BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 42

Reconciliation in a Foreign Land

Genesis 45

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

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

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

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

Genesis 45:1-3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 45:4

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

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

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

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

Genesis 45:5-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Genesis 45:9-11

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

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

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

Genesis 45:12

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

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

Genesis 45:13

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

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

Genesis 45:14-15

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

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

Genesis 45:16-20

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

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

Genesis 45:21-23

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

For his father he sent:

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

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

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

Genesis 45:25-28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 41

Judah, the Leader Emerges

Genesis 44

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

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

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

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

Genesis 44:1-2

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

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

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

Genesis 44:3-5

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

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

Genesis 44:6-13

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

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

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

Genesis 44:14-16

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

Judah then said four things of Joseph.

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

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

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

Genesis 44:17

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

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

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

Genesis 44:18-29

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

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

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

Genesis 44:30-31

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

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

Genesis 44:32-34

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional notes:

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 40

The Dreaded Trip

Genesis 43

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

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

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

Genesis 43:1-2

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

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

Genesis 43:3-5

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

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

Genesis 43:6

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

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

Genesis 43:7

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

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

Genesis 43:8-10

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

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

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

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

Genesis 43:11-15

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

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

Genesis 43:16-23

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

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

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

Genesis 43:24-25

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

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

Genesis 43:26

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

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

Genesis 43:27-28

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

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

Genesis 43:29-31

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

 

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

Genesis 43:32-34

At the feast there were three separate groups. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 39

Confrontation in a Foreign Land

Genesis 41:50 – 42:38

Me-

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

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

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

Genesis 41:50-52

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

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

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

Genesis 41:53-57

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

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

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

Genesis 42:1-2

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

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

Genesis 42:3-5

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

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

Genesis 42:6-7

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

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

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

Genesis 42:8-13

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

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

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

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

Genesis 42:14-17

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

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

Genesis 42:18-20

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

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

Genesis 42:21-24

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

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

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

Genesis 42:25-26

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

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

Genesis 42:27-28

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

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

Genesis 42:29-34

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

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

Genesis 42:35

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

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

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

 

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

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

Additional Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Lesson 38

Joseph the Man of the Hour 

Genesis 40 – 41:1-49

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

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

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

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

Genesis 40:1-4

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

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

Genesis 40:5-8

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

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

Genesis 40:9-13-15

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

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

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

Genesis 40:16-19

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

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

Genesis 40:20-23

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

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

Genesis 41:1-7

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

Genesis 41:8

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

 

 

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

 Genesis 41:9-13

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

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

Genesis 41:14-24

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

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

Genesis 41:25-32

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

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

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

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

Genesis 41:33-37

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

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

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

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

Genesis 41:38-45

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

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

Genesis 41:46-49

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Additional Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 36

Judah and Tamar

Genesis 38

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

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

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

Genesis 38:1

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

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

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

Genesis 38:2-5

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

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

Genesis 38:6

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

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

Genesis 38:7-10

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

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

Genesis 38:11

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

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

Genesis 38:12-14

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

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

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

Genesis 38:15-19

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

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

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

Genesis 38:20-23

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

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

Genesis 38:24-26

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

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

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

Genesis 38:27-30

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Additional Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

C-Judah’s wife Shua died. (Gen.38:12)

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 35

Odd Man Out

Genesis 37

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis 37:1-2a

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

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

Genesis 37:2b

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

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

Genesis 37:3-4

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

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

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

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

Genesis 37:5-8

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

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

Genesis 37:9-11

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

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

Genesis 37:12

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

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

Genesis 37:13-14a

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

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

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

Genesis 37:14b-17

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

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

Genesis 37:18-20

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

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

Genesis 37:21-22

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

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

Genesis 37:23-24

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

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

Genesis 37:25-28

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

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

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

Genesis 37:29-30

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

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

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

Genesis 37:31-32

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

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

Genesis 37:34-35

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

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

Genesis 37:36

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Lesson 34

From Backslidden to Restored

Genesis 35-36

If there is one subject I know about it is backsliding.  When my wife and I first got married we stopped attending church on a regular basis for at least four years.  Before then both of us had been consistent in our attendance.  It was only after our oldest son was about three or four that we felt it was important for him to be in Sunday School, so we began going to church again. Even though we were there in body both of us sensed there was something missing where we were and began going to a Baptist Church very close to home.

It was there that we really became involved in the life of the church.  I began teaching young people and she took part in the WMU.  Two of our children literally grew up in that church. Both were baptized into the faith as a result of those in children’s ministry. 

One thing that I have learned is that even being in church a backsliding can take place.  I found that at one point I was busy and involved in a lot of things but did not find the joy that one would expect in serving the Lord.  Besides trying to work and take care of my family, there was night school and church.  There was little time left for truly loving the Lord and spending time in His word.  Thanks be to Him He drew me back from the edge of the cliff and gave me a hunger for His word that has lasted all these years.

We as a body of Christ can backslide also.  When we only give lip service to Him or participate because we have always done it to the point that our attendance becomes routine then we have fallen away.  When our service becomes a chore, we have backslidden.  When we have lost our passion for discovering what He has to say to us through His word we have lost our first love.  Many of us can remember the joy and excitement that we had when we first became followers of Christ.  Sadly for many of us that love and joy has waned over the years until we only see Church as place where we keep family traditions alive.

Like Jacob we need to be called back to our own Bethel, the time and place where we first met God and grow again.  All of us need the reawakening of our faith as we realize how easy it is for the Church to get into a mindset of complacency. This chapter is the narrative of how God moved in Jacob’s life once again.

