Genesis « BiblicalMastery

November 3, 2012

The Heart of a Godly Man

Filed under: Genesis — admin @ 2:10 PM

Lesson 37

The Heart of a Godly Man

Genesis 39

I have always admired individuals who even though they have found themselves in difficult situations have been men who do not let their circumstances overcome them. Anthony Berger who played for Bill Gaither, burned his hands very badly as a child and yet became a very good pianist. He gave his talent to the Lord and served him until his death. The list could go on, but I think you see my point. Sadly, I have not always had that attitude. Sometimes the fact that things did not go my way led me to having a bad attitude. The Lord has really had to work with me in this area. I have learned and am still learning that the doors He closes are for my own good. The things that I believe I can do are sometimes beyond the gifts and abilities He has given me. I am thankful at this point in my life to have been given the opportunities to accomplish some things that are in line with how I have been wired. My prayer is that I can become more like Joseph who continued to serve God in very difficult situations.

Over the past few years God has allowed us to go through some very trying times. At times there were those who questioned if we could make it as a church. We had at least two choices. One decision would have been to believe it was not worth the struggle, give up and close the doors of the church. The other decision was to use the time of testing as a time of refining and growing into a church who truly believed that God was not finished with us. We chose the latter. Now because we did not give up, there is new life and vitality in the church today. God does not want His people to give up and run, but to face adversity head on knowing that as is said in James, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking knowing.” (James 1:3-4) Maturity is only realized from faithful endurance.

Joseph was to find himself in a completely different world. It certainly was not what he expected from life. He would not have chosen to be in a land among people who were completely foreign to him. Having been given the dreams by God he might have wondered if God had forgotten him. One thing for sure he was not the ruler in Egypt but at the very bottom of the social rung, and soon, things were going to get even worse.

Genesis 39:1

Upon arriving in Egypt Joseph was sold to Potiphar. God continued to direct the circumstances of his life. It was important, as God worked behind the scenes of the human events taking place that Joseph was sold to Potiphar. First, His new master was one of Pharaoh’s officials. Secondly, his position would provide the access to the king that would play a part in Joseph’s future. He also was the man in charge of the jail or guardhouse where those who had fallen out of favor with Pharaoh would be jailed. Today they would be considered political prisoners. Lastly, and the most important factor was that God was depending on Joseph to be a man of faith, character and perseverance who would not succumb to the new world and the many challenges and temptations he would now face. If Joseph were to fail then God’s plan for the nation Israel would also fail.

Why would it seem that God was working in the life of Joseph even though he had been sold into slavery?
Why was Potiphar’s position important?
Why was it important that Joseph be sold into that particular household?
What kind of temptations might he face in his new environment?
How would you feel if events like these had happened to you?
In what ways in your own life have you seen God orchestrating the events around you?

Genesis 39:2-6

All during Joseph’s time in Egypt the Lord was with him. Although the time period is not given that he was a slave to Potiphar, he began to become a successful man. The evidence of this is that even his master began to recognize that Joseph was prospering in all that he attempted to do. As would be expected when things went well because of Joseph, Potiphar began to have an admiration for him. He made him his personal servant. Potiphar even went beyond placing him in that position. He promoted him to a leadership role. Joseph was put in charge of all that Potiphar owned. From the point he became overseer God began to bless the household of his master. It is mentioned again that Joseph was in charge of everything that belonged to Potiphar with the exception of his wife of course and the food that he ate.

How do we know that God was with Joseph?
In what ways would Joseph had prospered?
What did Potiphar recognize about Joseph?
What did he do once he became aware of Joseph’s abilities?
What do these events show about Joseph’s character?
What would you do given the same circumstances?

Genesis 39:6-9

Along with all of his other qualities, Moses wrote that Joseph was handsome and had a good physique. This fact was to cause trouble in paradise. Potiphar’s wife began to take a fancy to him and wanted to get involved romantically. Being far from home Joseph could have easily succumbed to her. What difference would it have made? He, however, being a man of high principles would have no part in her plans. He very clearly laid out for her his position. He believed:

That Potiphar had entrusted everything into his care and he would not violate that trust.
He was second only to Potiphar in authority concerning the affairs of the household.
She belonged to Potiphar as his wife.
To do what she wanted would be a sin against God.

Why were Joseph’s physical qualities mentioned?
What did these events say about the character of Potiphar’s wife?
Where was Potiphar during all of this?
What do you think of Joseph’s words to the woman?
What should she have concluded from their conversation?

Genesis 39:10-12

The woman was relentless in her pursuit of Joseph. He did two things. One was to stop listening to her or to refuse to do as she asked. The other was to make sure that he was never alone with her.

There came the day that would be another turning point in his life. For some reason he had to do some work in the house that did not require others to be with him. Once again the woman tried to not only entice him but forcefully tried to get him to lie with her. She grabbed hold of his garment but he slipped out of it and fled from her.

What steps did Joseph take to keep from being involved with Potiphar’s wife?
Why did he find himself in her presence alone?
How did she take advantage of the situation?
How could he have avoided what occurred?
What kind of life did this woman have that she so forcefully pursued Joseph?
How did he handle the situation?

Genesis 39:13-15

Because Joseph had refused to get involved with her, she decided to take revenge on him. Seeing that he had left his garment she called to the other men in the household and made up false charges against him. She said that he tried to force himself on her and only when she screamed did he leave. Of course there is no record of her screaming. It was part of her fabricated story and had nothing to do with the actions of Joseph.

Why did she decide to take revenge on Joseph?
What made her story plausible?
Why did she tell such a story in the first place?
Why did the men not question the facts since they heard no scream other than her call to them?
What would be some instances that you may have wanted to take out a rejection on someone else?

Genesis 39:16-18

To make her plan complete she held onto the garment until her husband came home. She then repeated the fabrication to him. Notice she then referred to Joseph as the Hebrew slave. Since he was a slave he had no right to reject her bidding.

Why was it important to tell her husband about the incident?
What could the other men in the household have done?
In what ways would they have known what was going on?
Who was the only one who had authority to punish Joseph?
Why did she want him hurt?

Genesis 39:19-20

The response of Potiphar to his wife’s story was a natural one. In order to show he was a good husband, Joseph must pay for such a deed. It almost seems as if Potiphar could not believe that Joseph was capable of attempting to rape his wife. It would have meant that he had totally misread Joseph’s character which would have reflected on his own ability to evaluate people. Because he had to take some action he had him put in jail. If he had truly believed that Joseph had tried to lie with his wife, he probably would had him executed, but he did not. As mentioned he was put in the jail where the political prisoners were kept.

Joseph had reached the low point in his life. He had gone from favorite son to being a slave. Now he found himself in jail as the lowest of all people, a prisoner falsely accused.

Why did Potiphar respond as he did?
What action did he take that would indicate that he did not completely buy into his wife’s story?
If true what does this event say about Potiphar’s ability to judge man’s character?
What could have possibly prevented this whole incident?

