessed your sins and received forgiveness.
• Study God’s word to see how He has been faithful to His people.
•  Understand that He has always done what He has promised?
• Look for those who can provide leadership in the future and mentor them.

What a picture we have been given in this chapter of ending of one era and the beginning of a new one.  Every generation must prepare the next one for the future.  Without consistently doing so the church would not continue to growth and be an impact in the world.  The reason we are here today is because of the faithfulness of those who were willing to make the sacrifice necessary to keep the church moving forward.  God promised from the beginning to be with His people.  He has kept the church strong in every generation no matter what has happened in the world.  He has always had His committed followers, the remnant, working behind the scenes,  even when societies have opposed them. May we continue to be that remnant and remain strong in the faith so future generations will look back on us as its inspiration.

Additional Notes:

BL- We looked at chapters 48-50, which ends the story of Joseph and the Book of Genesis.  In chapter 48, Joseph brings his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to visit his father, Jacob.  Jacob, who can no longer see, realizes he is dying and is anxious to pass his blessing on to Joseph’s sons.  It turns out to be a very special blessing, because Jacob reckons Joseph’s two sons as his own, bypassing Reuben and granting them the double inheritance that normally belonged to the firstborn.  Jacob also bucked tradition by giving the richer blessing to the younger son–it is Ephraim, not Manasseh, whom Jacob says will be the greater of the two.  He prophesies in verse 21 that Joseph will return to Canaan one day, which came true in Exodus 13:19–Moses took Joseph’s bones with him when he left Egypt for the Promised Land.  Jacob also reiterates for Joseph the covenant that God has made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–that He would be their God, that their descendants would be fruitful, their numbers increased, and the land of Canaan would be theirs as an everlasting possession. 

 

 C-Jacob recalls the changes in his life.  He remembered how God had led him throughout his lifetime. Even though he did not understand the experiences he had were to transform him into the man God could use. Like each of us it was a maturing process that brought him to acknowledge what God had done. (Gen. 48:3-4, 7, 15-16)

C-Jacob claimed Manasseh and Ephraim as his own.  They were to become two tribes in Israel in place of Joseph. (Gen. 48:5, 16, 22)

UE-Once again God put the younger in the position greater than his sibling. Jacob blessed Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. (Gen. 48:5, 14, 19-20)

TM-Sometimes a person spends years in preparation, doing things that at the point in time in which they occur do not make sense.  From retrospect he is able to see that God had been preparing His willing servant for a specific purpose.  Joseph could not have known this until his brothers came that the famine was about fulfilling God’s words to Abraham before all of these events took place. (Gen. 48:14-20)

TM-God’s ways are not man’s ways.  Joseph wanted Mannaseh to receive the blessing from Jacob, but it was to Ephraim that the blessing would be given. (Gen. 48:14-20)

M-The motivation for Jacob’s (Israel) life is wrapped up in the verse, “The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.” (Gen. 48:15)

C-Ephraim was to become greater than his brother although he was the younger of the two.  In his blessing given to them he put Ephraim’s name first. (Gen. 48:19-20)

GC-Knowing that his time on earth was coming to an end, he now entrusted his family to God. (Gen. 48:21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 44

A Welfare State, Really?

Genesis 47:13-27

In my opinion the election of 2012 was not between Democrats and Republicans.  It was not even between Liberals and Conservatives.  The election was won by what many call the takers of society.  When we come down to what truly defines the secular world there are basically two groups of people.  They are those who produce or make and the other group are those who take.  When I refer to the makers it is not just the rich but everyone who works hard and pays their way in this world.  There are those who want to take from the makers without having to work for what they get.  One form of this taking is expecting the so called rich to pay more in taxes so that the takers can continue to receive from all the entitlement programs available through the government.  For the life of me I do not know what happened to the work ethic that built this country into what it has been in the past. 

If we are not careful we can develop this same kind of consumer attitude in the church.  When we hear statistics that say that eighty percent of the serving is done by twenty percent of the people this is bordering on the maker taker mentality.  This mindset is one of the primary reasons that there is no commitment to a particular body of Christ.  People are always looking for the best deal in town, the church that has the best programs to meet my own personal needs.  The lesson today says that way of thinking is just not acceptable.  We are called to serve and spend our lives for Christ not always being the one standing there with our hands out.

Genesis 47:13-14

As Joseph prophesied the famine continued to be very severe in the all the land.  Outside of what he had collected there was no food available anywhere. There could have been a number of reasons for the famine to go on.  One might have been to make sure that the family of Jacob remained in Egypt.  If the famine had ended quickly they may have wanted to return back to Canaan.  God was going to grow His people into a great nation and it was going to happen in Egypt. 

One might say that under those circumstances it was the government’s responsibility to provide for the people after all had not what was in the storehouses been exacted from them.  The Scripture paints a completely different picture.  The people were required to pay for the grain they needed to live. They did this until all of the money was gone.  By selling it, Joseph could make sure there was enough to last for the duration of the famine.  Since funds were limited he could be assured that the people would buy what they needed and no more. 

1. Why did the famine continue?
2. Since Jacob’s family was now safe under the protection of Joseph why did God not just end the famine?
3. Why did Joseph sell the grain and not just give it to them?
4. How does this episode speak to the way our government handles things today?
5. What would our nation look like if we followed Joseph’s example?

Genesis 47:15-17

The money was gone and the famine continued.  All the people came to Joseph looking for assistance.  His answer to them was you still have the means to purchase grain.  They were to use the livestock as payment for food.  Without grain the animals would have been of no benefit to them anyway.  When they brought their horses, flocks, livestock and even the donkeys they were provided food for that year.

1. Why did Joseph continue to require the people to pay for the food they received?
2. What good were the animals to them at that point?
3. Why did they agree so quickly?
4. In what ways does this compare to what God requires of us to receive the “Bread of Life?”

Genesis 47:18-19

By the end of the year the Egyptians had exhausted all of their material resources.  All of the animals now belonged to the king.  The famine still persisted and the people still needed to eat.  The only possessions they had left was the land and their own bodies.  Rather than expecting to receive the grain for free the Egyptians approached Joseph with a proposal.  They were willing to sell the land to him and to become slaves to Pharaoh in order to get seed to plant and make the land productive again.

1. What did the Egyptians have left with which they could bargain for food?
2. Why did they not expect to receive the grain for free?
3. What does their request show us about their work ethic?
4. What can we learn from the approach they took?

Genesis 47:20-21

Joseph listened to the people and bought their land.  All of the land then belonged to Pharaoh.  He did one other thing.  He relocated the people from the far corners of Egypt into the cities.  This was a good decision that would make the food distribution more centralized and easier to manage.  By this time some of the outlying areas may also have begun to run out of food supplies.

1. What was Joseph’s decision concerning the land?
2. Why did he do it?
3. Why did he relocate the people from the outlying areas into the cities?
4. Why was it a good decision to do so?

Genesis 47:22

There was one group that did not have to sell the land.  The priests were under the protection of Pharaoh who provided them with an allotment.  They were able to live off of the allotment. 

1. Why would the Pharaoh provide for the priests?
2. What were they allowed to do when others sold their property?
3. What do you think of that situation?
4. In what ways do churches benefit in our society that is akin to what took place?
5. Why did this country put in the first amendment to the Constitution?

Genesis 47:23-24

In exchange for the land Joseph gave the people seed to plant.  There would however be a twenty percent tax on the harvest that would be given to Pharaoh.  The people did not see the tax as a burden.  Instead they understood that Joseph by his actions had saved their lives. To be alive and able to produce their own food was a privilege they did not take for granted.  They were more than willing at that point to be slaves under Pharaoh. With a man of Joseph’s character as a leader in Egypt they could expect to be treated fairly by the government. The tax was put in as a law in the land which was still in effect when Moses wrote the book of Genesis over four hundred years later.  As part of the statute the priest continued to be exempt from the tax.

1. What does the fact that Joseph gave the people seed tell us about the famine?
2. Why did they not see the twenty percent tax as burdensome?
3. How did they view Joseph?
4. Why were they willing to become slaves of the Pharaoh?
5. Why did Joseph make a statute concerning the tax?

 

• Pray for the Lord will give you a clean slate to begin the new year.
• Search your heart to see if you have been a taker or a maker this past year.
• Begin to look for ways that you may serve Jesus Christ in and outside His church.
• Find out how God has equipped you for service and begin using the gift.
• Be doers and not just hearers during the coming year.

If you need help in discovering where you may serve let the elders know and you will be put in contact with leaders of a particular ministry.  Let this be the year when the eighty twenty rule is changed.

We have an opportunity today to change the climate of the church.  For too long we have been like the society around us and been takers or consumers of church programs. This trend needs to stop if there is to be a future for the church.  The taker says give me programs and meet all of my needs. The makers say let me know how I can minister to others and share Christ wherever I find myself.  The lesson today showed us that Joseph would not permit a welfare state to exist under his watch.  Under our watch we should want to do even more because we serve a risen Lord.  He set the example for all us when he said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” The question that we need to answer is, are we to do less.  This new year can provide the answer to that question for each of us.  It will take a cooperative effort to make it happen, but that is why Jesus established His church.

Additional notes:

If God had not intervened Jacob on his own would have never decided to relocate his family to Egypt even during a time of famine in the land.  He knew what a catastrophe the journeys of Abraham and Isaac into Egypt had been and was not about to make the same mistake.  God had promised the land to Abraham and there Jacob planned to stay. (Gen 47-49)

BL-In chapter 47, vv.1-7, Joseph chooses five of his brothers to appear before Pharoah with his father.  Pharoah graciously receives Jacob’s family and gives them the rich land of Goshen, a large, fertile valley east of the Nile, to use while they sojourn in his land.  Then Pharoah gets a surprise–instead of him, the rich and powerful ruler, blessing Jacob, he receives Jacob’s blessing!  As Pharoah’s elder, a messenger from the one true God, and the patriarch of his OWN nation, Jacob is entitled to pass a blessing down to Pharoah!  We, too, are royalty–Romans 8:17 calls us “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”–and we are to be a blessing to the unsaved around us.  Have you and I been conducting ourselves as children of the King this week?  How can we spread the “fragrance of the knowledge of Him” to the world today (see 2 Cor. 2:14)?

UE-Coming face to face with the most powerful man of his day did not keep Jacob from blessing the Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:7, 10)

GC-We are admonished to give thanks in all things. (1 Thess. 5:18)  Because of his relationship with his Father Jacob was able to accept everything that had happened in his life.  He had experienced many times of mental anguish and disappointment.  His had not been an easy life, therefore when he came before the Pharaoh he confessed that his 130 years had been difficult.  When we consider the final 17 years that God gave him things changed, because he now had his entire family around him including Joseph, who provided for his father’s every need. (Gen. 47:9)

UE-Jacob confessed to Pharaoh, a pagan king, the life that he had led for most of his 130 years had for the most part had been unhappy. (Gen. 47:9)

WM-For all of his striving after success, Jacob had experienced the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with God.  Jacob started out looking at life in such a positive only to have his experiences to turn him into a pessimist late in life.

(Gen. 47:9) RT-There was a distinct difference between Jacob and the Egyptians.  He had all the wealth he would ever need and had lost nothing materially during the famine, yet he was an unhappy man. In comparison the Egyptians had lost everything and were thankful to be alive and once again productive. (Gen. 47:9, 25)

C-The people spent all of their money for food.  They then turned over the livestock to Joseph to purchase food.  Finally they sold all of their land in order to survive.  At that point many of the people were moved into the cities. (Gen. 47:14-21)

C-Even the people became the property of Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:23)

C-Joseph set up a tax system whereby the people give 20% of the annual harvest to Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:24, 26)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 43

Jacob in Egypt

Genesis 46 – 47:1-12

Of all the trips I have ever made, the three to Russia stand out as some of the most memorable. There was a great deal of prayer and preparation that went into the trip. Because the opportunity had come for me to travel I believed Kazan was where God wanted me to interact with the Russian people. There was a sense it was the place I was supposed to be at that particular time.  I have been told that anytime that one travels overseas there are times when one’s emotions take them into a valley.  For some reason I only felt that the time I had to spend was too short. If I had had my wife with me, whom I missed so much, I could have happily stayed for a longer period of time. There was so much to do and so little time.  All I had to do was look around and see godlessness and sadness in the lives of the people.  I wanted everyone I met to know Jesus.  One of the things that hindered any type of overt sharing of the gospel was being in a part of Russia that was predominately Muslim. Also, the Russian Orthodox Church did not like other denominations encroaching on its domain.

There is truly a journey for the church.  The way taken leads us to helping people to come to know Jesus.   The path of life continues on as we are then to help others grow in knowledge, wisdom and practice of the gospel.  All too often we refuse to follow God’s direction.  This happens when we begin with our own agenda for making the church successful.  God in Proverbs tells us that without a clear vision the people are left with no sense of direction.  For years now the emphasis has been on getting people in the door and providing programs to hopefully keep them coming.  The problem is programs do not help people grow.  Church leaders are now realizing that a new direction that has been there all the time needs to be taken.  It is the journey of the gospel.  Only the gospel can change lives.

Genesis 46:1-4

Although called Israel by Moses, it was Jacob who started off without seeking God’s blessings on his journey.  Only after arriving at Beersheba did he offer sacrifices to God.  It was at that point that God one again spoke to him in a vision.  He called him Jacob, not Israel.  Notice He  used the name Jacob twice, which would emphasize that he had drifted away from the relationship following his time at Bethel.

When Jacob responded indicating he was ready to hear what God had to said, then God spoke. After identifying Himself he told Jacob five specific things.  They were;

• He need not be afraid to go to Egypt.
• His family would become a great nation there.
• He would be with him the whole way.
• His family would surely return to the Promised Land.
• Joseph would also be with him until he died.

Each of these would require God’s working in the life of Jacob’s descendents. None of these could be done by man alone.  Unlike Abraham and Isaac who went to Egypt in disobedience to God with disastrous consequences, God was giving Jacob permission to go and would bless the time of his families sojourn there.