Genesis 35:1-2

At the point that Jacob found himself in a dilemma of his own making because of his decision to disobey God and take up residence in Shechem, God in the person of the pre-incarnate Christ   called out to him once again.  All through the preceding chapters there is very little mention of God actively being a part of all that Jacob and his family were doing.  Jacob had acknowledged that God had given him a bunch of stuff but not much was said.  An altar called El-Elohe-Israel was erected in the place where he planned to take up permanent residence. 

Right when there seemed to be no way out of his problems, at the point he thought he might be destroyed, God provided a means of delivery.  In essence Jacob was told to move away from the place among the godless and go back and take up residence in Bethel.  To be sure that Jacob remembered the location, God identified it as the spot that He appeared to him as he was running away from his brother.  It is interesting that God did not direct him to go all the way to Beersheba but was going to plant him in a location well within Canaan.  It was the place that Jacob acknowledged as belonging to God.  He would not be able to purchase it but only to live in the land where God dwelt.

1. Why did God wait until that point in time to reach out to Jacob?
2. After the trouble he had just experienced how would that cause him to be more open to hearing God then?
3. Why is it that we turn to God when we experience trouble more than at other times?
4. Why did God direct him back to Bethel and not onward to Beersheba?
5. What could Jacob hopefully find there?

Genesis 35:2

To come into the presence of God Jacob’s family needed to get rid of any vestige of things that were part of the pagan worship in which they had still participated up to that moment.  They were to give up their gods, purify themselves and even change the clothing that belonged to the old way of life.

1. Why did Jacob command his family to turn over the gods to him?
2. What does each of the commands symbolize?
3. Why was it necessary for them to even change their clothing?
4. Which of their actions would consider the most important?
5. What do you believe they had to do to purify themselves?

Genesis 35:3

Although Christ commanded Jacob to go to Bethel to live there and build an altar to God, he shared with his family what that location meant to him. God in the very beginning of his journey had

• Heard him during a very distressful time.
• Been his constant companion and the giver of all he now possessed.

The last statement is an amazing one considering all the missteps taken by Jacob from the time he left home until that God once again spoke to him.  Now as he was going back to the place of a beginning relationship with God he was being called to a time of confession and repentance.  In a different way, he was once again being challenged to a wrestling match of the will and that of God’s.  By his actions God truly was in control.

1. Why did Jacob find it necessary to share with his family the reason for the return to Bethel?
2. What did the spot mean to him?
3. What was God trying to do in Jacob’s life?
4. In what way were God’s actions the same as He does in our lives?
5. What was Jacob’s understanding as to what was happening?

Genesis 35:4

All of those in Jacob’s household obeyed his command.  Because of the importance of this trip to him they were willing to give those items that reminded them of false gods.  They had seen enough evidence of God power’s working in the life of Jacob that they knew they did not dare to bring false gods into His presence. Jacob then took all of the idols and rings from their ears and buried them under an oak tree near Shechem.  By burying all of the items he completely put them completely out of the sight and control of the previous owners. Jacob did not plan to return to retrieve the items nor allow others to acquire them which would possibly have occurred if he had just abandoned them.  It is interesting that the oak was named the “oak of weeping.” If anything can be read into the name, it would have been a place of great soul searching and confession.

1. Why were those of Jacob’s household willing to give all the items to Jacob?
2. What evidence had they seen of God’s power that would have led them to perform such an act?
3. What might be the significance of the “oak of weeping?”
4. Why did he bury the items?

Genesis 35:5

Jacob’s fear of the people of the surrounding cities was unfounded.  Moses tells us that great terror fell on the people of that region.  The intervention of God on behalf would have a real impact on those with Jacob.  They knew that it was God and not the gods they had left behind that was putting a hedge of protection around them. It was the reason they were not pursued by any of the Canaanites or Perizzites. 

1. Why was Jacob’s fear unfounded?
2. What part did God play in the terror that existed in the people surrounding them?
3. What was God’s intention for Jacob’s family?
4. Why was it important for them to make the journey safely?

Genesis 35:6

The first thing that Jacob did upon arriving at Bethel was to build an altar which he named El-Bethel which means God the God of Bethel.  He was the God who dwelt in the House of God.  Remember Jacob had changed the name of Luz to Bethel at the beginning of his trek over twenty years earlier.  The writer for the second time shared that it was in that place that God revealed Himself to Jacob as he was fleeing from Esau.

1. What important act did Jacob perform upon arriving at Bethel?
2. Why did he give the place a new name?
3. In what way was Bethel a very important place for Jacob?
4. Where might be the special place or time that had a particular significance in your spiritual walk?
5. Why did the writer again emphasize that it was the place where God first revealed Himself to Jacob?

Genesis 35:7

This verse provides a break in what has occurred in the life of Jacob and what will follow. It speaks of the death of Rebekah’s nurse and her burial there in Bethel.  This surely would indicate that Rebekah had died never seeing her son again. Remember the curse that she called down upon herself. 

To be sure after the death of Rebekah, her nurse would have found herself in a precarious position. Two factors would have led to her dilemma. During the lifetime of Rebekah she in all likelihood would have been in all probability the one who cared for the two boys, Esau and Jacob.  Now that they were grown there was no longer that need.  Secondly, upon the death of Rebekah she was no longer needed as her nurse. If Isaac had so chosen to do so at that point, he could have cast her out to fend for herself. 

Somehow, Jacob located her and provided for her until her death which was not too long after his return to the land of Canaan.  He buried her under the oak which was named Allon-bacuth, the tree of weeping. 

This incident may have been inserted to indicate the passing of the older generation.  This was a new day dawning in which Jacob would now become the bridge between the old patriarchs and a new covenant relationship with Jacob and his family.

