This last section of Genesis contains the story of Joseph and how way in advance, God set into motion events that would save Abram’s family line and continue to fulfill the covenant. I love the story of Joseph because of his character. Joseph could have grumbled about being sold into slavery, but instead he worked hard. Joseph understood that he was sent ahead into Egypt to save his family and harbored no hard feelings towards his family. I want to have a heart for the Lord similar to Joseph; willing to serve in ALL circumstances. As a reward of his obedience, his sons Manasseh and Ephraim would be included in the covenant as tribes of Israel.
“And do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest.” Genesis 45:5-6 ESV
Passage:
Genesis 39-50
Discovered:
- Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of guard in Egypt. He succeeded in all he did and was made overseer – in charge of everything.
- Potiphar’s wife wanted to lay with Joseph, he said no so she eventually falsely accused him and he was thrown in jail.
- In jail, the Lord was with him and made him keeper of the jail.
- Joseph interprets the cupbearer’s & baker’s dreams. Cupbearer would be restored and the baker would be hung. Dreams came true.
- 2 years later, Joseph is remembered & interprets Pharaoh’s dreams – 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine. He recommends to Pharaoh to store up 1/5 of the produce and store it for the famine.
- Pharaoh appoints Joseph in charge of this and gives him a wife, Asenath at 30 years old.
- During the years of plenty, Joseph had 2 sons: Manassah and Ephraim.
- During the famine, Jacob sent all his sons by Benjamin to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognized them and accused them of being spies. He kept Simeon and told them not to return without Benjamin. He filled their sacks with grain, gave them their money back and sent them on their way.
- When they were low on grain, Jacob sent them back begrudgingly with Benjamin and double the money with a promise for Judah to keep him safe.
- Upon their return to Egypt, Joseph fed them from his table. He filled their sacks but stuck his silver cup into Benjamin’s bag. After a while, he sent his steward after them accusing them of stealing from him. Joseph tested their character saying that all but Benjamin could leave. They said that they could all stay except Benjamin
- Joseph kicked everyone but his brothers out and revealed himself to them, saying he forgave them for it was God’s plan to send him on ahead to preserve your life. Go get your father and everything/everyone else and come live in Goshen near me in Egypt.
- God spoke with Israel about not being afraid of moving to Egypt; God would multiply and make them into a great nation.
- Joseph continued to lead during the famine, taking money then livestock then land as payment. Telling all to give 1/5 of harvest to Pharaoh.
- Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. Manasseh the younger would be greater.
- Jacob blesses his sons: Reuben lost his birthright, Simeon & Levi would be scattered, Judah would be blessed-rulers from his tribe, Zebulun-seashore, Issachar was strong but lazy, Dan will produce judges, God-warriors, Asher-yield delicacies, Naphtali-eloquent, Joseph-fruitful, Benjamin-strong but cruel. Jacob was buried in a cave with Abraham.
- Joseph dies at 110 and was embalmed, buried in Egypt. He asked that his bones would be taken when they were called back to Canaan.
Help me to remember:
that you’ve planned out everything for your purpose. Just as Joseph was sold into slavery to prepare for the famine, you plot the events in our lives.
Lord, I ask that
you help me to see You and Your will in my life, and to have a heart of forgiveness and hard work for you like Joseph.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
the doors and windows you close and open for my role within your plan.