1. Why did Moses use the term Israel in speaking of Jacob?
2. How did his actions show that he was the same old Jacob?
3. Why did he not offer prayer and sacrifices before starting out to Egypt?
4. Why did God call him Jacob?
5. Why were the promises so important to Jacob?
6. What did they indicate about what God planned for His people?

Genesis 46:5-7

Upon receiving the blessing of God, Jacob left Beersheba and proceeded on his way to his new home in Egypt.  The Scripture spells out what he carried with him.  It indicates that he left no one and nothing behind.  The wagons provided by Pharaoh were used to transport his family.  His whole family was brought with him into Egypt.

1. Why did Jacob wait before proceeding down into Egypt?
2. From the description of Jacob’s preparation what does it indicate about his intentions?
3. What did the trip mean for Jacob?

Genesis 46:8-27

Moses goes on to list the names of the eleven sons and their children. Remember the twelve sons would become the patriarchs of the nation of Israel.  They were the foundation upon which a great nation would be built.

He went into a little more detail with Judah not only naming Shelah, Perez, Zerah but also the sons Er and Onan who had died because of their wickedness.  Moses even goes so far as to give the names of Perez’s sons, Hezron and Hamul. There are only woman named among those who traveled to Egypt. It was Dinah, Leah’s daughter. The other was Joseph’s wife Asenath. Out of all the sons, Benjamin had the most children numbering ten.

Excluding the wives of the brothers sixty-six family members arrived in Egypt.  Of course Joseph and his family were already in the land. The total number of people descended from Jacob who would be living in a foreign land was seventy.  Upon returning to the promise land the brothers would be the founding father of each tribe and the multiple families within them that would inhabit the new land.

1. Why was it important to name all of the sons of Jacob and their sons?
2.  Why did Moses go into more detail in regards to Judah, naming not only his sons including Er and Onan, but also his grandsons, Hezron and Hamul?
3. Why was Dinah the only woman named?

Genesis 46:28

It was Judah that Jacob chose to lead the way to Joseph. He also pointed out Goshen to his father. The family did not go directly to Joseph but went into the land of Goshen. It was the Egyptian territory closes to Canaan and was ideal for the plan God had for His children four hundred thirty years later.

1. Why did Jacob choose Judah to lead the family into Egypt?
2. Why did they stop in Goshen?
3. Why did they not continue on to the place where Joseph was?
4. Why was Goshen so strategic in God’s plan for Jacob’s family?

Genesis 46:29-30

Hearing that his family had arrived in Goshen, he went out to meet his father.  Immediately upon coming to him, Joseph embraced Jacob and wept “for a long time.”  Israel responded that he could die in peace having seen his son alive and well.

1. What was Joseph’s reaction upon seeing his father?
2. What event in your life may have brought such overwhelming joy?
3. What do you think of Jacob’s response?
4. Why would he be content to die at that point?
5. How do you think you may have reacted differently?

Genesis 46:31-32

Joseph planned to go into Pharaoh to let him know that the family had arrived.  He told them that he was going to explain that they were and had always been shepherds and keepers of livestock. Pharaoh was also going to be told that they had brought all of the animals with them.  They were then given instructions of what they were to say to Pharaoh when he began to question the brothers about their occupation.  Joseph told them to repeat what he himself had said to the king.  This was to be done so Pharaoh would allow them to live in the land of Goshen. Joseph then shared that it would work to their advantage to live away from the other Egyptians because they loathed shepherds.

1. Why did Joseph see the need to go into Pharaoh and tell him that the family had arrived?
2. Why did he tell his brothers ahead of time what he planned to do?
3. What were the important specifics that they were to remember?
4. Why was it important that they live in Goshen?
5. What was Joseph trying to do by emphasizing the fact of their occupation?
6. What kind of people do we exclude from our own lives?
7. How did Joseph use the prejudices of the Egyptians?

Genesis 47:1-4

Joseph went into Pharaoh and repeated the things that he had told his father and brothers.  He shared that they were in the land of Goshen.  Initially he did say anything about where they might live. He wanted the Pharaoh’s permission before settling them into that land.  He took with him five of his brothers to introduce them to the king.  As Joseph had said the first question Pharaoh asked them had to do with their occupation.  The brothers responded as they had been instructed by Joseph. They went on to explain that they were there because the famine had destroyed the vegetation in the land that they depended on as food for the animals. Although Joseph had not told them to do so, they asked to live in Goshen.

1. Why did he take his brothers with him to see Pharaoh?
2. In what way did their conversation resemble the way we greet people today?
3. What reason did they give for being in Egypt?
4. Why was it important for them to emphasize their profession?

Genesis 47:5-6

Pharaoh seemed to restate a fact that was obvious.  His father and brothers had come to Egypt.  Possibly he said it as a lead in to his next words.  Once again he offered the best of the land to them.  He then gave them the possibility for gainful employment.  Since they were experts in the field of animal husbandry, he wanted some of them to take care of his livestock.

1. Why did Pharaoh state the obvious?
2. What were the two things he offered them?
3. Why was it important for the men to be given the opportunity to care for Pharaoh’s livestock?

Genesis 47:7

The second person to have an audience with Pharaoh was Jacob.  Before any conversation began, Jacob blessed the king.  This was would have been quite unusual for a common man to bless one of higher station. The book of Hebrews says, “But without dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.” (Hebrews 7:7)  Pharaoh had power, position and prestige but did not have the one thing of any value.  It was the relationship that Jacob had because of the covenant given to Abraham.

1. Why did Joseph wait before presenting his father to Pharaoh?
2. Why would Jacob be the one to bless Pharaoh?
3. What did Pharaoh have to offer him?
4. How do we interpret the narrative in Hebrews 7:7 in light of this event?  
5. What might have been Pharaoh’s reaction to this incident?
6. In what ways are we a position to bless others?

Genesis 47:8-9

It would have been redundant to ask Jacob about his occupation. As was obvious to all, Jacob was an old man.  Pharaoh thus asked him his age.  Men of many years were respected and venerated by those younger than them.  Jacob responded by giving not only his age of one hundred thirty, but also what kind of life he had lived.  To him life had been short and difficult.  He had not found happiness in life, primarily because of the decisions he had made and the treatment at the hands of others.  Jacob missed an opportunity to witness to a pagan what God had done in his life.  Rather than glorifying God he acted like Jacob and wallowed in self-pity.

1. Why did the Pharaoh refrain from asking about Jacob’s occupation?
2. Why was the question of his age more appropriate?
3. How was old age regarded in those days?
4. What opportunity did Jacob miss?
5. Why would he recount the misery of his life before a stranger?
6. What could be gained by his remarks?

Genesis 47:10

For a second time Jacob blessed the Pharaoh.  After his remarks it would almost seem hollow.  The only thing he could have done was indicate he hoped that Pharaoh continued success. 

1. Why did Jacob bless again?
2. What meaning could such words possibly hold after his remarks about his own life?
3. What might the blessing entail?
4. In what way might it have been self-serving?

Genesis 47:11-12

True to his word and the promise of Pharaoh, Joseph settled them in the best of the land.  They were to live in Rameses.  At the beginning of their stay he provided for his whole family because the famine was still going on.

1. How did Joseph follow through on his promise?
2. Where did the family settle?
3. What was the second part of Joseph’s promise?
4. How did he provide for his family?

 

• Prepare for the New Year by praying that God will continue with you on the new journey.
• Pray that God will help you get rid of any baggage that is weighing you down. (See Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Plan to spend more time in God’s word and meditation as you move into a new year.
• Seek out ways that you can effectively serve Him.

Each year provides us with new opportunities to serve. While we can truly thankful for all He has done in the past year we cannot remain there.  He is calling us to continue to reach out into a world that is dark and foreboding that needs the light of Jesus to shine brightly.  The events of the last year show us the importance of our witness in the world.  Let our conduct be such that our blessings will have meaning and our words will carry the power of the good news to everyone come in our sphere of influence.  It is a new day.  Father help each of us to make the most of each and every one.

Additional Notes:

BL-In chapter 46, a stunned Jacob heads to Egypt to meet the son he thought was dead.  On the way, he offers sacrifices to God and receives confirmation that this is indeed God’s plan for him. The Lord tells him in vv. 3-4, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.  I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.” (Jacob never saw Canaan again; but God was with him and his descendants in Egypt, and when Jacob died, Joseph took his body back to Canaan for burial in Genesis 50:5-13).  Verses 26-27 tell us that sixty-six of Jacob’s direct descendants, not counting Canaanite wives, went to Egypt with him, making the total living in Egypt 70 people (including Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph’s two sons).  Contrast this to the number of Jacob’s descendants tallied at Sinai one year after the Exodus from Egypt (Numbers 1:46)–a count of just the Israelite men came to 603, 550!  God really DID keep His promise to make Jacob into a great nation!  In verse 28, Jacob sends Judah ahead to get directions (here’s Biblical proof–some men DO ask for directions!), demonstrating Judah’s newfound position of leadership in the family; and in vv.29-30, we see the touching reunion of Joseph and Jacob after 22 years apart from each other.

 WM-As Jacob was beginning his journey to see Joseph, God spoke to him.  If silence of the Scriptures means anything, God had not spoken to Jacob for a long time.  We have to take notice that God used the name Jacob when calling to him. By reverting back to his old name when He called to Jacob would seem to indicate that he had not lived up to the name of one who had striven with “God and men and had prevailed.”  The many circumstances he had face in the ensuing years had sapped his resolve and energy.      (Gen. 46:2)

WM-Jacob did not inquire of God if he should proceed to go into Egypt.  He allowed the desire to see his son determine his actions.  God called out to him to let him know that it was in His plans for him to go into Egypt which of course had been in the works since the time of Abraham. (Gen. 46:1-3)

C-Jacob moves to Egypt with the full assurance that God is with him. (Gen. 46:1-7)

RT-Jacob’s move to Egypt was truly an act of faith.  Beyond seeing Joseph he did not know what lay ahead for him and his family.  He was leaving Canaan where up to now he had been able to be sustained by the land. Left behind would be all with which he was familiar and going into a land that was still ravished by the famine.  He was going based on the words of his sons that Joseph was alive.  God did speak to him as he prepared to go and gave approval for the trip. (Gen. 46:1-4)

E-God appeared to Jacob and assured him that he would become a great nation down in Egypt.  He also told Jacob that He would go with him into Egypt.  After spending time in Egypt His descendents would return to Canaan and possess the land. (Gen. 46:2-4)

C-Jacob had never expected to see Joseph again.  Now 22 years later he had his son back again.  Joseph was a man of power and authority and not the teenager who once was the messenger for his father.  He was just a boy when he disappeared out Jacob’s life.  For the first time Jacob also saw his grandson who had been born to Joseph in Egypt.        (Gen. 46:29-30)

RT- How was God going to get Israel from point A to point B.  We might even say, there are a number of sub-points or ancillary a’s and b’s to arrive at the place God had in mind for Israel.  Each was important in the sequence of events that would result in the culmination of events it took for Israel to return to possess the Promise Land.  An even greater plan was simultaneously be worked out ultimately would bring salvation to the world through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ.

If God had not intervened Jacob on his own would have never decided to relocate his family to Egypt even during a time of famine in the land.  He knew what a catastrophe the journeys of Abraham and Isaac into Egypt had been and was not about to make the same mistake.  God had promised the land to Abraham and there Jacob planned to stay. (Gen 47-49)

BL-In chapter 47, vv.1-7, Joseph chooses five of his brothers to appear before Pharoah with his father.  Pharoah graciously receives Jacob’s family and gives them the rich land of Goshen, a large, fertile valley east of the Nile, to use while they sojourn in his land.  Then Pharoah gets a surprise–instead of him, the rich and powerful ruler, blessing Jacob, he receives Jacob’s blessing!  As Pharoah’s elder, a messenger from the one true God, and the patriarch of his OWN nation, Jacob is entitled to pass a blessing down to Pharoah!  We, too, are royalty–Romans 8:17 calls us “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”–and we are to be a blessing to the unsaved around us.  Have you and I been conducting ourselves as children of the King this week?  How can we spread the “fragrance of the knowledge of Him” to the world today (see 2 Cor. 2:14)?

UE-Coming face to face with the most powerful man of his day did not keep Jacob from blessing the Pharaoh. (Gen. 47:7, 10)

GC-We are admonished to give thanks in all things. (1 Thess. 5:18)  Because of his relationship with his Father Jacob was able to accept everything that had happened in his life.  He had experienced many times of mental anguish and disappointment.  His had not been an easy life, therefore when he came before the Pharaoh he confessed that his 130 years had been difficult.  When we consider the final 17 years that God gave him things changed, because he now had his entire family around him including Joseph, who provided for his father’s every need. (Gen. 47:9)

UE-Jacob confessed to Pharaoh, a pagan king, the life that he had led for most of his 130 years had for the most part had been unhappy. (Gen. 47:9)

WM-For all of his striving after success, Jacob had experienced the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with God.  Jacob started out looking at life in such a positive only to have his experiences to turn him into a pessimist late in life.

(Gen. 47:9) RT-There was a distinct difference between Jacob and the Egyptians.  He had all the wealth he would ever need and had lost nothing materially during the famine, yet he was an unhappy man. In comparison the Egyptians had lost everything and were thankful to be alive and once again productive. (Gen. 47:9, 25)

 

 

Lesson 42

Reconciliation in a Foreign Land

Genesis 45

One of the things I enjoy doing is working puzzles.  To see all the different shaped pieces or words come together gives me a satisfaction of having completed them.  This holds true whether it happens to be a jigsaw or crossword puzzle.  One of the frustrating parts of working puzzles is having piece missing.  Of course I never realize this until the very end.  Either I find that I cannot figure out the connecting words or one of the pieces has been lost, usually in the chair or on the floor.  It goes without saying to have one piece missing spoils the whole picture.