1. Why do you think God included this incident in His word?
2. Where was Rebekah at that point?
3. In what way was this possibly part of the curse she had taken on herself?
4. What had been the nurse’s role in the life of Jacob?
5. What kind of a dilemma did she find herself after the death of Rebekah?
6. What did you feel about Jacob’s actions involving her?

Genesis 35:9-10

Again God appeared to Jacob at Bethel.  He blessed him there and began speaking to him about his future.  His first words to him were, “Your name is Jacob,” There was nothing else God could call him at that point.  All those years preceding this appearance Jacob had continually been Jacob.  He was always planning, manipulating and deceiving.  God was saying, your name totally describes who you have been.  All of that was about to change.  For the second time God now called him Israel.  He was now to embark on the life intended for him as the new Patriarch of the Israelite people. The old had passed away and the new was about to come to him.

1. Why did God once again call Jacob by the name given to him at birth, when He had previously called him Israel during the wrestling match?
2. What was that saying about the kind of life he had been living up to that point?
3. If God were to look at us would He call us by our old name because we have not changed our lifestyle even after becoming a Christian or has He given us a new name that reflects more a life be lived for Him?
4. What does it say about God that He was willing to once again call Jacob by his new name?
5. What do we call the action that God takes that makes us a new creation?
6. Does this fit Jacob as well? How?

Genesis 35:11-12

Once again God reaffirmed the covenant of Abraham to Israel. They are worth repeating. So that there would be no mistake of the identity of the One speaking to him, God said, “I am God Almighty.  By His authority He commanded that Jacob and descendents to have many other descendents.  From those sons and daughters would come nations and kings. 

The second part of God’s words to Israel called to mind the words to Abraham.  God told Abraham, then Isaac and now Jacob that He would give him the land promised to his grandfather. Jacob had tried to buy a little piece of Canaan now God was promising that his descendents would possess all of it as a gift, an inheritance.

1. What did God once again restate the covenant given to Abraham?
2. What meaning would it now have for Israel?
3. What was to be Israel’s part to validating the covenant?
4. Why might Israel at last understand the words of God?
5. In what ways were they comforting to him?

Genesis 35:13-15

After the covenant had been renewed, God departed from that personal meeting. Jacob then built and altar and poured over it a drink offering and oil.  The name for the place was again called Bethel. Some writers see in this act a symbolism of Christ.  The stone would represent Christ Himself.  The drink, probably wine, would represent the blood, shed for our sins. Finally the oil would then be the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us.  Of course Jacob would have had known any of that.  His act was in gratitude of the workings of God in his life.

1. Why did God go up from Jacob?
2. Why did Jacob feel it was necessary to restate the name of the place, calling it Bethel?
3. Why did he put up an altar?
4. What symbolism was in that act?

Genesis 35:16-20

God had told Jacob to dwell in Bethel.  It is not clear why Jacob chose to disobey God and leave Bethel.  His disobedience would cost him dearly.  Rachel was nearing the end of her pregnancy with the child who would ultimately be named Benjamin by his father.  The rough trip was too much for her in her condition and she began to give birth. As the baby was being born she was told that it was a boy.  Realizing that she was dying, she wanted to name him Ben-oni which meant “son of my sorrow.”  Jacob overruled the choice and called him Benjamin, son of the  right hand. Rachel died and was buried near Ephrath, present day Bethlehem.  Her grave, at the time of Moses, was still visible because Jacob had covered her with stones. Notice because of his disobedience he was stilled called Jacob.

1. What had God told Jacob to do when he reached Bethel?
2. Why would he possibly disobey God again?
3. What was the consequence of his disobedience?
4. Why did Rachel choose the name Ben-oni?
5. Why did Jacob rename him Benjamin, son of my right hand?
6. Why did the writer continue to identify Jacob by that name when God had said that he would be called Israel?

Genesis 35:21

It was Jacob who had buried his true love.  As he travelled on there is the shift to the use of Israel rather Jacob to describe him. He moved ever closer to his previous home and camped at a place called Eder.  Something had happened in the life of Jacob that had moved him into a closer relationship with God thus justifying him now being called Israel.  Possibly because of the death of Rachel the world and all of its trappings did not hold sway over his life any longer.  He may have begun to realize how temporary all of the things he held dear truly were.

1. Why did the writer begin using the name Israel after verse 20?
2. Why did he continue on in his journey?
3. What had happened in his life that totally changed his perspective on life?
4. What are the things in your life that have caused you to put the world behind you and Christ before you?
5. What did Israel begin to understand about this world?

Genesis 35:22

After all that had occurred and at a time when Israel was probably still grieving for Rachel, Reuben added the greatest insult of all.  He committed what would today be considered adultery with Rachel’s maid, the concubine of Jacob and the mother of two of his half brothers.  Although the Ten Commandments were still over four hundred years away it was still an offensive act and showed great disrespect for his father.  The new Israel, although he was aware of what had happened said nothing to Reuben.

1. What do you think of Reuben’s actions?
2. What does it say about him?
3. How did Israel handle the situation?
4. What do you think of his lack of action?
5. What action may the old Jacob have taken?

Genesis 35:23-26

The writer now names the twelve sons of Jacob born to his two wives and their two maids.  Notice the only thing that is said about Reuben is that he was the first born.  There is no mention of his despicable inexcusable act. Even of Benjamin it is said that he was born in Paddan-aram. Although he was born near Bethlehem he would have possibly been conceived in Paddan-aram. 

Genesis 35:27-29

At long last Jacob came to his father at Hebron. There is no way of knowing the length of time the two had together.  The main thing is that they got to see each other and possibly be reconciled.  At one hundred eighty years Isaac passed away.  Unlike Abraham there is no mention of him “being satisfied with life” at his death.  For the last time is there record of Esau and Jacob coming together.  The meeting was to bury their father.