Genesis 39:21-23

As hard as it might appear, given Joseph’s circumstances, God was still with him. Once again Joseph’s godly character was on display. Instead of being sullen and bitter his pleasant demeanor he soon caught the attention of the chief jailer. It was not long before Joseph was running the jail. Joseph once again prospered in all he did. Like his stay in Potiphar’s house the time in jail was a time of preparation for what God had in store for him in the future. In both places God was training him for the leadership role ahead of him.

Up to that point Joseph had done nothing to disappoint God. He had remained pure and upright in all of his dealings with the people in his new world. Although Spiritual gifts would not be given out until the Holy Spirit came, it is obvious that Joseph possessed leadership, administrative skills, wisdom and discernment. All of those would be needed as he moved on in life.

More importantly, the impact that his godly character had on those around him is unknown. Because of Joseph each of them may have found God in their own lives. What would you have felt at this point if like Joseph you had been falsely accused and convicted of something you had not done?

What do you think of the statement, “the Lord was with him?”
In what ways do you see Joseph being equipped for the events that lay ahead for him?
What are the characteristics you most admire about him?
What did the jailer see?
Why would he be willing to turn the jail over to Joseph’s leadership?

Joseph has set an example for each of us as we face difficult challenges in life. Let us look at few that may be a guide to the way you live out your life as a follower of Christ.

Know that you will not always be able to control the circumstances that surround you?
Remember your attitude affects people for good or bad?
Think about the things you have done when away from those who know you.
Take to heart the saying, Character is what you are when no one is around.
Continue to use the gifts and abilities in even the worse circumstances. You may never know whose life you may impact for Christ.
Look at your own life and see in what ways you have grown closer to the Lord in times of difficulty? If so why. If not why?

Throughout its history the church has faced very difficult times. During some of those periods there has been great persecution. There have been others when great apathy has been prevalent. The time in which we live has some of both. In some parts of the world to be a follower of Christ is to have a death sentence hanging over one’s head. As we look around our nation we see the signs of a church that is complacent and apathetic. There is great concern among Church leaders that the church is waning and drifting away from the gospel. Those who are concerned are finally waking up to the situation all of us have created. Books concerning the ways to reinvigorate the church to follow the gospel in our lives are flooding the shelves of our bookstores. The apathy of the church is more dangerous to its future than persecution.

As we have seen in the life of Joseph, he continued to be faithful to God and grow during his struggles in Egypt. Through the years of slavery and imprisonment God was honing those gifts and skills he would need to lead Egypt during the years of famine but also provide a safe haven for his family where they could be protected and thrive.

God is calling us to be the Josephs of this time and place. The only way we are going to impact the world is to be a people who truly believes the gospel and is willing to put it into practice. As Joseph provided the salvation for his family, let us understand that the church is the only safe haven for those who desperately need the new life in Christ. We are the only place that has the good news of salvation the world needs to hear. Let us truly safeguard our responsibility and not stumble in these difficult days.

Additional Notes:

C-Joseph the favorite child of his father became the slave of Potiphar. (Gen. 39:1)

UE-Potiphar entrusted all he had in the hand of Joseph, a stranger and foreigner. It was because of the blessings being poured out on Joseph that he saw that he willing take the risk of raising a Hebrew to such a position. (Gen. 39:1-6)

RT-Smothered by his father; hated by his brothers it took being sold as a slave in Egypt for Joseph’s true abilities to begin to emerge. (Gen. 39:2-6)

M-“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man.” This should be the clarion cry of the hope that is available to every man. Here was a young man who in the face of difficult times in his own life did not give up. Because of his attitude and the performance of his duties he was made the personal servant of his master and the overseer of his master’s household. In fact Potiphar went so far as to put everything he had, except his wife, in Joseph’s charge. This was done in spite of the fact that he was a foreigner. Upon arriving in Egypt Joseph had no hope that this kind of thing would happen when his brothers sold him. It was his faith in God and His guidance that caused Potiphar to see something in Joseph that was lacking in all of the others in his household. (Gen. 39:2-4)

BL- In Genesis 39, we return to the story of Joseph, who has been sold to Potiphar, Pharoah’s captain of the guard. Humanly speaking, Joseph may have seemed down on his luck, but God is always faithful! Verses 2, 3, and 5 reassure us that He was with Joseph even in this foreign land and culture and blessed him in everything he did. As a result of God’s favor and his own positive attitude, Joseph becomes Potiphar’s most trusted servant. However, his good looks and kind demeanor now draw the attention of Mrs. Potiphar, and Joseph is forced to dodge her advances at every turn. Respectfully, he stands up to her, telling her in vv. 8-9 that he will not violate his master’s trust or sin against God by sleeping with her–but she will not leave him alone. Finally, in vv. 11-18, she grabs his cloak and uses it as “evidence” that Joseph has tried to take advantage of her. Potiphar, in order to save face, has Joseph thrown into the king’s prison. Poor Joseph! Just how bad can things get? Yet even in prison, v. 21 tells us that the Lord “was with him, he showed him kindness, and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” Soon the resilient Joseph is in charge of the prison, and the Lord gives him success in whatever he does.

The moral–or morals–here? First, God is faithful! Even in the bleakest of circumstances, He cares for His own. Secondly, while things may have looked TERRIBLE from a human point of view, God was very much at work in Joseph’s life–and in His timing, Joseph would become someone far more influential than he had ever dreamed! As Paul tells us in Romans 8:28, “Now we know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” And in Jeremiah 29:11 it says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Is your life looking a little bleak right now? Remember–God is on your side! Trust in Him and keep on fighting the good fight. Only He knows the wonderful blessings He has in store for you!

BL- We looked more closely at chapter 39, which deals with Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment. Buddy told us that these were times in Joseph’s life when God was molding and shaping him for a higher purpose–that of becoming Pharoah’s right-hand man and the instrument of His mercy to the Israelites. From his position as Pharoah’s administrator, Joseph would be able to help his people in a way that he never could have had he remained in Canaan. First, however, he would need to acquire the skills necessary for this demanding job, and God placed him in situations in which Joseph could develop them. In Potiphar’s household, for example, Joseph was soon directing all the day-to-day activities of his fellow servants so that Potiphar “did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” In prison, Joseph was placed in charge of the other prisoners, whom we can assume were not always the most cooperative of people! However, Scripture tells us that he did his best in every situation, continually demonstrating faith in God, a cheerful attitude, and a willingness to shoulder responsibility. Buddy pointed out that while Joseph may have been enslaved and then imprisoned, he was NEVER in a “prison of the heart.” He knew that God was with him and believed that God had a plan for his life, even though he had no idea what that plan might be.

Buddy then asked us if we could chart similar periods of growth in our own lives. Can we identify times in which God has allowed things to happen to us that we might not choose, but which we realize are designed for our spiritual maturation? These are often times of brokenness and metamorphosis, from which we emerge stronger in spirit and closer to that unique purpose for which God has designed us. However, we must recognize these events for what they are and ask God what He would have us learn from them–otherwise, the experiences and the suffering are wasted. Buddy also urged us to include these events in our testimonies, because while salvation is a one-time experience, discipleship should be a lifelong one. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ–but it should be a constant process! What has God been doing in your life and mine–and what have we learned from it?