What I have discovered is my life is somewhat like those puzzles.  God is fitting the pieces of my gifts, talents, abilities, personality and experiences into a completed picture of what He would have me to be.  Of course this can only occur if I obey Him and live the lifestyle that He has set out for me.  Quite often I am like the puzzle that is missing the right letter or the last piece because I choose to try and do things on my own.  It never works. The work that God is trying to accomplish in me is spoiled. It is only through the reconciliation that I have through Jesus that I able obey Him and truly fulfill the purpose he has for me.

What is true with each individual is also of the church.  The body is comprised of people who are different in many ways.  All too often the church does not present a complete picture of Christ at work in its midst because, we as people have our own ideas of what it should look like. We forget that we are the body and Christ is the head of the church.  Somehow we get the idea that we can function without the head.  God has called us to unity.  The one unifying person who can take all of the diverse people and make them one is His Son.  The Bible tells us that we are to be reconciled in Christ Jesus.  We are also called to be reconciled to each other.  Only when both of those things happen can we truly operate as one body, under one head. 

In God’s economy the years of heartache were about to come to an end for Jacob and Joseph.  There were details in the lives of the brothers that needed to be worked out before that could occur. God was about to do something dramatic.

Genesis 45:1-3

Upon hearing the words of his brother Judah, Joseph could no longer hold back the tears that came.  Because of Judah’s words he knew that Benjamin was loved and safe.

To be sure the emotions that brought about the weeping were a culmination of all that had happened in his life.  For years he had been the one who seemingly was in control.  There is no mention of him, other than crying when he saw Benjamin for the first time, displaying the emotions that now burst forth.  His weeping was so loud that it was heard by all of the Egyptians and as far as Pharaoh’s house. 

This was a precious time for him and at that moment he wanted to be alone with his brothers.  He ordered all of the Egyptians in the house to leave. It was to be a private time together with them when he broke the news that they were talking with the brother they thought was dead. 

Finally the time came to reveal himself to his brothers.  As has been mentioned before, he had put them through some pretty difficult times of testing.  It all culminated with the words of Judah.  The very next thing he wanted to know was Jacob was still alive. His question was one of hope that he might see his father again. Why were Judah’s words so important to Joseph?

One can only imagine the shock Joseph’s statement was to his brothers.  They could not even answer his question about his father because of their dismay. 

1. Why did the words of Judah cause such a rush of emotion from him?
2. What did he finally know about his brothers?
3. Why do we not have a record of such a display before this point?
4. Why did Joseph finally see this as the moment he could reveal himself to them?
5. In what ways might you respond to an unexpected statement like the one made by Joseph?       
6. Why did he ask again about his father?

Genesis 45:4

When he saw that they stood there before him in total disbelief, he brought them close enough so they could tell who he was.  At close range they were able to recognize him. To help them he told them something that only they would know.  He recounted the fact that they had sold him to those going down to Egypt.  It is not difficult to understand why the brothers had trouble recognizing him. Aside from the twenty some years since they had seen him, they had assumed that he was probably dead, based on their previous conversations.

To accept the fact that he was actually alive would make them face the reality of what they had done to him.  They at that point did not know what Joseph might do to them.  He had the power to mete out a severe punishment in revenge.

Remember, how the disciples had trouble recognizing Jesus after His resurrection. He had only been away from them three days. Mary, the men on the Road to Emmaus and the disciples on the first night were not sure to whom they were talking.

1. Why it hard for the brothers to believe that the man standing before them was actually Joseph?
2. What had they assumed had happened to them?
3.  Why do we have a difficult time recognizing people in different circumstances?
4. Why did the brothers possibly not want to believe that it was actually Joseph?
5. What could Joseph had done to them at that moment?
6. What previous actions by him would indicate that he was not going to take revenge on them?

Genesis 45:5-8

Then came the moment Joseph had desired from the very beginning. His words were those of forgiveness and reconciliation. He first tried to alleviate any fears they had about what might happen to them.  Indeed they had sold him into Egypt.  Joseph, however, saw the hand of God in everything that happened.  He believed that God was the One who actually had sent him to Egypt to preserve the lives of not only the Egyptians but his own family.  Of course until that moment even Joseph could not have known the plans God had for him and his family.

He explained that the famine was not going to end immediately, but would be lasting another five years.  To reinforce what he had just told them he again said to them, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.”

What a beautiful picture of grace is found in this one verse.  Colossians 1:21-22 says, “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshy body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.”  In Romans Paul said, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) They had done nothing to deserve the kindness of their brother, but he freely gave them what they could not do for themselves.  They had the opportunity to be free from guilt and a new life under his protection and care.

Joseph’s brothers were in a position where they could not help themselves.  Because of the famine they did not even have the ability to provide for their own families.  They had to put all of their trust in the hands of Joseph.  The one so despised was now the only one who could save them.  Again in Romans are found these words, “While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”  (Romans 5:6)

God had allowed all of the events to take place. Through Joseph He was going to preserve His people.  Much more has been given to man through the work of His Son.

1. What was the greatest gift Joseph could give his brothers?
2. Why was he able to forgive them?
3. For what purpose had God sent him into a hostile and alien world?
4. Why did God send His son into a world alienated from Him?
5. What two things could Joseph do for them that they could not do for themselves?
6. What did Jesus do for us that we cannot do?

 

Genesis 45:9-11

Joseph did not waste any time in giving his brothers a new command. They were to leave immediately return to Jacob with the news that he was master in Egypt. The second part of the command of the command was to bring his father down to him. He even told them that they would live in the land of Goshen, once all of them came down from Canaan. This was to be a strategic move in the plan of God.  By living in Goshen they would be insulated from the influences of the Egyptian culture.  They would be able to maintain their identity as God’s chosen people. Also, when the famine ended it would be a good land for maintaining their flocks.

To Joseph the most important factor was that he would have his family close by and he would be able to provide for all of their needs.  If they had any idea that they would be able to sustain themselves at home, he again told them that the famine would continue for another five years.

1. Why was Joseph so anxious for his brothers to return to Canaan?
2. What did he tell them they were to do?
3. What was the significance of the land of Goshen?
4. How can Goshen be an example for God’s people today?
5. What did it mean for Joseph to have his family close by him?
6. How important was it for Joseph to be in the position he was in Egypt? Why?

Genesis 45:12

Again Joseph emphasized to them that he truly was their brother.  From his words it is clear that after recovering from the shock that he was still alive and in a powerful position, they finally recognized him. More important to him was the fact that Benjamin now knew that his brother was standing right in front of him.

1. Why did Joseph once again have to explain to his brothers that it was he who was speaking to them?
2. Why does it sometimes take us a long time to accept the reality of things that are right before us?
3. Why was it important to him that Benjamin recognize him?

Genesis 45:13

Joseph knew that his father would not leave Canaan just to obtain food.  He therefore told his brothers they were to share the position Joseph held and how Jacob would live in comfort with him in Egypt.  They would be eyewitnesses to all he had told them. Once again he commanded them to bring his father down to him.  He once again spoke of the urgency of the mission.

1. What would it take to get Jacob to leave Canaan?
2. Why did Joseph speak of the splendor as a personal matter?
3. Why was the task he gave his brothers so urgent?

Genesis 45:14-15

Again Joseph was overcome the by emotion of having his brothers with him.  His tears may have also come because of their reticence to believe that he was actually their brother and that he did not hold what they had done against them.  He first wept on Benjamin’s neck.  Then he kissed his brothers and embraced them as he wept.  This was the sign that the brothers needed to know that all had been forgiven.  They were then able to fellowship with him.  It was a freedom that they had not experienced in a long time.

1. Why was Joseph again overcome by emotion?
2. Why would they brothers still been cautious?
3. Why did he first weep on the neck of Benjamin?
4. At what point did the brothers have a sense of relief?
5. What does freedom allow us to do and be a relationship?
6. In what way does this incident once again show the grace of God?
7. Why are we sometimes so cautious about being free in our relationship with Him?

Genesis 45:16-20

Pharaoh heard about the arrival of Joseph’s brothers. Because of the relationship he had with Joseph, he and his whole household were pleased that the family was back together and Joseph was no longer alone in Egypt.  The Pharaoh then gave provisions for the trip.  He also instructed Joseph that his family would be able to live on the best land of Egypt. This opened the door for the fulfillment of Joseph’s promise that they would live in Goshen. The brothers would not have to walk or ride on donkeys for the journey to and from Canaan. Pharaoh provided wagons to transport all of Jacob’s family to Egypt.

1. Why did it please Pharaoh when he heard that Joseph’s brothers had arrived?
2. What does this say about his relationship with Joseph?
3. How did he make the trip easier?
4. What important promise did he make to Joseph?
5. Why was such a promise so important?
6. What was the trip down to Egypt to mean for Jacob’s family?
7. In what way does this symbolize what God is trying to do for us?

Genesis 45:21-23

Besides the wagons that Pharaoh had provided, Joseph made his own contribution for the trip.  He gave them changes of garments.  To Benjamin he gave him a gift of three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. 

For his father he sent:

• Ten donkey with all the best that Egypt had to offer
• Ten female donkeys loaded with grain
• Bread and sustenance for the trip down to Egypt.

His parting words to his brothers as they left were for them not to quarrel on the trip.  He had seen evidence in the past and wanted to hurry and not be caught up in any quibbling about what needed to occur.

1. Why did he give more to Benjamin?
2. What does God provide for us to carry out His purpose in this world?
3. Why did he warn them not to quarrel along the way?
4. What could the subject of any arguments?
5. What did he want to happen?
6. In what ways does conflict slow down what God wants to accomplish through the church?

Genesis 45:25-28

When the brothers returned to Canaan they brought the news to Jacob that Joseph was alive.  He went on to say that he was ruler over all of Egypt.  As would be expected he was shocked at the words of his sons.  At first he did not believe.  He was finally convinced by the words of that Joseph had shared with his brothers. The other evidence that could not be denied was all of the provisions that had been sent to him.  The Bible tells us that his spirit revived. This could be mean two things:

• That he recovered from the shock of hearing Joseph was alive.
• For the first time in years happiness and joy returned to his life and he once again felt alive.

Moses then called him Israel.  It was to be the one who had been given the covenant of God who would be the one to go down to Egypt.  Jacob would be left behind in Canaan.  God was about to begin a new chapter in the history of His people.  They were about to begin the journey that would fulfill the prophecy given back in Genesis 15:13-14.  Israel immediately planned to go down to see the son he thought was dead but now alive.

1. Why would it be a natural thing for Jacob to be stunned by the words of his sons?
2. Why did he not believe them?
3. What did it take for him to accept their words?
4. What does the Scripture means when it speaks of Jacob’s spirit was revived?
5. Why did Moses change from using the name Jacob to once again calling him Israel?
6. How was what about to occur, a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Abraham?
7. What evidence do we need that will enable us to strike out on the journey God has planned for each of us?

What a beautiful picture has been given through this passage in Genesis about forgiveness and reconciliation.  It has been part of God’s plan ever since the garden to bring mankind back into an intimate relationship with Him.  What does this narrative say to you about how we view others and God?

• Always be willing to take the initiative to forgive.
• Salvation in your life is God reconciling you to Himself.
• Read 2 Cor. 5:17-21 and Col. 1:20-22 to get a clear picture of what God wants to do in your life.
• Remember that ultimate forgiveness comes from God
• Renew your relationship with the Father who loves you enough to send His Son as you celebrate this Christmas.
• Read Roman 8:28-29
• Realize that what we may consider a difficulty may be part of God’s plan for your life.
• Remember God is continually providing you with the strength received through the Holy Spirit for the challenges facing you.

When we read an account of people’s lives like the one we have just finished, it should give us a sense that God truly had done a marvelous work.  To think that it took twenty some years and a famine to bring the family back to together, is amazing.

Stories like this are happening all around us.  Every time someone comes to Christ it is as a lost member of the God’s family has come home.  We all too often take the salvation of an individual for granted.  To God and it should be to us an event of epic proportion.  The battle for men’s souls is never going to be easy, because the world and all it offers is so attractive.  As we read in Colossians each of us at some point lived apart from God and hostile to him.  While in that condition we were engaged in activities contrary to God’s will for us. 

Our business is an important aspect of what God is trying to do in this perverse and crooked world.  We are to be those who live out the good news and sharers of the gospel to those who desperately need it.  Only then will the reconciliation promised in the Bible take place.  Let us have the heart of Joseph and do everything possible to see people saved.

Additional notes:

BL- In chapter 45, vv. 4-11, Joseph fulfills that purpose for which he was ultimately intended.  He graciously (with emphasis on the word “grace”!) forgives his brothers for all they have done to him, freeing them from the prison of guilt and fear they have lived in for 22 years.  Rather than punishing them, which is what they expect (and deserve!), Joseph tells them in vv. 5-7, “. . .do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. .  .to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”  Joseph has saved his family from starvation; but by bringing them to Egypt, he is also protecting them from succumbing to the influence of the pagan peoples of Canaan. Several of his brothers have already married Canaanite women, thereby endangering the inheritance that God has in store for Jacob’s tribe.  In Egypt, Joseph knows they will be safe–he tells them his brothers in 46:34 that the Egyptians despise shepherds, so the Israelites are certain to be left by themselves.  Thus, as Pharoah’s top administrator, Joseph is able both to preserve his family and to ensure their future success as a nation set apart for God.

Buddy stopped here to point out some ways in which Joseph parallels our Lord Jesus Christ.  Like Joseph, Christ provides forgiveness from sin and salvation from death; but we must come to Him to receive it, just as Joseph’s brothers had to leave Canaan and come to Joseph to find grain.  Like Joseph, Christ does not punish us as we so justly deserve;  but when we come to Him in true repentance, He graciously forgives us and restores us to fellowship with Him.  And like Joseph, our Lord provides for the needs of His children and continues to bless us with innumerable blessings.