1. What do you think happened when Jacob finally made it to where his father was living?
2. Why did the writer leave out the phrase, “being satisfied with life when referring to Isaac?
3. What does it say about their relationship that the two brothers came together to bury their father? 

Genesis 36:1-43

Since this chapter is primarily about the descendents of Esau, only a couple of comments will be made.  The writer, by including this chapter following the events that have taken place in Jacob’s life shows the contrasts between the two men.  Everything from the selection of wives to God’s protection over Jacob and the promises made to him were different. To begin, Esau’s wives were all Canaanite women or descendents of Ishmael. Esau had acquired a great deal of wealth while living in Canaan.  Unlike his brother he would have attribute that fact all to his own ability, not the provision of God.  After Jacob returned, he moved with everything he had to Seir because there combined possessions would have over taxed the land. (Verse 6)

The only other thought to be mentioned is the worldly view of him and his descendents.  In verse 31 the Scriptures say that kings began to reign in Edom long before there were kings in Israel.  Never in their history does it appear that they considered themselves under the leadership of God.  They completely relied on their own abilities to accomplish what they thought was right.

The question becomes what does all this mean to us today?  What can we expect to happen based on our decisions? What should be our approach to life?  To understand there needs to be:

• A constant evaluation of one’s spiritual life.
• Daily communication with God confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness
• An understanding of how easy it is to backslide in the faith.
• A continual fellowship with God’s people as Hebrews 10:24-25
• Daily meditation on His word.

There are very clear warnings that a person can be in the body of Christ and still be far from Him.  It is not enough to say we belong to Him.  Our actions in word and deed should show the world that we belong to Him.  One theme that has run through all of the lessons is faithfulness leads to the blessings of God.  Like Jacob, as we drift away because we are not constantly vigilant in our love for God, we will find ourselves at cross purposes with God. Let us continually remain at our spiritual Bethels where God wants to meet us.

Additional notes:

DM-Upon his return to Bethel there was a reaffirmation of that special relationship that God had with Jacob at the place he first met Him. (Gen. 35:9)

E-After spending some time in the land of Canaan, God instructed Jacob to return to Bethel, the place where he began his spiritual journey.  He was to dwell there and build an altar.  Jacob commanded his family and servants to do three things in preparation for travelling to that holy spot.  Some of these should apply to our own attitudes as we come into the presence of God. He commanded them to:

1. Put away foreign gods including the one which Rachel had stolen.
2. Purify themselves
3. Change their garments
4. After they had done these things they were instructed to go and build an altar.  It could only be done when the other things had been accomplished. (Gen. 35:1-7)

BL-In chapter 35, Jacob seems to have learned a bit from his mistakes.  This time he prepares to go to the place where he first encountered God for himself–to Bethel, where he dreamed of the ladder. But first, he makes an important change.  He demands that his family get rid of their foreign gods and purify themselves before they leave.  Buddy pointed out that this act demonstrated Jacob’s willingness to cut all ties to the past, including the rights to Laban’s inheritance.  Jacob is symbolically placing all his eggs in one basket–God’s!  This is evidenced by the name he gives the place where he builds the next altar to God.  This site he calls “El Bethel,” because “. . . it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing his brother.”  There is no boastful inclusion of his own name–all his attention is focused on the God who has blessed him in so many ways. God responds by first, protecting Jacob’s family on their journey, and secondly, blessing him again in verses 9-10. The moral here for us is that we, too, need to stop every so often and take stock of where we are spiritually.  Sometimes, like Jacob, we have gotten off the path that God has laid out for us.  Sometimes we do it without really realizing that we’ve strayed; other times, we grow careless and allow ourselves to fall into sins that separate us from our Shepherd.  However, as the saying goes, God always allows us to make u-turns!  Like Jacob, it is good for us to reflect on how we may have wandered from our “first love,” the joy of knowing Jesus as our Savior; and then to take appropriate steps to rekindle the passion we once felt for Him.  Lastly, we are to demonstrate our love for Him by following His commands and showing that same love to others–especially those who do not know Him yet.                           

BL- We picked up with Genesis 35:10, in which God blesses Jacob and names him “Israel.”  Buddy noted that God had already done this back in chapter 32, so why does He seem to be repeating Himself here?  Buddy explained that God is telling Jacob, with great finality, that Jacob is to leave behind his old nature and begin living up to his new name (which means, “He persists with God” ).  (On a thoughtful note—how well are you and I living up to the new natures we received when we became children of God?  Can we say, with finality, that we have left behind our old, sinful tendencies and that we are striving towards that goal of becoming like our Lord and Savior?  Initially, Jacob was known as “the deceiver” until he struggled with God.  What name would God give us if He chose to call us after our most predominant trait?   “The faithful?”  “The encourager?”  “The doubter?”  “The backslider?”  Are we trying to live as children of the King?  Just something to think about!)   It is Israel the leader, not Jacob the trickster, whom God has chosen to carry on the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac.  In verses 11-13, God reiterates the terms of His covenant, including possession of the land and the promise that nations and kings would come from Israel’s line.   Following this great blessing, Jacob/Israel erects an altar and begins the trek toward Ephrath (now  Bethlehem). 

On the way to Ephrath, Rachel bears a son, whom Jacob names Benjamin.  Unfortunately, Rachel dies in childbirth and Jacob buries her and erects a pillar to his beloved wife before moving on to Migdal Eder.