GC- Because of Joseph’s faith and uprightness God was able to use him in His service. Throughout his life God turned circumstances meant for evil into something good for the benefit of His people and the purpose He had for them. (Gen. 39:2)

C-Because the Lord was with him, Joseph did not remain just one of Potiphar’s slaves, became his personal servant. (Gen: 39:4-6)

C-Joseph then became overseer over all that Potiphar owned. While he was in charge of his household the Lord blessed the household of Potiphar. (Gen. 39:4-6)

M-Blessing came to Potiphar because of Joseph’s faithfulness. God would not be honored the work of Joseph if he had been disobedient to Him and untrusting in his dealings with man. (Gen. 39:5-6)

M-With success comes the temptations to be caught up in what the world has to offer. To keep control over one’s life is what is expected of us by God. Joseph understood the temptations very well. His reply to the advances of Potiphar’s wife was, “How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:7-9)

GC-What a contrast we see between Joseph and his brother Judah. The one kept himself pure, trustworthy, and honest while the other succumbed so easily to human desires. How did Joseph know what his brother evidently did not, since at this point in time the law had been given that would have condemned adultery? (Gen. 39:8; Prov. 11:13: 21:8)

GC-Joseph is an example for us of one who kept himself morally pure in the face of strong and relentless temptation. (Gen. 39:7-8)

DM-Joseph understood that with position came responsibility and accountability. He knew that do anything to compromise the position God had allowed him to have would have been a “great evil and a sin against God.” Joseph learned to flee sin. (Gen. 39:9, 18)

GC-Joseph rightly saw that any wrong doing is against God. Faithfulness over the long term was infinitely more important that the momentary pleasure that brings with it terrible consequences and eventually eternal separation from God. (Gen. 39:9)

M-Man must realize that Satan is relentless in his attack. Joseph was faithful even when falsely accused. (Gen. 39:10-18)

UE-It seems such an injustice for a person of Joseph’s high moral character to be put into prison. As strange as it may seem, this too was all in God’s plan for Joseph and His chosen people. Notice the jail where he was put was where the king’s prisoners were kept. (Gen. 39:19-20)

C-Because of the false accusations by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph the overseer became Joseph the prisoner. (Gen. 39:19-20)

WM-Men who live by their emotions are often swayed by the stories of others. Potiphar reacted without hearing Joseph’s side of the story. They do not necessarily rely on facts, but hearsay, rumors and innuendos. (Gen. 39:19-20)

M-What happened to Joseph would have destroyed most people. Here was a man righteous and blameless, who after the disgrace of being sold by his brothers as a slave had gained the admiration and trust of his master now finds himself imprisoned falsely accused. What a dilemma because he must accept this punishment or otherwise accuse his master’s wife of infidelity.

Even in jail the Bible tells us that the “Lord was with Joseph and extended His kindness to him and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” Joseph was still faithful. Joseph had not given up or lashed out but continued to do what pleased God even in the most difficult circumstances. Most people today would cry out “why me,” “I can’t” or “Things are not working out the way I planned them.” If not these responses then he will become defensive with statements like, “If you don’t do things my way, I’ll quit or I’ll only work to the contract.”

Another to deal with these types of situations over which you have no control is to do less than your best. We might also do just enough to keep from losing your job etc. This was not Joseph’s attitude. He would have said, “Life has dealt me some major setbacks, but I must move on. I will turn what has happened in to behavior that will glorify God. (Gen. 39:19-23)

C-Even in jail, the Lord was with him and the jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners. (Gen. 39:21-22)

UE-Would you put a prisoner in charge of his fellow prisoners, especially since he was a Hebrew and a young man? Even so that is what happened. Here was the jailed in a way being given keys to the vault or the thief the money bag to keep. Eventually, in having been given that position he came in contact with the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. (Gen. 39:21-23; 40:1-4)

GC-Joseph understood that as he remained faithful and try to live within God’s purpose for him that He would be with him at all times especially when facing great adversity. (Gen. 39:21, 23: Is. 26:2)

C-Once again the Lord turned defeat into victory. Joseph transformed the jail because the Lord caused Joseph to prosper. (Gen. 39:22-23)

GC-Joseph succeeded even in jail. He was strong enough in his trust of God that he never gave up hope even in the worse possible situations. (Gen. 39:23)

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October 27, 2012

Judah and Tamar

Filed under: Genesis — admin @ 8:35 PM

Lesson 36

Judah and Tamar

Genesis 38

In our day of instant communication via Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and email, there is caveat to their use. We are warned that we must be careful of what we put out online for the world to see. The problem is that once the information is sent it is out there in cyber space forever. To think that what a person does as a teenager or worse as an adult expressing his/her anger, frustration or treatment of family will be broadcast so that even potential employers could see it which could impact them for the rest of their lives is a sobering thought. Not only do we share way too much information but we also are bombarded with books, magazines and TV in which celebrities share the most intimate details of their lives. Personally I would not want all of the stupid and foolish decisions that I have made available for the world to see. I do not know why anyone would want their lives to be such an open book. It is one thing to make yourself vulnerable and open to trusted family members and the closest of friends, but to go beyond that is bringing undue attention to oneself. Sadly this kind of display, in my opinion, borders on narcissistic behavior.

The body of Christ is certainly not exempt from having its name sullied by the activities that go on within its walls. We are all familiar with mistakes that church leaders and others have made that have impacted the church’s reputation and some cases actually destroyed that congregation. The tools that God has given to us to be used to glorify Him can also turn to instruments that demean His name because they are misused. There are also outside evil forces that can take our communication and twist it to promote their own agenda. To think that what we might say and do could affect the reputation of the Christ’s church in the minds of some should be appalling to all of us.

Our lesson today is a perfect example of what has been mentioned above. To think that one of the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel would have his story told down to our present day should indicate to us that God knows what we do and if it suited His purpose could expose all of us because of the decisions we have made. Because of His grace He chooses to forget our sins. Sadly the world is not as gracious and unforgiving. Let us not have our deeds not written out in the tabloids of this world but in the Lamb’s Book of Life. If Judah’s life story was to end with this chapter we would not think much of him. Thankfully for him, as is for us, there is grace and second chances.

Genesis 38:1

Judah made a decision that would impact his life and those around him down to the present day. He moved away from his family which had been his support group for his whole life. Of course the reasons for his decision are not known. The possible answer may be found in the events that had occurred in his family. He may have moved to run away from the guilt and the constant reminder of his part in selling Joseph to the Midianites. His brothers may have blamed him for what was then happening because it had been his suggestion to sell his brother. Seeing his father’s ongoing displays of grief may have been too much for him to handle. The last possibility may have had something to do with the struggle with Reuben to see who would become the leader of the family since the heir apparent now out of the picture. Rather than having the conflict do any further damage to the family, he left.

Drifting away from the security of his family, he made friends with a man named Hirah. He was a Canaanite from the family of the Adullamites. Judah, one of the chosen people, moved in among the pagan Canaanites.