RT-Life is too short not to be reconciled with those we perceive as having done wrong to us.  God calls us to forgive them.  The attitude of Joseph should be held up as an example for us.  Out of life’s circumstance we should be able to see the hand of God moving in our lives for our good and the benefit of others.  Joseph certainly did not view all that happened in his life with a selfish victim mentality.  He was able to see the bigger picture.  His hope from the beginning, knowing that his father was still alive, may have been to have the opportunity to preserve his family.  Long gone were the thoughts of the dreams he had dreamed those 32 years earlier, even if they were now coming to fruition.  They were replaced by the joy of seeing his family once again. (Gen. 45:2-8)

 C-The brothers displayed a change of attitude towards Joseph. (Gen. 45:3-15)

RT- Joseph’s brothers tried to rid themselves of what they construed to be their problem only to find salvation in Egypt where Joseph had been sent by God. (Gen. 45:5, 7)

UE-After all he had experienced since his brothers had sold him, he would say, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Gen. 45:5, 7-8, 20)

TM-Joseph’s statement about the preservation of his family is a lesson for each of us.  We are each here at this particular time and place for a purpose given to us from God.  Paul called it a “holy calling not according to our works, but according to God’s purpose.” (2 Tim. 1:9) We must not be so blind and have closed minds to miss what God has for us to do or be.  He saw events like this one from God’s perspective.               (Gen. 45:5-8)

TM-Joseph’s reaction is also an important lesson for us about forgiveness. (Gen. 45:5)

GC-When Joseph stated to his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve life,” we can clearly see that each person has a purpose in life.  If we are willing to acknowledge that fact, we will be able to accomplish that purpose. (Gen. 45:5; 50:19)

M-The one thing that kept Joseph going all those years was the realization that it was God who sent him to Egypt.  Now, with the arrival of his brothers, he realized the purpose for which he had borne all the trials, disappointments and imprisonment.  He had been sent “to preserve for you (Jacob’s family) a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. (Gen. 45:7)

GC-Why did Joseph expect God to act?  He had seen God at work in every situation in which he found himself.  Because he saw his life in relation to that strong conviction, when he had an opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he neither wanted to nor felt the necessity to do so.  How many different opportunities did he have to punish his brothers?  Why did he not do it?  After his father had died, why were the brothers so concerned? (Gen. 45:7; 50:15-20)

C-Once Joseph could not save him from the schemes of his brothers.  He now was able to save them and his father from sure death if they had remained in Canaan. (Gen. 45:7-8;

GC-Why did Joseph expect God to act?  He had seen God at work in every situation in which he found himself.  Because he saw his life in relation to that strong conviction, when he had an opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he neither wanted to nor felt the necessity to do so.  How many different opportunities did he have to punish his brothers?  Why did he not do it?  After his father had died, why were the brothers so concerned? (Gen. 45:7; 50:15-20)

RT- No one would logically think that a teenage dreamer in Jacob’s home would one day become a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in power and authority.                                 (Gen 45:8-26; 47:4, 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 41

Judah, the Leader Emerges

Genesis 44

The whole idea of leadership has fascinated me for a long time.  I have enjoyed reading of the lives of men who have risen above others in history who have set the course for the nation.  Some of my favorites have been people like Martin Luther, D.L Moody and Charles Spurgeon who faced difficulties early in life but overcame them.  Many years ago I happened to find a biography of Alexander Whyte among some books that the library at the IMB was selling.  He was a Scottish pastor, who rose from a background as an illegitimate child to be one of the foremost leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.  He overcame the lack of education and became a very prolific writer.  I have one of his books on the apostle Paul which I have found very insightful. 

What I have learned from the lives of these me is there is no difficulty in life that cannot not be overcome.  As these men faithfully followed God He used them in ways that are still impacting the world today.  D.L Moody has not only a church named after him by an university. Moody Bible Institute was started by him in the city of Chicago in the 1800’s and still produces some of the finest church leaders in our country today.

If we are willing to open our eyes we might discover men who can be the leaders of today and the future. One reason that we are not producing strong Christian leaders in our church today is that we do not have in place the means to train them.  Our view of leadership has not been to raise up spiritual leaders, but to look to those who can maintain the status quo of administration, committees and the same programs that have been in place for years. Men like Billy Graham have been men willing to be innovative and willing to risk everything for Jesus Christ.  Complacency has become the name of the game for the vast majority of us who sit in the pew each and every Sunday. 

The brothers faced a new challenge as they left Egypt for the second time.  Who would step up and save them from the predicament in which they found themselves?  Was there one among them of such a character that he was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the others?  We shall discover if such a man was to be found from the eleven brothers.

Genesis 44:1-2

Joseph prepared for the last test of his brothers.  For reasons known only to him, he chose not to reveal himself to his brothers.  Possibly, he wanted to make sure that Benjamin would be safe as he travelled back with his brothers.  Would they actually protect him or cause him harm.  Joseph had to be sure before he would allow them to leave. 

He had his steward load up the donkeys with grain.  In addition to the food stuff, he also returned the money to them once again.  Into Benjamin’s sack he put his silver cup.  The servant obeyed his command and did as he was told.

1. Why did Joseph continue to test his brothers?
2. Why did Joseph put the cup specifically in the Benjamin’s bag?
3. What did he think would be accomplished by his actions?
4. What was he trying to discover about his brothers?
5. How many of you would you have continued the testing? Why?
6. How many of you would have revealed yourself at the lunch or at least before they left on their journey?

Genesis 44:3-5

The men were sent off with what they thought had been purchased in Egypt.  Since the man had let them go their worries were behind them.  That was not to be the case.  Almost as soon as they had left and hardly gotten out of the city that Joseph ordered his servant to go after them.  Once again they were going to be accused of wrong doing.  The servant was to inquire of them. “Why have you repaid evil for good?”  They were charged with having stolen the cup used personally by Joseph.  The mention of divination does not mean that he would have participated in such pagan rituals, but the practice was very common in that part of the world.

1. Why would the men conclude that everything was alright?
2. After their last experience what might they have done to eliminate any suspicion?
3. Why was the servant to make the statement about the cup?
4. Why would Joseph state that the cup was used for divination when he probably did not participate in such rituals?

Genesis 44:6-13

When the servant caught up to the men and spoke the words of Joseph to them, they were astonished at what was being said.  They proclaimed their innocence even repeating the same defense that they used before Joseph previously.  Surely if they had that brought back the money they had found in their bags of grain from their first trip, they would not have stolen the silver cup.  They were so sure that they were telling the truth they were willing for the culprit to become the slave of Joseph. The servant agreed to their offer.

At that point every man put his sack on the ground and opened them.  The servant then searched each one beginning with Reuben and working his way down to Benjamin. He knew what he would find.  The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.  The brothers then tore their clothes in grief because they knew what was about to happen.  It meant that they would have to return to their father without the youngest brother. They then loaded the donkeys and went back into the city.

1. Why did Joseph have his servant pursue the brothers?
2. What was the response of the men?
3. Why were they certain the charge of the servant could not be true?
4. Why did the servant search from the oldest to the youngest when he already knew the location of the cup?
5. What do you think of Joseph’s actions?

Genesis 44:14-16

The brothers were brought back to Joseph’s home.  Knowing that they would be back he had not left, but was waiting for them. He questioned about their actions.  Still playing the role of ruler he emphasized the importance of the cup in being able to practice divination.

Judah then said four things of Joseph.

• How could they say anything to him?
• What could they do to justify themselves before him?
• Confessed what they had done to Joseph, without actually saying it.  It is obvious he was not talking about the latest incident which had come on them because of what they had done in the past.
• He included all of the brothers in conceding that they were all to become slaves not just Benjamin.  In the mind of Judah, he was finally beginning to see that they all were a family not just the ten older brothers.

Since Judah spoke there is no evidence that the other brothers responded in any way.  By letting him speak, Joseph had no way of knowing what was in the minds of the brothers.  Judah had promised to bring Benjamin back.  Is it possible that they were willing let him be the fall guy for the rest of them?  They may have been surprised when he offered that all of them become slaves.

1. Why did Joseph continue with playing the role of ruler?
2. Why did he still delay in revealing who he was?
3. What do the statements by Judah show what happened in his life?
4. How does the last statement show about how he felt about Benjamin?

Genesis 44:17

Joseph did not appear to accept Judah’s plea.  He stuck with his original plan of making the thief his slave and letting the others go. He evidently was still not satisfied with a lack of action and words from any of his brothers, except Judah.  There would be no benefit for all of the brothers to remain.  It would have meant the death of their entire family if they did not return with grain. 

Joseph was adamant.  It was to be Benjamin who must remain. By keeping him in Egypt he could assure his safety.  At that moment that was all he cared about.

1. Why did Joseph refuse to accept Judah’s proposal?
2. What could have been taking place in the minds of the other brothers who had not responded as did Judah?
3. What would have been lost if he detained all of the brothers?
4. What was his true purpose in insisting that Benjamin stay with him?
5. What could the brothers had done that would have convinced him that his brother would indeed be safe with them?

Genesis 44:18-29

Judah was not going to give up that easily. He had made a promise to his father and he meant to keep it if at all possible.  Once again he asked to speak with Joseph more privately.  He hoped he could speak without making the ruler angry.  He recounted to Joseph all of the events that had brought them to the place they were that day.  Included in his story were Joseph’s own words asking about the brother’s family.  They had responded not knowing that he would demand that Benjamin come with them if they expected to buy more grain. In answering him they tried to explain what would happen to their father if harm came to the land.  Judah shared that Joseph had still insisted that the brother return with them or no grain would be available to them.

He continued by telling Joseph about the things that took place when they had gone back to Canaan.  When they ran low on grain Jacob instructed them to go buy more grain.  They refused unless Benjamin would go with them. Jacob’s reaction was to recount the story of the two sons of Rachel. One was gone and probably dead and he could not bear to think that he might lose the other one.  He truly believed that to lose Benjamin would grieve the rest of his life.

1. Why did Judah approach Joseph one more time?
2. Why do you think it was necessary for him to recount everything that had happened to them beginning with their first trip?
3. Why did he let Joseph know why it was so important that they return with Benjamin?
4. What could Joseph see about Judah in that confession?
5. What else did Joseph need to hear?

Genesis 44:30-31

Then came the climax of the story.  It was the reason that Judah was willing to risk to speaking to one who was so powerful in Egypt. If Benjamin was not returned to Jacob, Judah was afraid that the news would bring death to his father.  In his heart the responsibility for his father’s death would not fall on Joseph, but squarely on their shoulders. He knew that Jacob would die of a broken heart.

1. Why was Judah willing to risk speaking to Joseph after he had dismissed Judah’s plead?
2. What did he want to emphasize to the ruler?
3. What was the change that we can see in the life of Judah?
4. Why would he not blame Joseph for what would happen to Jacob?
5. In what way may this have been a subconscious admission of what had happened in the family when Joseph was living with them?

Genesis 44:32-34

Everything that had occurred came down to this one moment. All the give and take, the role playing, the struggles of Jacob and his sons over the issue of Benjamin was only preparation for this crucial point in time.  The man facing Joseph was the key to the future of Israel. He reached a turning point in his life as he spoke with him. He had promised that he would bring Benjamin back or bear full responsibility if anything happened to him. To speak such words when it is only theoretical, is one thing, but to be faced with the reality of it is actually coming to fruition is totally different.  The question he had to answer was would he be true to his word or continue to live only for himself?  It was the critical moment that each faces in one way or another. He could leave Benjamin in Egypt and walk away from his responsibility or prove himself to be the man of integrity that he had claimed to be to Joseph.  The decision made by Judah showed the transformation that had taken place in his life since the day he was part of selling Joseph into slavery.

Judah was now willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his father and his brother.  He was going to offer himself up to take his Benjamin’s place as a slave of Joseph.  To do so meant he would no longer have the freedom to roam throughout the land as a shepherd.  It would almost guarantee that he would never see his father, brothers or his own children ever again. He was willing to lay down his life for the preservation of his brother. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  This was the man that Judah had become.  Notice that Joseph did not utter a single word during this entire discourse. Judah could now only wait to hear the decision of the ruler who held his and his brother’s destiny in his hands. Why was time before Joseph a turning point in Judah’s life?

1.  What were Judah’s options as he stood before Joseph?
2. What did his words tell us about him at that moment?
3. How much is this like what Jesus did for each of us?
4. What did it mean for Judah personally to come to the conclusion he did?
5. If you were standing in his place what would you have done?
6. In what ways does your life show the willingness to sacrifice all for Christ?

Each of you have come or will arrive at that one critical moment that will decide your eternal future.  It is a reality, not theory that all must face because each of you will spend eternity someplace. What we have read in this account is in essence the gospel, the good news of what Christ has done for the salvation of mankind.

• Know for a fact that difficult decisions are going to be a part of each of your lives.
• Prepare beforehand through continual prayer knowing that God will provide the  strength to face the challenges in your life.
• Honestly ask yourself, have you willingly given your life over to Christ to do with it as He pleases.
• Consider Judah’s decision and see if you are willing to sacrifice everything you hold dear for others.
• Be sure of your stand with Christ.  Without Him you can truly do nothing.

We live in a world that would look at the decisions made by a man like Judah as sheer foolishness.  Why would anyone give up everything to help someone else out of a jam?  The church is to be a place which exemplifies the heart and mind of that one man. He can be seen as a type of Christ in his willingness to sacrifice everything he held dear to save his brother.  Christ has called us to be that kind of person.  We are here not to glorify or protect ourselves but to give our all to God for His glory.  Paul expressed very well in Romans when he wrote, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

To fall short of this kind of stance is to leave the Benjamin’s of this world wondering what the future holds for them.  Let us be willing to step up and care enough that they no longer have to wonder but have the full assurance of salvation, because we care enough to make a difference in their lives.