   At this next camp, we learn in verse 22 that Reuben, Israel’s oldest son, has slept with Bilhah, his father’s concubine and mother of two of Israel’s sons.  Israel hears of this betrayal, but once again, this passive father chooses to do nothing.  However,  this heinous act reveals that Reuben, along with Simeon and Levi, is a man driven by his lusts, rendering him unfit as a future leader and patriarch.  As the brothers are listed again for us in verses 23-26, we wonder, which of them will God choose to carry on His covenant and the Messianic line?  As always, God has a surprise in store!

   In verses 27-29, Jacob is finally reunited with his father, Isaac.  His father is old; his mother, Rebekah, long since gone—but presumably, Jacob enjoys a few sweet moments with him before Isaac dies at 180.  Esau and Jacob are reunited briefly to bury their father, proving that Esau is a generous and forgiving man despite the wrongs Jacob has done him.  Genesis chapter 36 is devoted to listing Esau’s descendants, from whom arose at least two peoples, the Edomites and the Amalekites, that would later prove to be thorns in Israel’s side.

RT-The House of God, our Bethel, is to be a constant reminder that we are to put away the things of the world and to draw near to God.  There we are to worship Him and receive answers for life. These answers are given to us out of His word to prepare us for evangelism, ministry, discipleship and fellowship. (Gen. 35:1-4)

WM- Jacob allowed his family to carry about with them foreign gods.  When God called him to return to Bethel he finally had them remove the gods and purify themselves to appear before God. What does this say about Jacob that he had not done this before being commanded to go to Bethel?

(Gen. 35:1-4)GC-As we come into an encounter with God, part of coming to Him is putting away our idols and cleansing our lives. (Gen. 35:2)

RT-We cannot truly come into the presence of God to experience worship with idols in our hearts.  We only have to look at the words of Jesus when he spoke about not being able to serve both God and the things of this world. A choice has to be made.            (Gen. 35:2-3)

M-Man must realize that it is God who answers in the day of distress and will be him whatever he goes. (Gen. 35:3)

E-God once again appeared to Jacob.  He affirmed the change of Jacob’s name to Israel.  More importantly, He revealed Himself as God Almighty.  Again He spoke of the covenant He had given to Abraham. (Gen. 35:9-12)

 C-Once again God reaffirmed Jacob as Israel.  Jacob again received the same promises that God had given to his forefathers.  This had been done before but now they would take on new meaning since Jacob had been brought by to Canaan.  This all took place when he returned to Bethel, the place where his relationship with God began.              (Gen. 35:9-12)

C-It is important to note that Jacob built a new altar and a new pillar to God.  He did not search around for the pile of rocks he had made as he fled from his brother.  This was a new day, a new beginning in his homeland, a new relationship with God and new attitude that Jacob now affirmed at Bethel? (Gen: 35:7, 14-15)

C-Jacob left Bethel to go to Ephrath.  Two things occurred along the way.  Rachel gave birth to Benjamin.  In the process of child birth she died.  Jacob’s life was changing again.  Once again he was a new father but now he was an old man and his beloved Rachel the mother of this new child was gone.  Sadly, Benjamin would now be raised by someone who was not his birth mother. (Gen: 35:16-20)

C-Jacob moved to a place beyond the tower of Eder. (Gen. 35:21)

WM-Reuben lacked self-control and had a sexual relationship with Bilhad, Jacob’s concubine.  By going to Bilhad indicated that he did not have much respect for his father or what belonged to him.  It also was a way that Reuben was attempting to prove he was superior to his father.  Once again Jacob did nothing to assert his parental authority over his sons. Sadly, the incidents continue to show the weakness in his character.             (Gen. 35:22)

M-Man who is not in tune with God will be ruled by his lusts. (Gen. 35:22)

RT- It is disturbing to see a man who was angry enough to kill Shechem after he had raped Dinah saw no problem in having sexual relationship with Bilhah, one of his father’s concubine.  How could he justify such and act? (Gen. 35:22)

C-Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine.  This one thoughtless act would affect his place in the history of Israel. (Gen 35:22; 49:3-4; 1 Chro 5:1-2)

C-Jacob finally came to his father Isaac who was living in what is now Hebron.  Notice there is no mention of Rebekah which would lead us to believe she was dead.                (Gen. 35-27)

C-Isaac died at the age of 180 years. Jacob would 120 at this point. (Gen. 35:28)

C-Esau moved his family and all of his possession from Canaan to Mt. Seir, later called Edom.  Both he and Jacob had much material wealth.  The land was not able to support both of them and their families. What does this move tell us? (Gen. 36:6-8)

C-Esau’s departure shows that he had accepted the words of his father’s blessing.  He understood that Jacob was to possess the land.  (Gen. 36:6-8)

C-Esau went from one who wanted to spend his time hunting to one of a husband and father.  He also became owner of flocks of sheep and herds of cattle which were a sign of wealth and prosperity. (Gen: 36:7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 33

Wrong Place Wrong Time

Genesis 34

Me-

 “Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13) is part of the model prayer.  I have reflected many times on this one verse trying to determine what it means for my life.  My take on these words is that I am asking God to make sure that I do not go into the places and get involved in situations that would bring dishonor and shame to me as a follower of Christ.  Although there is no such thing as perfection in our human bodies, I am thankful that God instilled in me a desire to make friends with those who wanted to live in such a way as to show honor and respect to their parents and those around them.  Especially in high school when so many temptations swirled about us because of my association with them I was able to keep out of trouble.  There were those of course who were of the rougher crowd but they never became my friends.  None of this would have been possible without God protecting me and the training I received from my mother and the church.  Thank You Father for loving me as much as You do.