Why did Judah choose to move away from his family?
What part did he play in what was happening to them?
What do you think of the reasons shared?
What was the danger of making the move he did?
How did he violate the instructions of God?
Why did he not have any problem moving in among the Canannites?

Genesis 38:2-5

Once he had moved away from home it was not long before he made a second mistake that would be costly in his own life. It showed was taking place in the life of Judah. Whatever relationship he had with God, seemed to be waning or nonexistent. It also set up a chain of events that required God’s intervention. He married a Canaanite woman the daughter of Shua. She bore him three sons, Er (the watcher), Onan (Strength) and Shelah (He that breaks). Notice all three of the sons were named by Shua indicating that Judah had abdicated the leadership role in the family. The boys were probably raised and influenced in their behavior by their pagan mother.

What kind of mistakes can one make when separated from the influence of family?
What consequences could the marriage to Shua have on the life of Judah and his descendents?
Who seems to be the dominant parent and partner in the marriage?
What are some the evidence that this is true?
Growing up in a pagan home what type of behavior could be expected of the Er, Onan and Shelah?

Genesis 38:6

Er grew into manhood and Judah decided it was time for him to take a wife. This was not something he wanted to leave to his pagan wife to do. He chose Tamar whose name means “Palm Tree” which would probably indicate that she was a woman of great beauty and character. Since she was listed in the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew, in all probability, her name did represent the kind of person she was.

Why did Judah suddenly decide to become part of his son’s life and take a son for him?
What does her name seem to say about Tamar?
Why would God allow her to be part of the ancestry of Jesus?
Why is it important to choose her person of good character for a wife or husband?
What is the qualifying characteristic that should be upper most in making this selection?

Genesis 38:7-10

Judah’s attempt to produce an heir through Er failed miserably. The young man was so evil in the sight of God that the Scripture said that, “The Lord took his life.” Having failed the first time he tried to force his next oldest son, Onan, to take Tamar as his wife and have children in his brother’s name. This is called the Levirate marriage and is spelled out in the book of Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Onan refused to marry Tamar or to have children by her to keep his brother’s family name alive. Because of his refusal he died also.

Why did the Lord stop Er from producing an heir for Judah?
Why did the Lord take the life of Er?
What was the reason Onan refused to follow the Levirate custom of marrying the wife of one’s brother and raising children in his name?
Why did Onan become the second brother to die because of his actions?

Genesis 38:11

The actions taken by Judah after the death of his two older sons indicated that he held Tamar responsible for what happened to them. If they had not both married her they would probably still be alive. All he wanted at that point was to get her as far away from his family as he could. Instead of having her live with his family he sent her back to her father’s home to live as a widow. To do so meant that she was still contractually under the control of Judah. Judah promised her that once Shelah was old enough she would be given to him as a wife.

Why would Judah blame Tamar for the deaths of his two sons?
Why did he not see it was the judgment of God on their evil ways that brought about their death?
What did he hope to gain by sending her back to her father’s house?
Why did he promise to give Tamar to Shelah?
Why was she still obligated to Judah?

Genesis 38:12-14

After many years of marriage Judah’s wife the daughter of Shua died. When he had completed the time of mourning he returned to his normal activity. Along with Hirah he went to where his sheepshearers were at Timnah.

Tamar who had waited patiently for Judah to fulfill his promise realized that she was not going to be given to Shelah as his wife. At that point she decided to take the matter of having children born into the family of Judah into her own hands. She heard that Judah was going up to Timnah. She removed her widow’s clothes and covered her face with a veil to keep from being recognized. Then she waited on the road where she knew he would be travelling.

What part did the death of Judah’s wife play in the narrative?
What could be the reason that God removed her from the scene?
What did Tamar come to realize about her future?
Why did she decide to take matters into her own hands?
Why did she feel it was necessary to meet Judah on the road to Timnah?

Genesis 38:15-19

Judah saw Tamar sitting by the road and concluded that she was a harlot. She picked a spot that was not actually in the city to hide her identity and because she was there for one purpose. She wanted to meet Judah. When he came to where she was he did not recognize her because of the veil over her face. He turned aside and asked if he could go into her. Before agreeing to acting out the part of a harlot Tamar asked what she would receive. He promised to send her a young goat. To make sure he would not go back on his promise, she took a pledge from him consisting of his seal used for signing his name, his cord used to carry the seal about his neck, and his staff. She may have also concluded that she just might, in the future, need them to protect her reputation.

From that sexual encounter Tamar conceived. Immediately she returned to her father’s house and once again put on the garments worn by a widow.

What did Tamar have to do to accomplish her goal?
Why assumption did Judah make?
Why did Tamar demand a pledge from Judah?
What was the importance of the three items he left with her?
What happened from their encounter?

Genesis 38:20-23

True to his word Judah used his friend to deliver the goat. When he went to Timnah he could not find her. The men of that region were unaware that there had been a temple prostitute by the roadside. Judah’s response was that he had tried to keep his promise. He also concluded that it was better for her to keep the pledge than for him to lose his reputation.

By what act did Judah show he still had some integrity?
Why did he use his friend to deliver the goat?
Why did he believe it was better to let the harlot keep the pledge than to pursue finding it?

Genesis 38:24-26

After three months Judah became aware that Tamar was expecting. His reaction was one of feigned self-righteousness. How could she violate her status of being a widow and sully the good name of his family. The only recourse was to have her burned. Fortunately for her she had possibly seen what would happen to one who had committed an act of immorality and had gotten pregnant. The pledge she had received turned out to be her salvation. Just at the right time she sent them to Judah to identify. Of course he recognized them. His words indicated that he was the guilty one by not following through with his promise to give Tamar to Shelah as his wife.

Tamar had done what Judah should have done in providing for the means to continue his family. In a way he became the Levirate husband for Tamar to produce his own son. After that one occurrence of immorality, Judah never had a relationship with her again.

What do you think of Judah’s reaction to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy?
In what way was he hypocritical?
How did Tamar’s forethought save her from being burned?
What do you think of Judah’s words upon seeing the evidence of his immorality?

Genesis 38:27-30

At the time when she was about to deliver the child, it was discovered that she was carrying twins. A strange thing occurred with the two boys. It appeared that as one of the boys was about to be born a string was tied around his wrist to indicate that he was the first born. He however withdrew his arm and his brother was born ahead of him. One was named Zerah which means “a dawning or brightness.” His brother was called Perez which means “breach” because he bypassed his brother and was born ahead of him.

Although it is not spelled out in the Bible it is obvious in hindsight that God had intervened in the life of Judah to make sure that the offspring that would be in the lineage of Jesus would not come from a pagan wife and children. Perez is always listed in the genealogy of Jesus before his brother.

What is the significance of the red string?
Who was in control of the order of birth between the two twins?
How did God act for His glory even in the case of the sinful actions of Judah and Tamar?
What lessons did Judah learn from this incident?