Additional notes:

WM-The sons of Jacob found themselves in a situation which they did not understand or over which they had no control.  Their destiny seemed to be in the hands of this strange leader in Egypt.  The more they dealt with him the worse things became. (Gen. 44:7-15)

C-Upon their return to Egypt Judah became the spokesman for the brothers in place of Reuben. (Gen. 44:16-33)

RT-When Joseph made the accusation against the brothers what would be the achieved by enslaving all of them?  Would not action eliminate any opportunity for him to see his father, Jacob? (Gen. 44:16-17)

C-Men who had on occasion shown no mercy now themselves begged for it before the man who made strange requests of them. (Gen. 44:16, 32-34)

M-Judah lived up to the commitment which he had made to his father.  He interceded for and was for Benjamin and was will to take his place knowing it meant lifelong slavery for himself. (Gen. 44:18-34)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 40

The Dreaded Trip

Genesis 43

There have been numerous times in my life when I dreaded the consequences of something that was occurring in my life. When I was a kid it was usually because it was because I had disobeyed my parents and knew what would happen when the truth became known.  There were two types of discipline that struck fear in my heart.  The first was the fast and immediate justices meted out by my mother who believed spare the rod spoil the child.  The second was just as potent.  It was the proverbial, “Just wait until your dad gets home.”  Which was worse I do not know.  I guess the waiting for several hours had a greater effect.  Even as an adult, the words from your boss that would go something like, “I want to speak to you Monday morning,” would leave one wondering what have I messed up? What has gone wrong?  Then the thoughts go through the mind, “Am I being let go on Monday.”  Whatever the situation in life, justice may come immediately or if it is delayed the results are still the same.

Probably there are two things churches dread most of all.  One is the day when a beloved leader tells the congregation that he is either retiring or has been called to another church.  The other is in the area of church discipline.  When dealing with discipline it means that a person has to be confronted with what he or she has done. None of us like confrontation, but the closer we are to a person the more difficult it becomes. The reason that many churches are weak and divided is their refusal to face the reality that at some point, in a loving way, a person will be called on the carpet for their actions. Let us hope that we will deal with the issue as Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15-18.

The brothers were about to face Joseph once again.  They had probably dreaded the moment when they would have to make the trip. What difference having Benjamin with them would make, they did not know. With fear and trepidation they prepared and made the journey to Egypt and the unknown.

Genesis 43:1-2

The famine continued and had actually gotten worse.  It is hard to say what was going on in the mind of Jacob.  Possibly he had hoped if he delayed long enough in sending Benjamin to Egypt that the famine would break and they could once again grow their own food.  He may have concluded that surely the man in Egypt would not remember everyone who had come to him for food and would have forgotten the words spoken to the brothers. It did not happen and Jacob had to face the reality that they were running out of food and the ten older brothers would have to once again have to make the trip down to Egypt.

1. Why did Jacob delay so long in sending his sons back to Egypt?
2. Why do you put off things that you may dread doing?
3. What usually happens when you try to avoid doing what needs to be done?
4. Why did he think that Joseph would forget?
5. What did he not know at that point?

Genesis 43:3-5

The time had come for Judah to begin to take the leadership role in his family.  Something had changed in his life since the time spent away from the family.  He had matured.  Now for the first time he refused to obey his father.  Having already been in Egypt he had seen how adamant Joseph had was they would not be allowed to buy grain, unless the youngest brother was with them.  The words of Joseph had so shaken them to the core that they would rather go hungry than to face him again.  Judah therefore, told his father that the he and his brothers would not go without Benjamin.  They would, however, obey him if he went with them.

1. Why did Judah step forward and not one of the other brothers to speak to Jacob?
2. Why did he refuse to obey his father?
3. What did the rebellion show about the impact that Joseph’s words and actions had on the ten brothers?
4. How did they view Joseph?
5. How did his words show a shift in the leadership of the family?
6. What was the condition to be met if they were to return to Egypt?

Genesis 43:6

In his self absorption, Jacob was able to turn the events around in a way to once again blame his sons for all his problems.  Here is a man who did not have the capacity to see that he was the source of all that was wrong in the family.  His treatment of the older brothers had led to the family coming apart at the seams. Now he condemned them for being truthful before Joseph.

1. What was Jacob’s main problem?
2. How does such self-centeredness affect a family?
3. What would it take to break him from his behavior?
4. What was behind his attitude of always blaming his sons for his problems?
5. What does it take to resolve such issues in a family?
6. Why is it that some people are never able to take responsibility for their actions?

Genesis 43:7

The men tried to explain again the reason they had shared about the family.  As they explained they innocently and truthfully answered the questions put to them.  How could they possibly know that what they were being asked about Jacob and Benjamin would lead to the demand that they bring the youngest brother back to Egypt. 

1. Why did the sons even bother repeating what had happened in Egypt?
2. Why did they feel that they needed to justify their actions?
3. What do you think of their explanation?
4. What affect would it have on their relationship with their father?
5. What have been some instances when you innocently answered questions unaware that the one asking them had an agenda?

Genesis 43:8-10

Judah stepped forward putting himself in the tenuous situation of being responsible for the safe return of Benjamin.  There was a more important reason for the return of the youngest brother back to Jacob.  If they did not go down and get more food the safety of Benjamin would be a mute point.  The whole family, including Benjamin, would die of hunger.

Again Judah emphasized to Jacob that he understood how important his son was to him.  He took full responsibility for the safe return.  This was different than Reuben’s offer earlier.  He was willing to sacrifice his sons.  That was not the same as putting your own life on the line.

The last statement by Judah also carried a lot of weight.  Because of Jacob’s selfishness the whole family was in jeopardy.  They could have made at least two trips if they had not been delayed by him. If they had been allowed to travel back the dilemma they now faced could have been avoided.  It would have been far better to make the journey while they still had plenty of supplies.  At that point it was a do or die situation.        

1. What does Judah’s offer show about the change that had taken place in his life?
2. What do you think of the way he approached his father?
3. What was the difference between his offer and that of Reuben?
4. What did that difference show about the character of each man?
5. Why is it important for you to take personal responsibility when making difficult decisions?

Genesis 43:11-15

When confronted with the reality of the situation, Jacob agreed that they should go. To appease the man they took with them spices and other things from Canaan.  They also had the money that they had brought back from Egypt the funds that would be needed to purchase more grain. Of course Benjamin also went with them.  Although spoken directly to his sons his parting words were more like a prayer. He sought compassion from the ruler in Egypt.  Then he expressed the despondency that he truly felt. It was almost as if he did not hold out hope that any of them would return. With those words ringing in their ears, they set off on their journey carrying Benjamin with them.  The men arrived and stood in front of Joseph.

1. Why did Jacob finally agree for the sons to go back to Egypt?
2. Why did he send the gift of spices with them?
3. What else did he do in order to appease the ruler in Egypt?
4. In what way does this sound like the old Jacob?
5. What was the one thing that the sons been asked to do?
6. Why did he still have a problem with what the ruler had required?
7. What did his last statements indicate about his feelings about the trip?
8. Although not mentioned, what is missing in his actions and words?
9. Why did he ask for compassion from the ruler and not God?
10. What might they expect as they stood before Joseph?

Genesis 43:16-23

Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke, Joseph’s reaction upon seeing Benjamin, gives a clear indication that he had been anxiously waiting for the return of his brothers.  Before he even spoke to them, he gave orders to his servant to prepare a feast for them and bring them into his home to have lunch with him.  It must have been confusing and disconcerting to them when they found out that they were to eat with him.  Their reaction was one of fear.  They assumed that they were being brought into Joseph’s house so he could accuse them of stealing the money that he had given back to them. The possible punishment would be to be thrown into prison. To set the story straight they approached his steward and explained how they had found the money in the bags. They even explained to him that they had not only brought the money back but more money to purchase grain. It was a total mystery how the money had been returned to them.

To their surprise the steward told them not to worry.  His explanation may have seemed strange to them.  God was given the credit for the return of the money. He shared that he was the one who had their money and with that statement implied he had been the one who returned the money to them. At that point Simeon was brought from jail to be with his brothers at the meal.

1. What evidence do we have that Joseph anticipated the return of his brothers?
2. Why did he want his brothers to eat with them?
3. What was their reaction to the news that they were to dine with him?
4. What good did they think their explanation of the money would do?
5. Why were they talking to the servant about it?
6. How would you react if you were to suddenly be invited to dine with someone you did not even know?
7. What act showed them the good will of Joseph toward them?
8. Why did they have trouble believing any good could come out of this event?

Genesis 43:24-25

Even though they had done nothing to deserve what took place, the men were treated as welcomed and honored guests.  Water was provided for them to wash their dusty feet.  The servant also took care of the donkeys giving them fodder.  Knowing they were going have lunch with Joseph they got ready to present the gift of spices, honey and nuts which they had brought with them from Canaan.

1. What would have been the reaction of the men based on how they were being treated?
2. In what ways were they treated as honored guest?
3. What did they hope to accomplish by giving gifts to Joseph?
4. Were the gifts really necessary?
5. In what ways is what has taken place a picture of grace?
6. How do you prepare to receive God’s grace?

Genesis 43:26

Immediately upon his arrival, the brothers brought to him the gift prepared for meeting with him. Then once again they bowed in homage before him.  It was also done out respect for his position as one having authority over them for good or evil.

1. Why did they waste no time in presenting him with the gifts?
2. What other signs did they use to get into the good graces of Joseph?
3. For whose benefit were these things done?
4. What truly could be gained by doing them?

Genesis 43:27-28

There is no record of how he received the gifts.  His interests lay not in gifts or even having the men bow before him. It is interesting that Joseph immediately wanted to know how they were doing.  He then asked about Jacob, wanting to know if he was well and still alive. The men still had to be confused about all that was happening.  They were somehow able to focus and answered Joseph’s questions in the order he had asked them. He was well and he was still alive. Having answered the questions they once again bowed before him.

1. Why did Joseph almost seem to disregard the gifts?
2. In what way did it seem strange for him to ask about their welfare?
3. Who was truly the focus of the conversation?
4. Why did the men feel it necessary to once again bow before Joseph?

Genesis 43:29-31

Now came the moment for which Joseph had been longing.  Right before him was his brother.  It may have been a rhetorical question but he asked his brothers to confirm the identity of Benjamin.  Satisfied, still in character of the Egyptian governor he blessed him. Overcome with emotions that had to be released, he left his brothers and found a place in his chamber to weep.  His tears were of joy at seeing his brother for the first time in over twenty years.  Once he composed himself he returned and had the meal served.

 

1. Why did he only focus on his brother after asking about Jacob and the brother’s welfare?
2. Why did he ask the brothers to verify that it was Benjamin?
3. Why did he continue playing the role of the Egyptian governor?
4. How would you have handled the situation?
5. How was he able to come back and outwardly carry on with the meal?

Genesis 43:32-34

At the feast there were three separate groups. 

• Joseph would have been at a table by himself because of his position.
• The Egyptians would have eaten by themselves because of their prejudices against the  Hebrews.
•  The twelve brothers would have been together. Their arrangement astonished them.  They were seated at the table according to age.

Joseph then provided for them from his own table. Benjamin’s portion was five times greater than the others.  For a moment they were able to relax and enjoy their time with Joseph.  This goodwill was short lived as shall be seen next week.

1. What does the arrangement at the feast show us about the attitudes of people towards others?
2. Why was the order of seating of the brothers astonishing to them?
3. What other actions by Joseph would have left them confused?
4. How were they able to reconcile the man they had met before with the host at the meal?
5. What clues were given that there was more of attachment to the family than was on the surface of what was taking place?
6. Why did the brothers for the most part remain clueless?
7. What else could Joseph do to wake them up as to his identity?
8. Why did he not just reveal himself to them at that moment?

All of us will face difficult times in our lives. It is not the situation in particular that should concern us but the true indicator of our faith but how we deal with it that counts. What are some things we can do that shows the thing we dread has gotten the upper hand?

• Do not let your dread of facing difficult situations paralyze you from taking actions.
• Even when you do not know the outcome of events do not act in a selfish manner that may put someone else in harms-way just to protect yourself.
• Pray for God’s protection and direction when confronted with events beyond your control.
• Trust God to lead you through difficult times.
• Like Judah be courageous and take responsibility when times are tough.
• Remember we do not deserve grace but God is the One who has provided the free gift.

We truly do live in a world of uncertainty.  All we have to do is look around us and see a world that is coming loose at the seams.  We can approach the dilemma we face in one of two ways.  We can either succumb to feelings of uncertainty or we can trust that God ultimately is in control of history. The church all too often acts like this world is out final home when in reality we are indeed only passing through.  God has given us a gift that should help us overcome any fear or dread we might have of the chaos in this world.  It is the guarantee of eternal life given to us as a result of the work Jesus did on the cross.  Unlike the brothers who could not recognize, because they were blind with their own fears, the one who was showing grace to them.  God, very clearly has pointed us to His Son through the gospel.  It is an amazing gift all we have to do is in faith accept it and know that it has been given for our benefit.

Additional notes:

WM-One who lives in fear will try to isolate and insulate himself in an attempt to avoid confronting the issue at hand.  Jacob was forced to deal with facts that he would:

1. Have to send his sons back to Egypt for more food which he delayed doing as long as possible.
2. Have to face the reality that to accomplish the first he would be forced against his wishes to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers.
3. Have to acknowledge that it was impossible to keep Benjamin from the dangers and risks this world to which a person might be exposed.
4. Only relent when he could receive all the assurances possible that Benjamin would be returned back home safely.