 We-

Many denominations, as a whole, and individual churches have drifted into doctrinal stands that are contrary to God’s word.  Their positions on things like homosexuality, abortion and other social issues show how far they have departed from the Bible. Sadly the secular worldview has permeated all too many churches. Every church needs to take care that it does not compromise with the ways of the world.  There are numerous questions we need to ask ourselves.  Are we truly following Christ? How do we know? How important is God’s word in our lives?  Knowing what God has done for us in what ways do we seek to please Him? The list could go on and there may be questions that we as a church may need to add but I will leave those for another day.

Jacob made one decision that was going to bring upon him disastrous results.  If he had done what God instructed everything that happened could have easily been avoided. Let us now turn to the narrative found in Genesis 34 for the lessons that God is trying to teach us in our dealings with the world.

God

Genesis 34:1

At the end of last week’s lesson Jacob had moved to Shechem from Succoth.  There he bought land and settled down.  This was in direct opposition to what God had instructed him to do.  He was told to “return to your country and to your relatives.” (Genesis 32:9) To have done so would have resulted in Jacob receiving the blessings of God.  He chose, however, to take up residence away from his father and brother.  His reasoning was known only to him. 

While in Shechem his daughter began to visit with the women of the land.  Evidently, she did not find companionship she needed with any of the wives of her brothers. Of course Jacob had not set the example of removing oneself from the influence of those around you.  He had moved his whole family into the midst of a godless society.    

1. What proof do we have that Jacob intended to stay in Shechem?
2. Why was that a bad decision?
3. What was he going to miss out on by his actions?
4. How do we in the same way miss out on what God wants to do in our lives?
5. How are the actions of Dinah like those taken by so many of us today? 

Genesis 34:2-4

Like so many in society today Shechem, the son of Hamor one of the leaders of Shechem, could not wait until he was married before having sexual union with Dinah.  Although many today choose to live together as if they are married, Shechem forced her to have sex with him and then spoke to her in a way that indicated that he wanted her to be his wife.  His act was reprehensible but reflects clearly the thinking of those who live in a godless society where every type of behavior is acceptable.  As followers of Christ the Scriptures clearly states to mankind what God has determined as right and wrong. After speaking tender words to her he asked his father to speak to Jacob about taking Dinah as his wife.

1. In what ways was Shechem’s action like some in society today?
2. In what ways was it different?
3. Why did he see nothing wrong in taking advantage of Dinah?
4. How do people living together today view what they are doing?
5. How does our perception of right and wrong often differ from God’s?
6. Why did God clearly lay out for us the standards by which we are to live?

Genesis 34:5

When Jacob heard what had happened to his daughter, he did nothing about it right away.  For him to have responded immediately might have put his whole family in jeopardy since they were so few among a larger population of the city.  Why did Jacob wait to take action after hearing what Shechem had done to his daughter?

1. Why did he wait for his sons to return to him?
2. What could he have possibly done when he heard the news?
3. How might you have responded to the same kind of news?

Genesis 34:6

Before Jacob’s sons arrived Hamor approached Jacob. He probably wanted to head off any animosity between the two families.  His quick action may have been to save the reputation of his son.

1. What does Hamor’s quick response to son’s request say about their relationship?
2. Why would he agree to what his son asked?
3. What was he possibly trying to accomplish?

Genesis 34:7

As mentioned above Jacob waited for his sons to return from shepherding the sheep. He then told them what had occurred.  They reacted first in grief of what had happened to their sister.  Then as one would expect they became angry over what the Scriptures called a “disgraceful thing” having been committed in their homeland.  The teachings of their father and ancestors had taken hold in the way they viewed right and wrong.  In their eyes Shechem’s action was definitely wrong.

1. What were the two reactions of the brothers of Dinah?
2. What did each of the two show about how they handled the situation?
3. What did it mean when the Bible said that they grieved?
4. What indicates that they understood what right and wrong?
5. Where had they acquired such knowledge?

Genesis 34:8-10

Seeing their anger, Hamor tried to appease them by sharing how much his son loved Dinah and wanted to marry her.  He then spelled out to them the opportunity for both sides not only to co-exist on the land but actually become one people as they would intermarry with each other. This would of course have destroyed the identity and existence of the Israelites as they would have been absorbed into the godless nation where they were then living. Hamor’s last words indicated that if they went along with his suggestion it might open for them economic possibilities that may have been denied to them as foreigners in the land.

1. What did Hamor say to try to appease Jacob and the brothers?
2. What was his proposal that would make everything okay?
3. What would have happened to Jacob and the Israelites if they had agreed to go along with him?
4. What would have been enticing about Hamor’s last suggestion?
5. What would have happened to the blessings and promises of God if they had succumbed to his ideas?
6. How does society try to lull us into following the ways of the world instead of God?

Genesis 34:11-12

Finally after his father had opened the negotiations, Shechem spoke for himself.  He made it more personal speaking about his great love for Dinah. He was willing to give anything that the family asked in order to marry the girl.

1. Why did Shechem feel he must speak up for himself?
2. In what ways did he believe his father might be muddying the water?
3. What was the difference in what he offered as opposed to his father?
4. What does it show about his love for Dinah?

Genesis 34:13-17

All agreements must be acceptable to both sides.  Hamor and Shechem as shall be seen negotiated from a position that would benefit them.  The Scriptures are straightforward in describing the response of the brothers to Hamor and Shechem.  What they said was full of deceit.  They had no intention of giving their sister to the man who had defiled her.  What is bothersome about the interchange was the fact that they were willing to use that which was holy and represented the covenant God made with Abraham as their bargaining point. The ploy was to back the two men into a position that would render them harmless. They stipulated that in order for the marriage to take place the two must agree to be circumcised.  This would on the surface make them like Jacob’s family physically. 