Like Hebrews 10:25 says in essence, stay attached to those who build you up, encourage you and instruct you so that you will not drift from the path of righteousness.
Before taking any type of action consider if what you do will please God.
Remember that although people may forget what you have done, un-repented sin will always be remembered by God. It is only those sins for which you have asked forgiveness that will be forgotten.
Take care when choosing the types of people with whom you make friends.
Take responsibility for your decisions good or bad and blame others when you do those things that are sinful.
Confess and ask forgiveness when you sin.
Remember God can turn a bad situation into that which serves His purpose.
Do not base your life on that truth because your actions may bring unintended consequences in the short term.

Thankfully God is in the business of forgiving each of us. If that were not true the doors of a church might as well close. All of us have drifted away from God, even though present in our physical bodies. He still is all about restoration and a second chance. Judah is a perfect example of one who turned his back on all that provided the checks on his behavior. The Body of Christ is the place where all the Judah’s of the world can find hope and peace.

Friendships with the church are those that provide for encouragement when needed and comfort when facing a great need. To turn ones back on that kind of community is to open the door for making choices that can be devastating. Let us learn from the life of Judah, a man adrift because of his part in bad decision making. Like us he was a man who God loved and eventually would turn him into a different type of person. Christ, through His body, can and will do the very same for us if we will but let Him.

Additional Notes:

BL- Chapter 38 outlines the shameful life of Judah. His marriage to a Canaanite woman produces three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er, v. 7 tells us, was wicked in God’s sight, and so the Lord puts him to death. Judah tells Onan to lie with Er’s wife, Tamar, in order to carry on Er’s line; but Onan refuses to create an heir for his brother and the Lord kills him for his disobedience. Judah promises Tamar that as soon as Shelah is old enough, Tamar can take him as her husband; then he sends her back to her father to wait. However, the years pass, Shelah becomes a man, and Judah never sends for Tamar, fearing that she is a jinx who will cause him to lose his one remaining son. The jilted Tamar then takes matters into her own hands–disguised as a temple prostitute, she lures Judah into sleeping with her and giving her his staff, cord, and seal as a pledge for future payment. When Judah sends a friend to pay her, however, the “temple prostitute” is nowhere to be found.

Several months later, the unmarried Tamar’s pregnancy is obvious to everyone. Judah demands she be burned to death for her indiscretion until Tamar produces her trump card–Judah’s staff and seal! Caught in his adultery, Judah realizes “. . . she is more righteous than I” because she kept her promise to wait for Shelah, a promise that Judah never delivered on. Judah leaves her in peace to have her baby. When the time to deliver arrives, Tamar gives birth to twins, Zerah (the firstborn) and Perez. Perez, the younger, is important because he is listed in Matthew 1:3 as one of the ancestors of Christ (as is Tamar, one of only five women in Christ’s genealogy–and a Canaanite woman at that!)

C-Judah married a Canaanite woman name Shua and had three sons by her, Er, Onan and Shelah. (Gen. 38:1-5)

C-Judah’s son Er married Tamar. Because of the evil Er and Onan committed the Lord took their lives. (Gen. 38:6-10; 1 Chro. 2:3)

M-Man must realize that Satan is relentless in his attack. Joseph was faithful even when falsely accused. (Gen. 39:10-18)

C-Of course upon the death of his sons, Judah like any father grieved for his sons and became overly protective of his third son, Shelah. He then promised Tamar that Shelah would eventually become her husband. When Shelah had become a grown man he did not marry her. (Gen 38:11)

C-Judah’s wife Shua died. (Gen.38:12)

WM-Judah was an ungodly and immoral man. He lacked the self-control when it came to sexual activity. Although he had no problem with his own lifestyle, he felt he had the right to condemn Tamar to death for her supposed harlotry. She was only trying to raise up a family for her dead husband and ultimately for Judah as provided in the Levitical Law. (Gen. 38:15-18, 24-26)

UE-God’s plans for mankind are not certainly the same as what is expected. God had his Son born from a tribe and family of Judah whose son Perez was born out of an adulterous relationship. (Gen. 38:14-19, 24-30)

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October 20, 2012

Odd Man Out

Filed under: Genesis — admin @ 4:28 PM

Lesson 35

Odd Man Out

Genesis 37

Thankfully, I have not experienced a great deal of persecution in my lifetime. The one incident that showed how a non-believer might act around a follower of Christ occurred many years ago. At that time I was a supervisor of a manufacturing storeroom and because of my position was invited to a management gathering. During one of the conversations that night the plant manager spoke to some of us, who were believers, in a way that indicated that he did not have much regard for us. He indicated that rather than at the bar, which many were enjoying, our meeting place could be found at the exit. I felt at that point, as I am sure the others did also, that I was an outsider and would never really be accepted by him and others like him.

What I have discovered is that even though others might attempt in keep me on the periphery of life my Father never will. He loves me and has a purpose for me. Others may not understand me but He does and is working in my life to make me more like Him.

We do live in a world that wants to exclude the church from the mainstream of life. This is especially true if we remain a body that follows faithfully the teachings of God given to us through His word. Those teachings will always be at odds with the humanistic secular worldview. As they are more and more convicted of their sin end results will be persecution against the church. They will in more ways than one try to point us towards the exit.

As we shall see today, in many ways Joseph was the odd man out in his own family. His faithfulness pointed to a stark contrast between his brothers and him. The natural reactions of godless men were bound to become apparent. Let us begin looking at one of the most important men in the Old Testament. His story covers about twenty percent of the Book of Genesis.

We will follow him from the age of seventeen and until his death at one hundred ten. So let us begin.

Genesis 37:1-2a

Jacob had finally returned to the land of his birth and settled down somewhere around Hebron, where is father Isaac had spent his last years. There is a transition spelled out in verse two. A new chapter in the life of Abraham’s descendents was about to begin. Looking ahead the writer indicates that Jacob’s family will now take center stage in history.

Why was it important for Jacob to finally settle down in Canaan?
What is the change that is about to take place to which the writer refers?
Who was to take center stage in the history of the nation of Israel?
What does this chapter indicate about the relationship of God with His people?

Genesis 37:2b

Joseph was to take front and center stage in the narrative of the Jacob’s family. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the family business and with the sons of Jacob’s concubines Bilhah and Zilpah as they pastured the flock. One commentator suggested that the brothers were not very reliable men and thus needed watching. Joseph was given the responsibility to keep his father informed. The writer does not spell out what the brothers did, but it bothered Joseph to the extent that he brought the information to his father.

Why does the writer indicate the age of Joseph?
Why did Jacob put Joseph with those particular brothers?
What responsibility was he given?
Why are we not told what the brothers did that concerned Joseph enough to tell his father?

Genesis 37:3-4

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his older brothers. One reason was given. His father was much older when he was born. The other is not shared in Scripture. He was the son of Rachel, the wife Jacob loved more than the others. The varicolored coat given to Joseph by Jacob showed not only his love for his son but had a greater meaning. It symbolized to the others that Jacob intended to give his son all the rights and privileges of the first born. At some point Joseph would get the inheritance and blessing of his father. The others would serve him as the head of the family.