Never once during this situation do we see Jacob spending anytime communing with God.  He just wallowed around in self pity. (Gen. 43:1-6, 8-14; 44:29)

DM-Although the decision to sell was an example of mob psychology, Judah now faced his own defining moment when he said to Jacob, “I myself will be a surety for him (Benjamin); you may hold me responsible for him.  If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever.” Jacob now saw in a new light and allowed Benjamin go with him. We will see in the chapter 44:16-33) if Judah was a man of his word. Would he live up to the promises he had made to Jacob? What kind of man would he turn out to be when facing a difficult situation? (Gen. 43:9)

RT-Jacob was forced to allow Benjamin to go with his brothers back to Egypt because of the need to purchase more food. (Gen. 43:11)

M-Men are moved to do what needs to be done, not what is always the easy path to take.  Decisions are always made in an atmosphere of uncertainty about the future and carry a certain amount of risk, but are made anyway. (Gen. 43:11-14)

C-Judah began to take the role of patriarch of the family accepting responsibility for the safety of Benjamin, where Reuben’s offer was rejected, Judah’s was heeded.  The mantle was passed to Judah not Reuben. (Gen. 43:1-15)

UE-The brothers must have been dismayed when the man who had treated them so harshly on the previous trip was now inviting them to have a meal with him.  To add to their confusion they were seated according to age. (Gen. 43:16-17, 33-34)

RT- What a witness Joseph must have been to those in his household.  Not only did the servant speak of the present generation when referring to God, but also that it was the Lord of their father, Jacob. (Gen 43:23)

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 39

Confrontation in a Foreign Land

Genesis 41:50 – 42:38

Me-

As a man one of the hardest things for me to do is to admit that I have been wrong.  I guess to say I am sorry is in a way showing a weakness.  What I find is just the opposite.  Confession is a way to clear the air and brings refreshing to ones soul. To hold on to attitudes and actions that bring hurt to others is a battle of pride in my life.  How much better it is to know that by confessing that sin that I am free to be the person God wants us to be. A true testimony that God is working in my life is to approach others with humility and love.  I find this even hard to write as I am putting the words into the computer.  The struggle I have is between doing what is only my best interest and what God would have me to do.  I am thankful that He continually is working on me to change me into what pleases Him.

If we think about it, how often has the church slowed the progress of God’s kingdom because of the animosity among His people?  Just think about the battle between denominations and the jealousy between churches that in so invasive in the lives of fellowships today.  Not only have we fought those outside of our walls, but have seen much upheaval within our own membership.  In spite of all this, God has still used the church to accomplish great good around the world.  He has preserved it in the face of great odds.  He still has a plan for us and is slowly working it out through His people. When compared to the rest of the world His people have always had to struggle for survival.  He has been faithful and true to that small remnant.  No matter what our past has looked like, let us look at the time God has given us as a new day.

God has continually been working in the history of mankind.  His purpose will never be thwarted.  As we look back we can see His handprint on the events that have brought us to where we are today.  He has and will use whatever means it takes for Him to accomplish His ultimate purpose for man.  Today’s lesson is another example of His working behind the scenes to preserve His people.

Genesis 41:50-52

During the years when the crops were abundantly produced, God gave Joseph two sons by Asenath.  The first he named Mannaseh which means to forget.  He said that having a son helped him forget all of his past troubles.  On the surface it may have been true, but one never puts behind them the experiences they have endured.  It was the events in his life that had qualified him for the position he now held.  The hatred of his brothers, the time as slave in Potiphar’s house, his imprisonment and the waiting after the interpretation of the dreams were all part of God molding him into the kind of man he was at that point.  The sting of those things may have been removed by the birth of Mannaseh but the memories would always being a part of who he was.

The second son born to him was named Ephraim.  He was given that name to indicate the fruitfulness that Joseph was now experiencing. Part of it had to do with the fact that he now had two sons.  Another part of his thinking may have been his rise from slave to second ruler in Egypt.  He would have realized that what had taken place in his life was something only God could have brought about.  Out of his thankfulness and the realization of what he had he called him Ephraim.

1. What was the significance of naming his first born Mannaseh?
2. What are the things that had taken place in his life that led him to give him such a name?
3. What are some of the things that have happened to you that like Joseph you would like to forget?
4. How can we view the experiences of life in a positive way?
5. What different attitude did Joseph seem to possess when Ephraim, his second son was born?
6. What could have brought about the change?
7. If we are honest who is the one who does allow us to put some things behind us and brings about fruit in our lives?

Genesis 41:53-57

As Joseph had prophesied the famine came with a vengeance.  As the Scripture describes it, it was not a localized event but spread to other lands.  There was bread only in one place, Egypt.  There was an abundance of food there because of the land management that occurred under Joseph’s leadership.

When their own individual supplies of food ran out they turned to the Pharaoh for help.  He pointed them to Joseph.  The storehouses were opened because of the severity of the famine.  Notice that this was not a welfare state where the food was just handed out to people, but it was sold to them.  Those who came from other lands were also not given a free handout but bought the grain they needed.

1. How severe was the famine in the time of Joseph?
2. Why did the people cry out to the Pharaoh?
3. What was different from the way that Joseph handled the situation than how we do things in this country?
4. What was Joseph’s foreign policy?
5. What does Joseph’s action say to us?

Genesis 42:1-2

Somehow Jacob found out about the grain available in Egypt.  His sons seemed to be unable to decide what needed to be done about the situation, so they were idle.  Jacob had to tell them about the grain and then commanded them to go and purchase some grain so they could survive.

1. Why were they depending on Jacob for a solution to their dilemma?
2. Why did they not think about going down to Egypt?
3. How much are we like the brothers when we face a problem that seems to have no solution?
4. Why does fear of the unknown cripple us?
5. Why would the brothers have as much a stake in making the right decision as Jacob and possibly more?

Genesis 42:3-5

Only ten brothers went down to Egypt.  Benjamin was not allowed to go because Jacob was afraid something might happen to him. His fears may have had some validity.  After Joseph’s disappearance Jacob had transferred the affection he had for Joseph over to Benjamin.  He now became the favorite son.  What the older brothers had sought had never occurred.  With Joseph out of the picture they may have thought that Jacob’s love would have increased toward them.  It was not to be.  Remembering the feelings of the brothers for Joseph, he may have been concerned that they would not be watchful over the new favorite son.  Something might just happen along the way.  The ten sons, without Benjamin, went down to Egypt to buy grain.

1. Why was Benjamin not allowed to go with his half-brothers?
2. How did the brothers hope their relationship with their father would have changed after the disappearance of Joseph?
3. What evidence do we have that it never occurred?
4. What should be our true source for love?
5. How have others in your family disappointed you over the years?

Genesis 42:6-7

Moses described Joseph in two ways which would have a bearing on his relationship with his brothers.  First he is called the ruler over the land.  He called the shots, under the authority of Pharaoh, of what took place in the land. Secondly, he administered the distribution of the grain.

Even if Joseph did not recognize his brothers, it would have been obvious that they were part of the group of those coming from Canaan and would have stood out in contrast from the Egyptians.  Because of his position the brothers came and bowed down before him out of respect. Although he recognized them he did not tell them who he was but spoke harshly asking, “Where have you come from?”  Their answer indicated that had no clue to the identity of the man.  They simply stated that they were from Canaan and had come to buy food. For Joseph this was the culmination of years of thinking about what his brothers had done to him.  He did not want tell them who he was until he had found out what kind of men they had become. Because there were only ten brothers, he may have wanted to determine the welfare of brother, Benjamin.  To let them know at that point who he was, may have scared them away without giving the information needed he desired from them.

1. Why did Moses give only those two attributes in describing Joseph?
2. Why did his brothers not recognize him?
3. Why did he not disclose immediately his identity?
4. Why did he ask who they were?
5. What have been some incidences that you have not recognized someone that you knew?
6. Why did you have difficulty in doing so?
7. Why did Joseph speak harshly to his brothers?

Genesis 42:8-13

Joseph did recognize them.  The years and the unexpected encounter kept them from recognizing their brother. Without knowing it they were fulfilling the very prophecy that he had shared with them about the dreams many years earlier.

His next words to them would have caught them off guard and completely startled them. He charged them of coming to spy on Egypt to see how well they could defend themselves.  To throw them off guard would allow for him to obtain information that they may have otherwise been unwilling to share. They may have also become suspicious of this man who was asking so many personal questions.  He needed to make sure that all was well with his brother and father and the only way of obtaining that information was to act differently than they would have remembered him.

They tried to explain to him that their only purpose was to buy food for their family. Out of desperation they began to tell him what he wanted to hear. They were all sons of one man and were honest men and not as he had charged.  Joseph then repeated the same words.  When they saw that he had not believed them, the brothers told him there had been twelve brothers in the family. Besides the ten who stood before him, the youngest was home with his father and they had one brother whom they assumed was no longer living.

1. Why did Joseph appear so harsh when addressing his brothers?
2. Why did he continually bring the same accusation against them?
3. What did he hope to learn by his continuing attacks on them?
4. Why did the brothers not even mention anything else about the missing brother?

Genesis 42:14-17

Having brought such strong charges against them, he then provided a way that they might clear their names.  His command would probably have seemed strange to them since he was a total stranger.  The only way they could prove that they were not spies was to bring their youngest brother to Egypt. He was going to allow one of them to carry the message back to Canaan while the others would remain in jail. To give them time to consider what they were going to do, he had all of them put into, probably the same jail where he had spent considerable time. During that time they would have discussed what had happened to them and the one who would go back to the father with the news. 

1. Why would the command from Joseph seem strange?
2. Why did he continue his charade?
3. If one was going to go with the message, why did he put all ten of them into jail?
4. Why would the men accept his offer?
5. What would they have discussed in the jail?

Genesis 42:18-20

After the three days he had all of them released.  He then modified his command.  No longer did he call them spies but offered them a way to prove they were honest men.  Only one of them was to be left behind.  Finally, they were to receive the grain that they had come to Egypt to buy so their families could be fed.  The nine that were allowed to return home were to still return with the youngest brother.

1. Why did Joseph modify his plan for them?
2. Why was he going to detain one of the brothers?
3. How did his words reflect his true character?
4. In what ways had his attitude towards them changed?

Genesis 42:21-24

The brothers began to discuss among themselves in the presence of Joseph that they believed that what was happening to them was punishment for what they had done to him.  They had remembered how distressed Joseph was and how he had pleaded with them not to sell him.  The guilt of their actions had been a weight that each of them had carried for over twenty years.  There was no peace in their lives because of what they had done and not they were receiving the penalty they believed they deserved.  As he had done so many years earlier, Reuben reminded them that he had not wanted Joseph to be harmed.

They did not know that Joseph understood every word, because he had been using an interpreter to speak with them.  He reacted by turning from them and began to weep.  Once he had gained his composure he returned to them and took Simeon and bound him. Possibly he chose him because of his violent history and he above all needed to repent of his past actions.

1. Why had the brothers never been able to shake the guilt of what they had done to Joseph?
2. Why did Reuben bring up what he had wanted to do?
3. What caused Joseph to weep?
4. Why did he not reveal who he was at that point?
5. Why did he select Simeon?

Genesis 42:25-26

Joseph gave instructions of what the men were to receive.  Not only did he give them the grain they had come to purchase, but also returned their money in the sacks of grain.  Even at that point Joseph was beginning to provide for his family.  Not knowing what Joseph had done the brothers loaded up the donkeys and departed.  The description of their departure was precise but behind those words is the relief that they must have felt of getting away from the ruler in Egypt.. 

1. Why did Joseph personally handle what each man was to receive?
2. Why did he return the money?
3. What would have been the brother’s reaction at being let go and also getting the grain they needed?
4. When may have been some events in your life when you felt a sense of relief when they were over?

Genesis 42:27-28

To their surprise and horror when one of the brothers opened up his sack to give his donkey have grain he found his money in the sack. They saw it as a sign that God was bringing retribution on them for what they had done.

1. Why did the brothers see the return of the money as God’s way of punishing them?
2. Why could they not see it as a gift from Joseph for what he had put them through?
3. When have you received what was meant to be a blessing and only saw it as a curse?

Genesis 42:29-34

When they arrived back in Canaan to the home of Jacob, they recounted everything that had happened to them.  The important part of the story had to do with Benjamin.  Only if they returned with him would they be allowed to purchase anymore grain. This was crucial because even though they did not know it the famine was going to continue for awhile.

1. What did the brothers tell Jacob when they arrived home?
2. What part of the story did they leave out?
3. Why did they emphasize that Benjamin would have to go with them if they returned?
4. What were a couple of reasons they would need to go back to Egypt?

Genesis 42:35

 Now came the turn for all of the other brothers to open their sacks to distribute the grain. When they did so, each found his money in the sack.  Jacob did not view the return of the money as a blessing. He turned the whole episode a way of blaming the sons for all of his miseries. Either the brothers had told him what had happened to Joseph or he had figured out they had been instrumental in his disappearance. One thing was for sure he was not going to lose Benjamin, even it meant that Simeon would languish in jail for years. Those words must have hurt the brothers deeply.  Once again Jacob was playing favorites and they still came up on the short end of the stick.

Knowing that the little bit of grain they had brought would not feed them for very long, Reuben stepped forward with a plan.  He offered to sacrifice his own children if he did not bring Benjamin back from the trip.  Jacob would have no part of Reuben’s suggestion.  He was not about to take a chance of anything happening to Benjamin. It would have only added to the grief he was still experiencing over Joseph, if anything were to happen to his youngest son.  Life at that point would have no more meaning for him.

1. Why did Jacob view the return of the money as a sign that it was the brother’s fault that his two sons had been lost to him?
2. What did his response indicate about the relationship he had with the older brothers?
3. What did it say to them that he was willing to leave Simeon imprisoned to protect Benjamin?
4. Why would Jacob not accept Reuben’s proposal?
5. Why had he never stopped grieving for Joseph?
6. Why would his continuing grief been harmful to Benjamin?
7. Why did the brothers seem to have a good relationship with him?

 

• Confess and repent of all sins that they do not become a burden which you carry with you for any period of time.
• Be careful how you treat people. You may have to ask for their assistance sometime in the future.
• Treat people equally.
• Love all your children without showing favoritism.  We have seen the disastrous consequences it had in Jacob’s family.
•  Maintain a godly character even when given the opportunity to lord it over others.
• Do not mistake the motives of others when they are trying to show true kindness.

Our treatment of others will tell the world a lot about our relationship with the Lord.  A church must never act arrogantly towards others. To display true humility and concern for others will draw them to Christ.  Agape love does not however allow a person to remain in sin. The actions Joseph took parallel what the church is to do.  His methods were for that particular situation.  We are to learn from him that before we can help someone he/she must finally face the reality of their sin.  Once that takes place true spiritual healing can occur.  When the breakthrough came for the brothers, Joseph wept.  When we see that someone has truly dealt with the sin in their life we are to rejoice with them.  The Bible tells, the angels rejoice over one lost sheep that was found.  Let us keep our eyes open to recognize the change in a person’s life.  When transformation comes, let us truly rejoice with them.