Sadly, there is no mention of God and the reason circumcision was instituted in the first place.  It was almost treated like a good luck charm that could be used as a means to an end.  For circumcision to have meaning the family of Jacob had to understand that they had been chosen to be separate from the rest of the world and set apart to glorify God. Evidently this belief had been lost somewhere in the twenty years that Jacob had spent in Syria. The family of Jacob also missed an opportunity to share how important God was to them in their lives and because of it what Shechem could not be accepted or condoned. 

1. In what way did the sons deceive Hamor and Shechem?
2. What was their intention in regard to their sister?
3. Why did they have such disregard for the true meaning of circumcision?
4. What was the act of circumcision to mean in the life of the Israelites?
5. What do you think God thought of their actions?
6. What opportunities did the Israelites miss in the way they used the physical proof
7. In what ways have we used the teachings of God to serve our own purposes?

Genesis 34:18-24

The two men had no problem agreeing to the demands of Jacob’s sons.  They saw it as a winning proposition.  Circumcision was a minor inconvenience to them.  They believed they had much to gain by becoming physically the same as the Israelites. This is indicated in the plea that Hamor and Shcchem made to the people of Shechem to become circumcised.  The most telling statement came in verse 23 when Hamor said, “Will not their livestock and their property and all of their animals become ours?” They were looking towards the time when the family of Jacob would become so assimilated with the Hivites that they would lose their identity as God’s people and everything they owned would become community property.  Both what the sons of Jacob did and the words of Hamor and Shechem showed that neither of them dealt with the other in good faith.  Each of them proved by their actions how far they were removed from God.

After having heard of Hamor’s explaination of  both the conditions and the advantages of going along with circumcision to the men of Shechem they were willing go along with him. All the men of Shechem following the example of their leaders were circumcised.

1. Why were Hamor and Shechem willing to go along with the demands of the brothers?
2. What did they hope to gain?
3. Why was what Hamor told the citizens of the city bad for Jacob’s family?
4. How much were the actions of both the brothers and the Hivites alike?
5. Where was God all of the time these comments were being made?
6. Why could God not allow the things about which Hamor spoke actually take place?

Genesis 34:25-26

While the men of Shechem were recovering and still in pain, Simeon and Levi took advantage of the situation and killed the males of that city.  All of the men were probably killed because they were part of the agreement as Hamor had shared it.  They were looking to take advantage of the small number in Jacob’s family, but just the reverse took place.  Among those who were killed were Hamor and Shechem.  This was an act of revenge on the people of Shechem for what they had done.  Since Dinah had been given to Shechem, she would now be a widow.  Therefore no shame would now fall on her because she had been defiled by Shechem. The two brothers then took Dinah from the home of Shechem and went back home.

1. Why do you think what Simeon and Levi did might have been part of the brother’s plan all along?
2. What would you call what the two brothers did?
3. Was it justified?
4. Why was it necessary in their minds to kill all of the males in the city?
5. By taking Dinah back home what had they done for her?

Genesis 34:27-29

The other brothers who came to the city of the massacre took plunder as if it was the spoils of war.  Again like Simeon and Levi they believe their actions were justified because Shechem had defiled their sister.  For the Hivites the selfish act of one man had terrible consequences for the entire population. The Hivites had expected to acquire all the property of the Israelites, but it turned out that all they possessed went to Jacob’s family.

1. Why did the brothers treat the property of the Hivites as plunder?
2. Were they justified in their actions?
3. How did their actions affect any witness they may have had among the other Canaanite people?
4. How did the selfish act of Shechem impact those around him?
5. Whatever happened to, “Vengeance is Mine thus says the Lord?’

Genesis 34:30-31

Jacob was appalled at what his sons had done.  He especially singled out Simeon and Levi for his harshest words.  He seemed to be concerned about two things, his reputation and the harm that might come to him because of their actions.  There are no words of condemnation for Shechem and his part in the whole episode. In his opinion he would now be considered the lowest of human beings.  But to look at this whole scenario none of this would have happened if he had been willing to deal with the situation as patriarch of the family.

The two brothers did not take the criticism lightly but lashed back at Jacob for his failure to take the leadership in dealing with Hamor and Shechem.  Simeon and Levi seemed to be saying to their father, “It appears that you were not going to do anything, so we stepped in to rescue  Dinah and preserved her reputation.”

1. Why was Jacob appalled?
2. What did he seem to be most concerned about?
3. Why did he take on himself the idea that the other Canaanites hold him personally responsible for what had happened?
4. Where did he fail?
5. What do you think of the response of Simeon and Levi?
6. Why did they feel justified by what they did?

You-

• Spend time alone with God searching His word and praying before making major life changing decisions.
• Think about the consequences of any decision you make.
• See how the decisions you make will impact the lives of others.
• Think through any agreements you make to be sure that your motives for making them are pure.
• Do not enter into agreements with an ungodly person unless you are sure of all the factors that have gone into them.
• Do not take matters into your own hands when dealing with others.  The Bible often speaks of letting God handle situations.

We-

The church exists in a hostile world today.  We have to accept that fact.  In order to continue to be a church that is in the world but not of it we must have a passion for the ways of God.  His word gives clear direction to the lifestyle we are to live.  We cannot and should not compromise the truths found in its pages.  The only way to do so is to seek the wisdom found in its pages.  We have the advantage of six thousand years of history but we still have to live out every single day in the real world in the same way that all of the people of the Bible did.  We can clearly see that their failures were a result of turning away from God.  We are to never to let a day go by that we do not spend time with our Father.  If we give Him our lives He will indeed allow to serve Him in a way that glorifies Him.