Jacob’s actions did not go over well with the ten other sons. It reached a point that they began to hate Joseph and could not even speak to him in a civil tone. Although Joseph had no control over the preferential treatment given to him by his father, he still became the focal point of the brother’s hatred.

Beneath their outward actions there probably was a deep resentment toward their father. The treatment and disregard for them had been building for years. Just look back at Jacob’s previous actions regarding his family, especially when he met his brother, Esau. They could not lash out at Jacob, because he was the head of the family. The only way they could express how they felt was to attack the one who he loved more than them.

Why did Jacob love Joseph more than his brothers?
What did the varicolored coat signify?
Why would Jacob make the decision to promote Joseph in the eyes of his brothers at such a young age?
What could be expected from showing such favoritism?
In what ways have you or someone you have known experienced this kind of favoritism?
What were the results in their lives?

Genesis 37:5-8

Joseph did not help the situation by sharing with them a dream he had where the sheaves they were binding bowed down before his sheave. It could have been the act of a typical teenager who does not think of the consequences of his words. The other possibility was that God was speaking through a word of prophecy that would take place years down the road. Whichever one it was his words elicited from them a expected result. Their questions seem to indicate a desire to ask, who do you think you are? They wanted to know if he really thought he would become their ruler. He may have been important in the eyes of his father, but they certainly did not regard him as anyone special.

Who do you think was the source of the dream?
What was the reason he was given the dream at that point in his life?
What are your thoughts on the wisdom of sharing the dream with his brothers?
Why did they take offense at the dream?
What was God doing?

Genesis 37:9-11

Again Joseph had another dream in which it seemed that his whole family, including his father, was going to bow before him. This time even Jacob was upset and rebuked him. Joseph had gone too far with the second dream. Jacob wanted to know if Joseph was so impudent that he thought he would rule over even his parents. He did however keep in his mind what Joseph had said. The second dream did not help the relationship Joseph had with the brothers. Adding to their hatred, they now became jealous of him. Because of the two dreams they were beginning to suspect there was something special going on with Joseph and they did not like it.

In what way was the second dream different from the first?
Seeing the reaction of the brothers to the first dream why would Joseph tell the whole family of the second one?
What do you think of Jacob’s initial words and then the fact that he remembered what Joseph had said?
Why would the brothers become jealous?

Genesis 37:12

With the situation that existed in the household, it was a good move for the brothers of Joseph to separate themselves from the object of their hatred. They took the flocks back to Shechem to pasture them. By returning to the area of Shechem, they knew that they would have the freedom to do as they pleased. Their father would surely not bother them there.

Why was it wise for the brothers to leave?
Why would they go to Shechem?
Why is it good sometimes to remove yourself from an explosive situation?
When you have done so how are you then able to approach what has occurred?

Genesis 37:13-14a

The decision to send Joseph to check on his brothers and the welfare of the animals in their possession indicated one of two things about Jacob. It is possible that he did just did not know how his sons felt about Joseph. It is hard to believe but he may have been totally oblivious of their feelings. One would have to be so isolated from those around him, if not physically emotionally, to not see the hatred they had toward their brother. It surely would have manifested itself in their lack of respect for him because of his lack of love and trust of them.

Into that environment Jacob was going to send Joseph. In obedience to his father, he was willing to go. He had to know that he would face the hostility of his brothers. They would not have taken kindly to having their younger brother monitor their activity. What do you think of the decision to send Joseph to check on his brothers?

What does this show us about Jacob’s awareness of what was taking place in his family?
How is it that he did not see how he favored Joseph affected his relationship with his other sons?
Why would Joseph be willing to go?
What could he expect, since they would know why he had been sent?

Genesis 37:14b-17

Joseph then went to the Shechem where he expected to find them. Not finding them there he was at a loss of knowing what to do next. A man found him wandering around and told him that his brothers had moved on to Dothan. With the new information Joseph sought to carry out the desires of Jacob and went on to Dothan. He found them at Dothan.

What did Joseph discover in Shechem?
Why would the brothers have moved on from Shechem to Dothan?
Why did Joseph continue on with his trip?
What would you have done under the same circumstances?
How could he even be sure that he would locate his brothers at Dothan?
What do you think his reaction would have been finding them at Dothan?

Genesis 37:18-20

Seeing their brother coming they immediately came up with a plot to kill him. In their minds they did not see him as one to understand but one who they viewed as the “dreamer.” This term represented all they did not like about Joseph. His dreams had only added to their sense of insecurity. By killing Joseph any possibility of his dreams being fulfilled would be ended and they would become the loved ones in the family. This has been the mindset of society since man began. If the person who gets in the way is removed then everything will be better. As part of the plot, they even went so far as to decide what they would tell their father. Surely no one would question the story of a poor lad wandering around being killed by wild animals.

What opportunity did Joseph’s appearance give the brothers?
How were they able to come up with the ideas so quickly?
Why did they use the name “dreamer” in discussing what they planned to do?
How does what they planned to do reflect the mindset of so many in our society today?
What is ever gained by destroying another person either physically or his reputation?

Genesis 37:21-22

At that point Reuben stepped in and tried to diffuse the situation. He attempted to convince his brothers not to kill Joseph. His plan was to rescue him from his brothers and return him home safely. To buy time he suggested that they throw him into a pit that was in the field where they were.

What does Reuben’s plan say about him?
Why did he agree to have him thrown into the pit?
What was he trying to do for the whole family by his actions?
What are some occasions in your life when you may have intervened to keep someone from making a foolish mistake?
In what ways was Reuben looking out for the welfare of all concerned?

Genesis 37:23-24

As soon as Joseph arrived they stripped him of his varicolored coat. This was a way of removing from him the symbol of all the status that Jacob had given to him. It was their intent to bring him down to their station in life. They then proceeded to throw him into the pit. He was now at their mercy and like a prisoner had no rights.

Why did they remove the coat of many colors?
What had it symbolized?
In what position did it then leave Joseph?
What did this act say about the regard they had for their father?

Genesis 37:25-28

Two dynamics were taking place. God was acting behind the scenes to protect the life of Joseph. He used an unlikely source to bring it about. As the brothers sat down to eat, an opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. A caravan of Ishmaelites on its way to Egypt carrying aromatic gum, balm and myrrh to sell passed by where the brothers were eating. At the suggestion of Judah they decided to sell Joseph to the traders for twenty shekels of silver. This would accomplish getting rid of him and saving them from the guilt that would come if he was murdered.

The second thing that was occurring was the vying of the two brothers, Reuben and Judah for the position of leadership of the family. With Joseph out of the picture they assumed that one of them would step in to fill the void left by his departure.

In what ways can we see God at work in the events that were taking place?
Why is it sometimes not obvious to us when God is working even in difficult situations?
Why was Joseph still in danger of being killed if the Ishmaelites had not come to the rescue?
What would be gained by selling him to the traders?
Why did I state that there was a minor power struggle going on between Reuben and Judah?
Who at that point seem to be winning?
With Joseph out the way what did each of them conclude?