Additional Notes:

C-Joseph was given the daughter of Potiphera the priest as a wife.  He and Asnenath had two children, Manasseh and Ephraim. (Gen: 41:45, 50-52)

C-The names of Joseph’s two son symbolized what had happened to him in Egypt.  Manasseh meant “God has made me forget all my trouble and my father’s household.”  Ephraim meant “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction. (Gen. 41:51-52)

RT-After all the years in Egypt the pain of separation for Joseph was finally relieved by the birth of his son Mannaseh.  The longing for his family, however, never left him.  We can see this later in his response to the arrival of Benjamin and then the reunion with his father. (Gen.41:51)

C-Just as there had been the years of plenty, now came the promised seven years of famine. (Gen. 41:53-54)

C-The status of the farmers began to be affected by the famine.  At first they were able to buy grain from Joseph rather than growing what they needed. (Gen. 41:55-57)

BL-We covered Genesis chapters 42 and 43, in which Jacob/Israel sends his sons to buy grain from the Egyptians due to an area-wide famine.  Ten of them go, with the exclusion of Benjamin, a son of Rachel and Jacob’s favorite now that Joseph is gone. When the brothers arrive at the grain market, who should they “happen” to encounter in this foreign land but their longlost brother, Joseph!  However, they do not recognize him; Buddy pointed out that at least 20 years have gone by since they sold Joseph into slavery, so he is now a mature man of almost 40.  In addition, Joseph has probably adopted Egyptian clothing and grooming habits, which would make him even less recognizable to the brothers.  Joseph, however, has no problem identifying his family, and he must have been both touched and amused to see them bow before him in verse 6, just as he had dreamed so long ago.  Then, in order to discover if their attitudes toward him have changed, Joseph plays a little game. Rather than revealing his identity, he pretends to be a stranger and accuses them of being spies.  The brothers deny it, and in verse 13, they reveal that one brother is still at home, while the other one (Joseph) is no more. This admission shows that the brothers felt guilty for how they had treated Joseph and are still suffering for it; however, they have confessed their sin to no one but themselves until now. Joseph responds by throwing them into prison for three days, giving them and himself some time to think. Then he chooses one–Simeon–to remain behind while the others return to Canaan with the grain.  They are to feed their starving families and then return to Egypt with Benjamin to prove that they are not spies.  

  Verses 21 and 22 show that the brothers’  incarceration has had the desired effect.  They connect their present dilemma with their former ill treatment of Joseph and correctly identify their actions against him as a sin.  They do not realize that Joseph, who has been speaking through an interpreter, can understand them, and he has to turn away so that they will not see him weeping.  Then Joseph orders that their sacks be filled with grain, with their silver hidden inside.  When one of them discovers the silver on the way home, the brothers are terrified; now they will be accused of stealing as well as spying!  However, this, too, is a part of Joseph’s plan–verse 28 reveals that slowly, the brothers are recognizing that they have sinned against God as well as Joseph. 

  When they arrive home, they tell Jacob the conditions Joseph has laid out for them; but even though Reuben swears on his sons’ lives to bring Benjamin back to Canaan safely, Jacob refuses to let his youngest son go to Egypt.  In chapter 43, however, the grain has run out and Jacob tells his sons to return to Egypt for more.  Fearing Joseph’s wrath, they refuse to go without Benjamin; but it is not until Judah offers his life in exchange for his brother’s that Jacob lets them leave. When they arrive in Egypt, they are taken to Joseph’s house, where they are afraid they will be punished for stealing.  They try to explain their innocence to Joseph’s steward, who replies, “Don’t be afraid.  Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks;  I received your silver.”  (Note:  Obviously, Joseph has been sharing his faith with his servants!)   To their surprise, Joseph orders his servants not to punish them, but to serve them dinner–and they find that they are seated at the table in the exact order of their ages!  Even more curious is the fact that Benjamin is given five times as much as the rest of them, a test to see if the others are as resentful of Benjamin as they were of Joseph.

UE-The sons of Jacob simply went down to Egypt to buy food.  They had no way of anticipating being accused of being spies, arrested, put in prison for three days and ordered to bring Benjamin back to Egypt if they wanted to buy more grain.  How did they view all of these things that happened to them?  Did believe that the treatment was justified? Why or why not? (Gen. 42:1-20)

C-The famine now began to affect those in Canaan including Jacob’s family.  Having heard that grain was available in Egypt he sent ten of his sons there to buy food.  Of course Benjamin remained with him. (Gen. 42:1-3, 5)

C-When Jacob sent ten of his sons down to Egypt to buy food it started a chain of events that would eventually fulfill God’s purpose for His people.

1. No longer was Jacob self-sufficient.  He had to reach out beyond his little world to provide food for his family to survive.
2. If something drastic had not occurred, like the famine, in all probability Jacob’s family would have been absorbed into the culture and would have disappeared into history and in all likelihood forgotten.  We have already read how Judah married a Canaanite woman as did his son.  His best friend was not his brothers but an Adullamite.  (Gen. 38:1-6; 42:1-2)

WM-Jacob had still not learned to trust God with all he possessed. Because of the loss of Joseph he had become over protective of Benjamin.  He lived in fear that something would happen to him also. Life was about to take an unexpected turn for Jacob.  He was about to learn a difficult lesson. (Gen. 42:4, 36, 38)

C-Back in Canaan we now enter the family life of Jacob and his sons. He had become very protective of the youngest son of Rachel, Benjamin.  (Gen. 42:4)

WM-The brothers had rehearsed the lie that Joseph was dead so long that they actually came to believe it was true.  If he was alive surely he would have tried to return home during the thirty-two years that he had been gone. (Gen. 42:13, 32)

RT- Joseph was young vulnerable and defenseless.  He had not been hardened by the rough and tumble events of life.  There was an openness to God’s calling because he had seen the love of a father for a son through Jacob.  The brothers, on the other hand, had been conditioned to accept whatever life handed them. They had already experienced the relationships between Jacob with his wives and children.  It was obvious from the beginning that there was a completion between the wives for the affections of Jacob. 

The brothers had once put Joseph in a situation over which he had no control.  Years later the roles would be reversed.  He, as provider of food, was the one determining the fate of his brothers. (Gen 42:18-24)

RT-What a play on words we see when the brothers have been accused of spying.  Joseph says to his brothers, “Let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as for the rest of you, go.” (Gen. 42:19)

RT-There may have been one locked up in a physical prison, but all were prisoners of the guilt they felt for they had done to Joseph. (Gen. 42:19, 21-22)

RT-I can just imagine that like the father of the prodigal son Joseph looked longingly down the road by which his brothers would come.  Why did they delay so long?  How his heart must have ached as he waited.  He could not know that they had not returned because of Jacob’s misgivings and his concern of losing yet another son.  For Joseph the one thing that now consumed him was to be reunited with his father and his brother, Benjamin.  When his brothers returned to Egypt to purchase food, the one person who Joseph saw was Benjamin. (Gen. 42:20; 43:27, 29-30)

WM-The brothers, in spite of their words to the contrary, had never gotten over the guilt of what they had done to Joseph and to Jacob. (Gen. 42:21-22)

UE-The brothers believed that there was a direct connection between the treatment they were now receiving and what they had done to Joseph.  It shows they had been living with the guilt for more than twenty years. (Gen. 42:21-22)

M-There are consequences for actions done for the wrong reasons.                                (Gen. 42:21-22, 28, 36; 44:16)

GC-Considering the consequences of sin, we should think ahead of time about the results of our actions, it may save us much grief and injury. (Gen. 42:21-22, 28)

TM-At the point when the brothers arrive in Egypt at least twenty years had passed since they had sold Joseph yet their souls were still tormented by that act.  They found no relief from their guilt and saw the events unfolding before them like the episode with Joseph as punishment and judgment for their actions.  Today there are many who live with the guilt of past lies or refusing to end a lifestyle in which they find themselves.                         (Gen. 42:21-22, 28; 44:32-44)

UE-As the brothers confessed their sin, they did not know the very person against whom they had done the things that they were sharing was standing before them and understood everything that was said. (Gen. 42:23)

RT-Healing could never take place in Jacob’s family until they were all reunited.  Only Joseph could bring about this reconciliation because he had been the one offended.  He was the one willing to forgive his brothers. In this episode we see a picture of what God had done.  He was the only One who can reconcile man to Himself.  He is the offended One, therefore is the only One who is able to forgive. (Gen. 42:24)

RT-A godly man no matter how he has been treated will weep for the pain that those who have harmed him are carrying about. (Gen. 42:24)

RT- He will do all he can to help them overcome their circumstances. (Gen. 42:25)

UE-After being treated with such harshness they found the purchase price of the grain in the neck of their sacks.  It is very clear that they did not understand what or why all these things were happening to them. The response of each one reflected their consternation for they said, “What is this that God has done to us?” (Gen. 42:27-28, 35)

WM-Eventually even men like Joseph’s brothers will realize that they might be able to hide their actions from man but God knows the secrets in the heart of man. (Gen. 42:28)

RT- Old ways die hard.  Jacob once again showed favoritism toward one of his sons.  Instead of Joseph or the other ten brothers it was now Benjamin.  He was willing to allow Simeon to remain in jail in Egypt rather than have anything happen to Benjamin. (Gen. 42:36)

M-Personal responsibility and accountability are the main difference between what Reuben and Judah offered to their father.  Even though we have to be careful in our criticism of Reuben, for he was willing to sacrifice his two sons.  Jacob would have no part in such a pledge.  Judah, however, stepped forward willing to take full responsibility and blame for Benjamin if anything were to happen to him on the return trip to Egypt. Another dynamic to be considered is the fact that by the time Judah gave his word the family was low on food and Jacob was forced to make a decision in order for his family to survive. 

Both of these men were moved to do something to help. One way was better than the other.  The consequences for failure was very costly, but they both willing to make the sacrifice. (Gen. 42:36-38; 43:8-10)

RT-Jacob was willing to allow Simeon to remain imprisoned in Egypt as long as he did not have to send Benjamin. (Gen. 42:38)

 

 

 

Lesson 38

Joseph the Man of the Hour 

Genesis 40 – 41:1-49

In our hurry up, microwave society patience seems to be dying quality among us.  Even in the political arena the battle cry always seems to be change.  The difference between reality and our fantasies is that change needs to occur on our time table.  What I am still learning, is that God is not concerned about time.  He looks at the world from the perspective of eternity.  Time and space are not a part of His makeup.  Those two things were created for human beings who base everything on them.  They are all we know.  We have no concept of what eternity looks like.

When I think about who I am, I often say that I am a bottom line type of person. A lot of detail drives me crazy.  I want to know what the results are going to be.  More and more I am realizing that God is doing a work in me, but the purpose for which He has placed me in this time and place may still take place in the future. 

As many people know I love to study God’s word and to teach it.  What most do not know is that to grow in the knowledge of what God is trying to say to me and to you takes time.  Many hours have to be spent to begin to see the message of the Bible.  It is not a cursory reading that will accomplish that goal.  It takes patience and perseverance to even understand a small portion of all He has given us.  Ezra 7:10 is one verse that spells out my goal in life.  It says, “Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”  It is a task that will last a lifetime.  “Lord give me the strength, desire and patience to persevere.”

Many books and articles have been written about change over the years.  I even did a study of all the changes in the Bible. The study filled two notebooks.  One of the things that has been expressed over and over is if a church or any group is to change, it is going to take time.  How many times have we experienced, in different environments, someone brand new coming in and trying to make wholesale changes to a church’s or business’s culture.  The usual results are failure and dissatisfaction.  It takes time to change the hearts and minds of people to accept a different way of doing things.  When done properly the whole process will run much smoother and people will get on board with the new direction.  For Joseph it took thirteen years for him to reach the position that God had planned for him.  One author has written that it would take seven years.  We all say that we cannot wait that long because of the rapid pace of society.  God’s answer to that is I have all of eternity.  Proverbs tells us, “the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)  Like Joseph let us continue to work at the plan God has for us but be ready to act when He says the time is now.

Genesis 40:1-4

There is no indication how long Joseph had been in jail before two new men were put in his charge.  The chief cupbearer or butler and the chief baker for the king had offended him in such a way that he had them put into jail. The cupbearer would have had the responsibility to take care of all of Pharaoh’s personal needs and was a position of great trust.  Likewise the chief baker would have taken care of all the food that the king would eat.  There is no mention of what they did but in the mind of the king it warranted them being punished.  They were both there for sometime which would have allowed Joseph to build a relationship of trust with them.  The circumstance of their confinement was more evidence of how God was working out His plan for Joseph. 

1. How important were the responsibilities of the two men put into Joseph’s care?
2. Why was it important for Joseph to be assigned to care for those two men?
3. Why was it important for their confinement to be some length?
4. How do you see God working behind the scene in this particular incident?

Genesis 40:5-8

While confined each of them had a dream the same night unique to their own situation.  The next morning Joseph noticed the men were despondent and asked them why.  He inquired why they were so dejected.  Each of them shared the dream they had had the previous night.  Joseph shared with them that God would interpret the dreams for them.  He wanted no allegiance to himself.  He also wanted to make sure that they acknowledged that God was the One in charge of every- thing going own in their lives.

1. Why were the dreams different for the two men?
2. Why would Joseph be concerned about the persona of each man?
3. What kind of relationship had Joseph built up with each man?
4. What was the evidence of it?
5. Why did Joseph give credit for the interpretation of dreams?

Genesis 40:9-13-15

Each of the men shared their dreams.  The chief cupbearer went first.  His dream had several parts.  They were:

• A vine was before him.
• It had three branches
• The branches produced ripe grapes.
• He squeezed the grapes into the cup he was holding that belonged to the Pharaoh.
• He gave the cup full of grape juice into the hand of the Pharaoh.

Joseph then interpreted the dream indicating that within three days the cupbearer would be returned to his former position.  There was one request that he made of the cupbearer.  It was that the cupbearer remember him and to speak to the Pharaoh about his release.