Additional Notes:

BL-In chapter 34, Jacob’s choice of neighborhood turns out to be a bad one.  His daughter Dinah, while out visiting the local women, attracts the eye of Shechem, the Hivite ruler’s son.  Shechem violates Dinah and then asks his father to negotiate for her hand in marriage.  Jacob leaves the matter to his sons, who are furious over what has been done to their sister.  Filled with thoughts of vengeance, they pretend to agree to the wedding and trick the Hivite men into circumcision.  No effort is made to explain the special covenant relationship Jacob’s people enjoy with God; no attempt is made to communicate the many blessings God has showered on them.  Thus, the sacred rite which marked the Hebrews as God’s chosen people is perverted from a privilege into a weapon.  While the men are immobilized by their pain, Simeon and Levi attack the city, killing the men, seizing the women and children, and plundering their belongings. Fearing for his family’s safety, Jacob offers up a weak!
 protest, but he is quickly silenced by his sons’ angry response.
  Where could Jacob have gone so wrong?  Several problems were discussed, including his decision to settle where Jacob, not God, decided; his boastful attitude in the way he chose to honor God; his lack of involvement in his daughter’s life; his abdication of patriarchal authority to his sons; and his lack of control over his childrens’ actions. Jacob was a believer in the one true God; but his faith, like his parenting, was still weak in many ways. 

WM-We can expect godless men like Shechem to act like one who has no moral foundation or a relationship with God to restrain them. (Gen. 34:2)

M-Godless men are moved to live by feelings, passions, desires and lusts.  These drives often end in negative results.  In Shechem we see a man who was willing to go to any lengths to get what he wanted.  (Gen. 34:2-4, 8, 11-12)

M- Hamar, Shechem’s father, was asking the Israelites to be part of a world that condone the kind of sexual immorality committed by Shechem and idol worship.  God had already separated Abraham from the heathen world in which he had lived and made into a chosen  and separated people.  Hamar was attempting to entice from the relationship with God to a materialistic godless lifestyle. (Gen. 34:8-10)

M-Grief and anger will at times cause people to act irrationally.  Another way to look at this would be to say, men show by whom and what they are controlled by the way they behave.  Here is a case of two wrongs do not make a right. (Gen. 34:13, 25-26)

WM-Jacob’s sons used circumcision as a ploy to be able to attack Shechem while the men of the city were healing. Circumcision was to be physical witness of the covenant relationship of God with the Israel not for treachery and revenge. (Gen. 34:13-17, 25-26)

WM-Hamor and Shechem saw the marriage and circumcision as a way of participating in the wealth of Jacob and his family.  They were unscrupulous men at best. How they responded to the request of the brothers was just another indication of the mindset of the world as ungodly men seek to do what profits them.  (Gen. 34:22-24)

TM-What a total misunderstanding of the covenant of God we see in the actions of Jacob’s sons.  “Abraham believed and his belief was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Circumcision was given a sign of the covenant God made with him.  Trying to be good and thinking that will get one to heaven is the same mindset as the sons claiming that it is circumcision of the flesh, and not the spirit, is what made them unique.  They totally missed the point. How did the use circumcision? What did they expect to happen? What was their response when Hamar and Shechem actually followed through with their requests? (Gen. 34:14-17)

M-Men with the wrong motives will only do something if they believe they will personally benefit from their actions.  The persuasive argument used by Hamar to convince the men of his city to be circumcised was, “Will not their livestock and their property and all their animals be ours?”  This was blatant assimilation on his part and would have destroyed the uniqueness of the Jewish people. (Gen. 34:23)

 RT- Some of the sons had taken part in a deception involving their sister and the man who loved her and his father.  They had taken bloody revenge on Hamor and Shechem and all the men of the city because of what Hamor had done to Dinah.  (Gen. 34:25-31)

C-A number of incidences took place at Shechem that would have a great impact of Jacob’s family.

1. Dinah was raped by Shechem, A Hivite.
2. Shechem asked for Dinah’s hand in marriage.
3. The brothers fo Dinah deceived the men of Shechem convincing them to be circumcised .  This was done under the pretence of allowing Dinah to marry a Hivite, a non Jew.
4. Simeon and Levi took revenge on the males and killed all of them including Shechem and his father Hamor  who agreed to the terms set out by the brothers.
5. The rest of the brothers came and plundered the city.
6. Jacob’s family became odious to all who lived around them.

(Gen. 34:27-31)

RT- A double deceit took place in the story of the sons of Jacob and Shechem.  The first incidence took place after the rape of Dinah.  The sons of Jacob agreed that Dinah would be given to Shechem if all of the men of Shechem would be willing to be circumcised.  It was the intention of the brothers to take revenge on the men of Shechem. 

In the second case the brothers totally misunderstood what the act of circumcision of the flesh signified.  How could godless men know that it stood for the covenant relationship between God who had given the command to perform it and His chosen people.  It was not to be used just to make others physically like the Israelites.  It was to signify the spiritual union between God and man as each served the living God.  (Gen. 34:13-15)

GC-Over and over again the Scriptures emphasis that true circumcision is of the heart and not of the flesh.  It is all about internal and eternal relation with God.  (Gen. 34:13-15; Prov. 21:2)

RT-As cruel and horrible the act of revenge may have been, there was a third dynamic taking place here also.  It was never God’s intention for His people to become one with the very people who would be judged for their immorality.  Abraham was told that his descendents would return to the land and bring judgment on the people but not yet. It would occur more than four hundred years later.  (Gen. 34:22; 15:14

WM-Jacob seemed to be more concerned about his reputation and fear of what the Canaanites might do to him than what had been done to his daughter. He certainly seemed to be lacking in empathy for his own family. This attitude would cause more problems down the road than the actions of the people living in the land. (Gen. 34:30-31)