Genesis 37:29-30

Following the departure of Joseph, Reuben returned to the pit presumably to rescue him and to take him back to his father. It is not clear how his brothers would have reacted to effort to undermine their plan. Not finding Joseph he found them to discover out what they had done with him. At that point he did not know whether they had disregarded his advice and had killed him anyway.

When he found out that they had sold their brother into slavery, Reuben panicked. He certainly did not want to face his father without his brother. Being the oldest he knew that Jacob would have held him personally responsible for what had happened to Joseph.

Why did Reuben panic when he did not find Joseph in the pit?
Why did he feel such a responsibility for him?
What did he think his father would do?
What does this whole episode say about the brothers’ mentality?
How did they think their actions would affect other people?
What are some of the consequences you have experienced when you did not pray about or think through your actions?

Genesis 37:31-32

At that moment, the big lie took shape that would haunt the lives of the brothers for many years. They dipped the coat that they had stripped from Joseph dipped in the blood of a male goat they slaughtered and brought it to their father to identify. Although they did explain how the blood got on the coat they allowed Jacob to think the worse. He did not fail them. Jacob’s natural reaction was that his son had been killed by a wild beast. For the brothers to say anything different would have caused them to have to admit what they done. They allowed Jacob to believe what he wanted to think happened. How cruel was such an act they committed against their father. The deceit showed how little regard they seem to have for him.

Why did the brothers allow Jacob to believe that Joseph was dead?
What does it show of their relationship with their father?
What does this whole episode show about the kind of men they were?
What long term affect would this have on them and Jacob?

Genesis 37:34-35

As would be expected, Jacob went into a time of deep mourning. Hypocritical as it was his whole family, including the brothers, who had brought on the reason for the grieving, tried unsuccessfully to comfort him. He truly believed that the grief he felt for Joseph would last him the rest of his life and go with him to the grave.

Why did Jacob go into such a deep period of grieving?
What do you think of the brother’s acts of consolation?
Would he have felt that way about the death of his other children? Why or why not?
In what ways have you acted in a way to cover up something that you have done?

Genesis 37:36

The next phase of Joseph’s life begins with being sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s body guard. Joseph, at that point, had gone from being the favorite son being groomed to take his father’s place as head of the family to that of a slave.

How can we say that God was working in the life of Joseph?
Why did He allow him to go from his position as favorite son to that of a slave?
When has there been times when God seemed to be far away from you?
When things do not happen as we expect, what is to be our attitude during those times?

We have only touched the surface of all that is available to us from this chapter. I have only covered the family relationships. From what has been said the following thoughts hopefully will be helpful as each of us relate to those around us.

Be careful that you do not play one person against another to obtain your agendas?
Treat each person with whom you have contact fairly.
Read James 2 to see what God thinks about partiality.
Pray and think about how your decisions will affect those around you. Joseph’s brothers made a decision that would impact them for the rest of their lives. It not only affected them but those around them.
Look at the relationships that you have in your own family and make sure you love each person equally. Each person is different but must be loved for who they are.

Each Sunday guests come through the doors of every church in this country. Many are looking for a place where they can build true relationships with those inside the building. There are also instances where a person may come for weeks, months and even years and never feel a part of a body of Christ because we all too often ignore them. We may not mean to do this, but it happens because they may try to become a part of a close knit group, whether it is a Bible Study Class or in the larger context the whole church. Many of these folks have needs that need to be met. They may also be hungry to become true disciples and are looking for the family that can help them grow. May we, in whatever context we find ourselves, be the ones to help meet needs and to see lives transformed through the sharing of God’s good news. What is going to be the part that you and I are willing to play in accomplishing the task?

Additional Notes:

GC- Joseph, once he overcame the childish need to brag, which was a sign of immaturity and the problems that can be generated from being the favorite, did not let any circum- stance overwhelm or destroy him. He responded in true humility born of a confidence in his heavenly Father. His was a life lived out in the will of God. Giving Joseph the benefit of doubt, his initial reaction to his brothers when they went down into Egypt to buy food seemed a little out of character in its cruelty. In reality, knowing his brothers as he did, he may have felt that unless he did something drastic, they would have returned home and to save face with Jacob they would have never told him about the encounter with Joseph. By acting the way he did, he ensured the likelihood he would see his father again. It also showed his brothers that he had the authority to do what he deemed necessary and how making false accusations and mistreating people, as they had, was so destructive. They had lived with the lie surrounding the selling of Joseph and deceiving Jacob for 22 years. Joseph had stayed faithful during those difficult and trying 13 years from the time he left Canaan until Pharaoh called him out of jail. He was a different person at 30 when he began to direct the activities in Egypt. The years of wrestling and struggling had produced a man of wisdom and sensitivity to become God’s man in the midst of an unsaved heathen nation. (Gen. 37-50)

BL- Buddy started out by asking us, how important are dreams? In particular, how important are dreams in this Biblical passage concerning Jacob/Israel and his children?
And if the dreams of Jacob and Joseph were significant, why didn’t Reuben, Simeon, Levi and the other sons receive dreams, as well? Buddy told us that most dreams are just dreams–our brains processing extraneous bits of information that we have taken in during the day. But when GOD sends dreams, they have great significance! Everything that God does has a purpose, including the dreams He grants to certain individuals-and for that reason, the dreams God sent to Jacob and Joseph might more accurately be called “visions.” They were not just meant to inspire or encourage the individuals who had them; they were indicative of future events that would take place, because God always accomplishes what He sets out to do.
However, it would be many years before Joseph’s dreams would come to fruition! While God had chosen him to be the family’s spiritual leader, Joseph would have to endure some hard lessons in humility before he was ready to assume that role. Certainly, he had some good points-he was not lustful like Reuben or prone to violence like Levi and Simeon. Also, class members pointed out that Joseph did not return to his brothers the hatred they felt for him, nor did he play the victim and feel sorry for himself when he was so cruelly mistreated. However, it was probably not wise of Joseph to share his dreams with his brothers when they so clearly resented him! Was there a touch of pride in Joseph that God would have to break before He could accomplish His purpose?
And what methods would He choose to do so? We touched on one of them in Genesis chapter 37, in which Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery; but God still had more lessons in store for Joseph! (Gen. 37)

BL- In chapter 37, we begin to see the fallout of the lifelong favoritism Israel has displayed among his children. Joseph, the child of Israel’s old age and son of his beloved wife, Rachel, is loved above his brothers; and Israel makes it worse by giving Joseph a richly ornamented robe. Verse 4 tells us that the brothers, rather than directing their anger at their father, grow jealous of Joseph—it says, “. . .they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Joseph adds fuel to the fire by “tattling” on them in verse 2 and then sharing his dreams with them—neither of which increases his popularity! In the first dream, his brothers’ sheaves of wheat bow down to his, which they interpret to mean he desires to rule over them. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to Joseph, which his father interprets to mean that Joseph will rule over his father, mother, and brothers one day! Following this revelation, Joseph’s brothers grow even more jealous and his father rebukes him; but verse 11 tells us that Israel ponders over what Joseph has told him. After all, Jacob has had a few dreams of his own, and he knows that this may indeed be a prophecy from God!

