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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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.    

1. Why would it seem that God was working in the life of Joseph even though he had been sold into slavery?
2. Why was Potiphar’s position important?
3. Why was it important that Joseph be sold into that particular household?
4. What kind of temptations might he face in his new environment?
5. How would you feel if events like these had happened to you?
6. 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. 

1. How do we know that God was with Joseph?
2. In what ways would Joseph had prospered?
3. What did Potiphar recognize about Joseph?
4. What did he do once he became aware of Joseph’s abilities?
5. What do these events show about Joseph’s character?
6. 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.

 

1. Why were Joseph’s physical qualities mentioned?
2. What did these events say about the character of Potiphar’s wife?
3. Where was Potiphar during all of this?
4. What do you think of Joseph’s words to the woman?
5. 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. 

1. What steps did Joseph take to keep from being involved with Potiphar’s wife?
2. Why did he find himself in her presence alone?
3. How did she take advantage of the situation?
4. How could he have avoided what occurred?
5. What kind of life did this woman have that she so forcefully pursued Joseph?
6. 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.   

1. Why did she decide to take revenge on Joseph?
2. What made her story plausible?
3. Why did she tell such a story in the first place?
4. Why did the men not question the facts since they heard no scream other than her call to them?
5. 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.

1. Why was it important to tell her husband about the incident?
2. What could the other men in the household have done?
3. In what ways would they have known what was going on?
4. Who was the only one who had authority to punish Joseph?
5. 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.

1. Why did Potiphar respond as he did?
2. What action did he take that would indicate that he did not completely buy into his wife’s story?
3. If true what does this event say about Potiphar’s ability to judge man’s character?
4. 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?

1. What do you think of the statement, “the Lord was with him?”
2. In what ways do you see Joseph being equipped for the events that lay ahead for him?
3. What are the characteristics you most admire about him?
4. What did the jailer see?
5. 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)