Genesis 40:16-19

Since Joseph gave the cupbearer good news the baker decided to share his dream also. There was the common thread of three days but from that point on the baker’s dream took an ugly turn.  Instead of finding himself in the presence of the Pharaoh, the bread he had made was eaten by birds from the basket on his head.  Sadly, Joseph had to tell him that he would be hanged in three days.

1. Why was it important for the cupbearer to share his dream first?
2. Why was Joseph given the power to interpret the dreams?
3. What was God doing in the midst of this incident?
4. What can we learn from the fate of the two men?

Genesis 40:20-23

Just as Joseph had said, the cupbearer was restored to his position on the day of the Pharaoh’s birthday.  The chief baker was hanged according to Joseph’s words.  There is one little tag line at the end of this episode.  The cupbearer promptly forgot all about Joseph.  He was left to languish in the prison a while longer, probably wondering at that point if he would ever be free again.

1. What was the meaning of this whole event?
2. What was accomplished as far as Joseph was concerned?
3. Why did the cupbearer promptly forget about Joseph?
4. In like situations what might this do to your faith?
5. How was Joseph now going to deal with the fact that he might never get out of prison?
6. Why did God leave him there?

Genesis 41:1-7

Two years later, Pharaoh had two dreams that would impact Joseph’s life dramatically.  The first was about seven healthy cows being eaten by seven ugly unhealthy cows.  The second was pretty much the same except it involved seven plump and good ears of corn which were swallowed up by seven thin ears.

Genesis 41:8

When the Pharaoh woke up he realized he had been dreaming.  Believing that dreams had meaning, he was distressed because of them.  Wanting to know what they meant he sent for his magicians and wise men to him, but they were unable to interpret the dreams for him.

 

 

1. To what did the two years refer?
2. Why did God give dreams to a godless man like Pharaoh?
3. Why was Pharaoh disturbed?
4. How much are you bothered by the unknown?
5. What has God done for us that we need not worry?
6. Why could the wise men not interpret the dreams?
7. Why is it that we depend on man to do only what God can do?

 Genesis 41:9-13

        Finally, the cupbearer spoke up and reminded the king of what had happened to him.  He had been put in jail because the Pharaoh was furious with him and the baker. Like Pharaoh each of them had a dream which Joseph, the Hebrew youth, mentioned here, interpreted for them.  The cupbearer was given his job back and the baker was hanged. 

1. What jarred the cupbearer’s memory?
2. What was the true reason that he did not share his story for two years?
3. Why did he recount what had happened to him?
4. Why did he mention the fact that Joseph was a Hebrew?

Genesis 41:14-24

Joseph was summoned from prison by Pharaoh.  He cleaned himself up and changed from his prison clothes to make himself more presentable.  Upon arriving the Pharaoh wasted no time in letting him know what was expected of him.  He wanted Joseph to interpret the dreams for him.  To Joseph’s credit, he let Pharaoh know immediately that he did not have the power to do what he wanted, but God was the One who could.  That answer was good enough for Pharaoh so he shared the dreams with Joseph.

1. Why did Pharaoh decide to call for Joseph?
2. Why did Joseph take his time to get cleaned up?
3. Why did Pharaoh tell him of his dreams immediately upon Joseph’s arrival?
4. What do you think of the way Joseph handled the situation?
5. How would you have responded?
6. What happened that showed Pharaoh’s trust in Joseph?
7. Why would he have trusted him enough to share the dreams with him?

Genesis 41:25-32

Joseph broke down the dreams for Pharaoh.  His first words were:

• Both dreams had the same meaning.
• They were given to Pharaoh to show what He is about to do in Egypt.

Following up those statements, he said that both the fat cows and ears of corn represent seven years of bumper crops in Egypt.  Likewise the gaunt and ugly cows and the thin ears of corn also indicated seven years of a great famine that would follow.  It would be so severe that the good years would no longer be remembered. Pharaoh was given the dream twice to show that God was going to bring all of it to pass very quickly.

1. Why did Joseph begin the interpretation with the two statements in verse 25?
2. Why did he recount the dream in its entirety?
3. What would be the results of what was about to take place Egypt?
4. How would you respond if given that kind of bad news?
5. What would be the first thing you would want to know?

Genesis 41:33-37

Joseph did not stop with the interpretation.  Pharaoh had asked what the dreams meant.  Because he did not know what they meant he had no way of knowing that he needed to make any plans.  Joseph saved him the trouble by providing a solution. It is interesting that Joseph would have the confidence to speak so boldly to the leadership of Egypt.  Here he was fresh from prison laying out for the Pharaoh a plan to save the very people who had imprisoned and enslaved him. He suggested that Pharaoh:

• Find a man full of wisdom and discernment to lead the effort needed to save the people.
• Appoint overseers in the land.
• Exact a tax of a fifth of all the crops harvested?
• Store them throughout the country to be used during the seven years of famine?

After hearing the advice of Joseph, Pharaoh and his servants concluded that what had been proposed was a good plan.  One thing might be noted here.  Because Joseph said that the events would begin immediately there was not time for a long discussion about what to do. 

1. Why did Joseph continue with the possible solutions for the problem Pharaoh and Egypt would be facing?
2. Why was Joseph so bold?
3. What might he expect from Pharaoh?
4. Why would his plan be a workable solution?
5. Why was immediate action necessary?
6. What would be the long benefits of a short term sacrifice in having to give up a fifth of one’s harvest?
7. Left to the people what would have probably happened?
8. Why was Pharaoh and his leaders in complete agreement with what Joseph had proposed?

Genesis 41:38-45

The thirteen years Joseph had spent in Egypt had honed the skills he would need for the task that lay ahead. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was the man that had the wisdom and discernment to take on the challenge that had been expressed in his dreams.  He then made Joseph the number two ruler in all of Egypt. As evidence of his new authority he was given Pharaoh’s signet ring.  All who were in the land were to pay homage to this new leader.  Joseph was given a new name, Zaphenath-paneah and a new wife Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On.  He wasted no time in starting his new responsibilities and began going around Egypt.

1. What skills had Joseph acquired in prison?
2. Why were they so important?
3. What did Pharaoh see in Joseph?
4. Why did he immediately make him the second in command?
5. What actions by Joseph showed he took the new responsibilities seriously?

Genesis 41:46-49

At thirty Joseph began his life’s task.  God had orchestrated the events in his life that led to his position in Egypt.  According to the words of the dream, Egypt experienced seven years of abundant crops. During those seven years Joseph continually collected part of the harvest until the supply became so large that he stopped trying to measure how much there was.

1. What had God done in Joseph’s life?
2. What proof do we have that God was true to his word?
3. Why did Joseph continue to collect crops during the entire seven years even when there was such abundance that it could no longer be measured?
4. What does it say about Joseph that the people were willing to cooperate with him?
5. What qualities of leadership did it take for him to accomplish what he did?

 

• Learn to be patient and wait on God.
• Realize that God does not operate on our time table.
• Make the best you can of any situation, knowing God is honing the stills you may need in future ministries or areas of service.
• When called on be ready to respond with wisdom and discernment.
• Remember that ultimately God is in control of everything that goes on in your life.

God is all about the impossible from a human perspective.  A church like ours, if it stays in tune with God will see and understand things that others can only wonder about.  He has given us a message for the world.  It is intended for us to make that word clear and concise so others can understand what we have discovered. Paul told us there is a mystery that we are to share.  He said it is, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)

We should desire to be like Joseph who had this ability. He waited until the time when God chose to reveal the task that lay before him.  He had the life saving message for the Egyptians and his own people, but he had to wait for God’s perfect timing. Only if we make the commitment to follow God through good times and times of adversity can we deliver His power message, the gospel to a dying and needy people. Today is our one opportunity to share the gospel. Paul said, “Now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2)  If we will just believe, God will do the impossible.   

 God will reveal to us through the Holy Spirit what is important. In the way that he and Moses had experienced, that the pleasures of this world pale in comparison to the peace and joy that come from righteous living.  Therefore, he was the man for that time to interpret the message that God had for the Egyptian people. We are to be a people like him.

Additional Notes:

C-The royal cupbearer and baker fell out favor with Pharaoh and went from serving the king to becoming prisoners.  In jail they were put under the charge of Joseph. (Gen. 40:1-4)

WM-We see with the actions of Potiphar and with the king of Egypt how capricious men are in their behavior.  The cupbearer and baker were thrown into jail because the king had a temper tantrum.  Evidently they had to learn that you do not cross grownup children and so they landed in jail. (Gen. 40:2-3)

GC-Joseph was allowed to interpret dreams not only because of his faithfulness in all that had happened to him but it was to serve God’s purpose for his life for him to do so. Joseph could not have understood how God was working behind the scenes to bring about salvation for His people.  In what way have you seen God working out his purpose for your life even when you did understand what He was doing at the time?  How do we recognize the evidence that this is true? Just looking at chapter 40 it would appear that what Joseph had done for the cupbearer would not bear fruit.  We have to remember that it was not Joseph’s timing but God that would bring the results that Joseph desired.  Why do we think that we can control events because of our actions? (Gen. 40:1-23)

UE-How Joseph became aware of his ability to interpret dreams given by God we do not know.  This incident shows the close relationship he had with God.  He was quick to acknowledge that it was God who was the given of the message. (Gen. 40:5:23)

WM-Unlike Joseph who was in jail have been falsely accused but made the best of the circumstances because he knew the Lord was with him, the cupbearer and baker sat dejected bemoaning all that had happened to them. (Gen. 40:6-8)

GC-Even when it would have been easy for Joseph to take credit for the interpretation of the two dreams, He gave glory to God. He knew that the ability to answer the men was not within him but was given to him by God. (Gen. 40:8, 16; Ps. 26:10; 105; 115:1;        Is. 26:15)

M-The concern for others grew out of Joseph’s own experiences.  (Gen. 40:5-23)

WM-What a contrast is obvious between the godly Joseph and the cupbearer.  It is difficult if not impossible for an ungodly man to see God’s plan unfolding before him.  As hard as he tries he will only meet with frustration and failure. (Gen. 40:7-8)

M-Before even attempting to give the men the interpretation he acknowledged that God was the only One who could do such and act.  He gave credit where credit is due.                               (Gen. 40:8; 41:16)

RT-The dreams of the cupbearer and the king ultimately were not for their benefit but so God could begin His plans that would come about through Joseph to save Israel.                            (Gen. 40:8; 41:8-16)

WM-Although the interpretation of the dream benefited the cupbearer for the short-term ultimately it was to bring Joseph into the arena God intended for him.  The cupbearer promptly forgot Joseph upon being restored to his position in the king’s house.  How easy we find it to forget everything but that which gets us what we want.  However, in God’s perfect timing he remembered Joseph. (40:9-15, 20-21, 23; 41:9-13)

C-The status of the two men changed again.  The cupbearer was reinstated while the baker was hanged.  One thing did not change, Joseph remained in prison.  The cupbearer promptly forgot all about Pharaoh how Joseph had been wrongly imprisoned.                                                   (Gen. 40:12-23)

RT-Why was the cupbearer spared?  It was part of God’s plan to save His people.  The cupbearer, more than the baker, was a trusted servant who was constantly in the presence of the Pharaoh.  When God’s timing was perfect he shared with Pharaoh the news about Joseph. (Gen. 40:21; 41:9-13)

UE-From a human perspective it is difficult to understand why God would leave Joseph in jail for an additional two years after he had interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s officials.  In addition, how could the cupbearer forget him so quickly?  (Gen. 40:23; 41:1)

WM-Like the cupbearer, the royal magicians or the king could interpret the dreams of the king.  They could not understand what God was about to do. Their thoughts were limited to earthly things so they could not grasp that which is of the Holy Spirit. (Gen. 41:8, 24)

UE-Pharaoh evidently was desperate to call a Hebrew prisoner to interpret his dreams. (Gen. 41:12, 14-16)

TM-One in tune with God will see and understand things that others can only wonder about.  The message will be clear and concise.  Joseph had this ability.  He had already made the commitment to follow God through good times and times of adversity.  Somehow it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit in the way that Moses had experienced, that the pleasures of this world pale in comparison to the peace and joy that come from righteous living.  Therefore, he was the man for that time to interpret the message that God had for the Egyptian people. (Gen. 41:16)

TM-Joseph acknowledged the source of the dreams, because he knew the giver.        (Gen. 41:16, 24-25, 28)

WM-Even though God might by telling the ungodly what He is about to do they are unable to comprehend it.  It takes a witness, a Joseph to open their eyes. (Gen. 41:25, 28)

M-One who is motivated in his relationship to God will be discerning and wise in his decisions and actions. (Gen. 41:33)

RT-Only because Joseph understood what God was about to do, could he alone propose a plan that would save Egypt and ultimately the Israelites.  (Gen. 41:33-37)

TM-Even though it is obvious that Joseph possessed the gift of administration, the advice he gave Pharaoh was not some instant revelation.  This gift had been honed by thirteen years of putting it into practice, first in Potiphar’s house and then during his time in jail. (Gen. 39:2-6, 21-23; 41:33-41

 UE-Joseph went far beyond interpreting the dreams to actually advising Pharaoh about what he needed to do to prepare for the impending time of plenty and the subsequent famine. (Gen. 41:36)

UE-Pharaoh viewed the suggestions made by Joseph as good ones to be considered.  He did not hesitate in deciding what he believed needed to be done even they had been presented by one who had been to him straight out of jail.  (Gen. 41:37)

UE-The Pharaoh made Joseph in command to actually carry out his own suggestions.  He was not elevated to his new position of second ruler in Egypt based on what had taken place, but because Pharaoh viewed him wiser and more discerning than any of the leaders surrounding Pharaoh. (Gen. 41:38-45)

 M-All through his trials and tribulations God was preparing Joseph for such a time of the famine to come in Egypt.  If he had given up and not remained steadfast in his relation-ship with God and his witness to man, we can only imagine the devastation brought by a seven year with no one to provide for the people.  He brought organization to the situation that would not begin paying dividends for seven years. (Gen. 41:38-49)