In vv. 12-17, Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers, who are grazing their flocks near Shechem. Joseph finally locates them at Dothan, but as he approaches them, their hatred inspires them to plot his murder. Reuben, the eldest, proposes that they throw Joseph into a cistern without killing him, with the intention of rescuing Joseph and returning him to their father. The others take his suggestion, and after stripping Joseph of his beautiful coat, they throw him into the cistern and comtemplate what to do with him over dinner.

In verse 25, an Ishmaelite caravan appears, bound for trade in Egypt. Judah comes up with a plan to get rid of Joseph without bloodshed since “. . .after all, he is our brother . . .” They’ll sell him to the Ishmaelites! This they do, for twenty shekels of silver. However, they still have to explain Joseph’s absence to their father–so they kill a goat, dip Joseph’s coat in it, and return home to show it to their father. Jacob concludes that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal and vows he will mourn for the rest of his life for his beloved son. Shamelessly, the other children try to comfort their father–but none of them divulges what really happened to Joseph!

WM-Joseph like most young people at the age of seventeen was immature. His words reflect this. The first record of it was the bad report he brought to his father concerning his brothers. We do not know what had happened but one thing for certain it did not endure him to them. (Gen. 37:2)

WM-Jacob did not love all of his children equally. Rachel’s son, Joseph, was his favorite and he showed it openly by giving the coat of many colors. This attitude set the stage for the possibility of all kinds of family problems. (Gen. 37:3-4)

UE-The older brothers acted in ways that were more like children than grown adults. They hated Joseph not so much for what he did as it was a way to hurt their father who first loved Rachel more than he had Leah and the handmaids given to him. After the death of Rachel he poured out all of his affections on Rachel’s son Joseph. (Gen. 37:3-4)

C-Joseph’s brothers came to hate him because he was his father’s favorite child. They would not even talk with him in a friendly manner. (Gen. 37:3-4)

WM-Joseph’s brothers did not display the kind of maturity that you would expect or hope for in grown men. Their reaction to everything he did was one of jealousy. This jealousy caused them to hate and be completely intolerant of him especially when he shared the dreams he had had. In those dreams they were to bow down to him. (Gen. 37:4-8, 11)

M-Man ruled by self will be one who is prone to jealousy. This emotion can very easily lead him to hate the subject of his jealousy. (Gen. 37:4, 8, 11)

RT- The fact that Joseph shared his dreams with those who would respond as the brothers did, as difficult as it may seem, was part of God’s plan for his life. We have to understand that Joseph’s actions in no way caught God by surprise. (Gen 37:5)

C-Joseph’s dreams enflamed the hatred the brothers had for him. (Gen.37:5-7)

UE-God once again turned the social order on its head. Joseph’s dreams were a prophecy to be played out in about twenty years. The brothers who ridiculed Joseph because of his dreams would indeed come to the one they hated and now were to bow down before him. (Gen. 37:5-11)

M-Even though Joseph displayed youthful insensitivity in telling his dreams, God was setting the stage for what was to come in the life of Jacob’s family and Joseph in particular. It may also be said that even though his actions indicated youthful immaturity, the fact is that he was beginning to hear what God was saying and what He was going to accomplish in Joseph’s life. Many varied experiences would take place in his life before his dreams would come to fruition, but the stage was being set. (Gen. 37:5-10)

GC-As we mature in our life as a follower of Jesus we learn to be more careful with our words. We learn when to speak and when to listen. Great care must be taken to ensure that our words never cause others to stumble. One of the areas in which we must be especially careful is appearing to some type of inside track on God’s knowledge or that He has given some special revelation of what He plans to do. It amazes me of the number of people who categorically state that God has told them to take a particular action. (Gen. 37:6-7, 9-10)

GC-Immaturity as displayed by both Joseph and his brothers and the lack of discretion will bring about strife, division and jealousy. What can mean by the fact that I mentioned immaturity of the brothers? How did they show it? (Gen. 37:5, 7)

RT-Jacob did not have any trouble with the idea that the “nations would bow down before him” or the fact that his brother would do also. Later when Joseph told of his dreams his father became upset by Joseph’s prophecy. (Gen. 37:10)

M-Jealousy unchecked may lead a man to commit murder. One focused on his own agenda will inadvertently or blatantly become part of the devil’s ploy and attempt to undermine the purpose of God. It is good that the brothers were not allowed to succeed with their plans. They were to benefit from the life that Joseph was going to lead. (Gen. 37:18-20)

C-The love that the brothers may have had for Joseph when he was a young child had been replaced by hatred and jealousy. This hatred led to the plot to kill him. (Gen. 37:18-20)

WM-The brothers allowed their hatred of Joseph to cloud their judgment. They became determined to rid themselves of him. (Gen. 37:18, 20)

UE-The hatred for their brother and the disrespect for their father brought them to the point that they contemplated murdering him. Even though they did not kill him, they hoped by selling him to the Ishmaelites they could basically accomplish the same thing. They thought we are rid of the pest once for all. There was not concern about the affect it might have on Jacob until they had actually carried out their plan. (Gen. 37:18-35)

RT- As a result of all of the events that had occurred in the lives of his brothers they tried to eliminate the object of their hatred thinking things would be better for them with Joseph gone. (Gen. 37:20)

M-Reuben may have had many other faults, but he had no desire to part in the murder of his brother. (Gen. 37:21-22, 29-30)

M-When we look at the sweep of history involving Jacob’s family what Joseph’s brothers did to him would be a minor thing in comparison to what he was going to experience. They stripped him of his coat and threw him in a pit until they could decide what to do with him. (Gen. 37:23-24)

M-Evil men plot evil actions. It was only because an alternative plan presented itself to them that they were saved from committing murder. (Gen. 37:26-28)

DM-The decision to sell Joseph was the turning point in the lives of his ten brothers. From that time onward they lived every day with the consequences of that action. (Gen. 37:26-35; 42:21-22)

C-With the decision to sell Joseph, His life would be altered in a way of which he would have never dreamed. No longer would he be living in the protective environment under the watchful and loving care of Jacob. He was thrust into a new and strange world in Egypt. A world that would be totally unlike anything he had ever experienced. (Gen. 37:25-28:42:21-22)

RT- The brothers may not have had to cover up their actions with what was supposed to be the blood of Joseph if they had actually killed him. They did, however, use the blood of an animal to attempt to hide their sinful act of selling Joseph to the Midianites. Using the blood the animal did not remove the guilt they experienced because of their actions. The only thing that it did was to buy them time to deceive Jacob. (Gen. 37:26-27, 31-32)

WM-There was no respect for either Joseph or Jacob. By selling Joseph they also put Reuben in an awkward position as the eldest son. They did not care what the Ishamelites did with their brother as long as he was out of their hair. They certainly had spent any time in thinking how deeply their actions would affect Jacob. The only ones about whom they were concerned at this point were themselves and the results and how their actions accomplished the goal. (Gen 37:27-35)

C-Not only was Joseph’s life changed, but his brothers would now live with the guilt of what they had done for the rest of their lives. (Gen. 37:29-36)