How did Joseph treat his brothers?
Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them.
What does the story of Joseph teach us?
Joseph's dreams first get him into trouble, but his ability to understand them leads him to be chosen by the Pharaoh and to save the world. We could learn a lesson about the mysteries of how the world works. Believers and non-believers can see it as an illustration of the need to keep trying and persevere.
What does the story of Joseph teach us about suffering?
The overarching life lesson gleaned from the experience of Joseph can be expressed this way: “Life's road has potholes and obstacles, but God (not coincidence) builds a bridge over the potholes using the very obstacles that once blocked our way—IF AND ONLY IF we trust and obey Him.
How Joseph forgave his brothers?
Joseph and his brothers cried with happiness. Joseph forgave them for selling him as a slave. He said God led him to Egypt to save them from the famine.
How did Joseph overcome his problems?
He rested in God's presence, and God blessed him, even in prison (vv. 21-23). Once again, Joseph began to learn what it means to overcome. He was learning from the pains, problems, dangers, and tests of life.
What moral lesson did you learn from the story of Joseph and Mary?
What do we learn from Joseph and Mary? We can take away a lot from their lesson of obedience to God's calling. They saw that serving God and doing His will was far greater than being socially accepted.
What positive thing happened to Joseph?
Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt in the best part of the land, and he provided all of them with food. Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years, died at the age of 147, and was carried back to the land of Canaan to be buried in his tomb.
How did God lead Joseph and how did he respond?
But God sent an angel to Joseph to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. Joseph willingly obeyed God, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality made him God's choice for the Messiah's earthly father.
How did God lead Joseph and how did he respond What do you learn from this?
He was described in the Bible as a righteous man. Even when personally wronged, he had the quality of being sensitive to someone else's shame. He responded to God in obedience and he practiced self-control.
How was Joseph an example of being forgiving?
Joseph refused to stand in judgment of them and assured them that they were forgiven. He not only forgave them; he offered them kindness: " 'So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. ' And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50:21.
How did Joseph save his family?
The land of Egypt enjoyed seven years of plenty before a famine struck, just as Pharaoh had dreamed. During that time, Joseph gathered all the excess food and stored it in the cities. The famine was severe in every land, so Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to everyone who needed it.
What can kids learn from Joseph?
God loved; therefore, He gave. He took action. As God's children, we are called to love others, even though they may be imperfect or hard to love. While we may not always be able to generate feelings of love toward those who seem to be unlovable, we can always demonstrate our awareness of their eternal worth and value.
What was Joseph's role in the Bible?
Joseph acted in the role of a detective conducting a tough interrogation. He could not proceed with full transparency and expect to get reliable information from them. The biblical concept for this tactic is shrewdness. Shrewdness may be exercised for good or for ill.
How did Joseph deal with his brothers?
Joseph’s Dealings with His Brothers (Genesis 42-43) In the midst of the crisis in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers arrived from Canaan, seeking to buy food , as the famine severely affected their land also. They did not recognize Joseph, and he did not reveal himself to them. He dealt with his brothers largely through the language of commerce.
What did Joseph know about the power of God?
Joseph knew that it was not in his human power to save them, but he took advantage of his God-given authority and wisdom to serve and help. Two important factors differentiate Joseph in making the decision to use means that otherwise would not be commendable.
Why did the Lord work in Joseph?
Our Lord had to work in Joseph to enable him to forgive his brothers and secure the safety and continuation of the line of Israel in Goshen. Our Lord is the hero of Joseph's story and the sure protector of His own promises despite the failings and frailties of we, His servants.
What did Joseph's long career of service and suffering in God's service give him?
But Joseph’s long career of service and suffering in God’s service gave him a deeper understanding of the situation than his brothers had. Seemingly, the promise that God would make them into a large nation hung in the balance.
Why did Joseph take advantage of his power?
In short, Joseph took advantage of his power to deal with a group he knew could be untrustworthy because of their earlier treatment of him. [1] Bruce K. Waltke, Genesis: A Commentary, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), 545. His motive was to discern the present character of the people he was dealing with.
What is the decision to make himself known to his brothers?
the decision to make himself known to his brothers. It follows. immediately after the long statement from Judah. (Genesis 44:18-34). For the first time, Judah set his father’s welfare above his own and was willing to sacrifice his own freedom for that of Benjamin’s and others.
What was Joseph's refusal of the wife's advances?
Joseph’s refusal of the wife’s advances was articulate and reasonable. He reminded her of the broad trust that Potiphar had placed in him and described the relationship she sought in the moral/religious terms “wickedness” and "sin" ( Gen. 39:9 ). He was sensitive to both the social and theological dimensions.
What was Joseph's role in prison?
39:21-23 ). In prison, Joseph met two of Pharaoh’s officials who were incarcerated, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. Many Egyptian texts mention the role of cupbearers, who not only tasted wine for quality and to detect poison but also who enjoyed proximity to those with political power. They often became confidants who were valued for their counsel (see Neh. 2:1-4 ). [1]#N#Kenneth A. Kitchen, “Cupbearer,” in New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed., eds. I. Howard Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, and D. J. Wiseman (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 248.#N#Like chief cupbearers, chief bakers were also trusted officials who had open access to the highest persons in the government and who may have performed duties that extended beyond the preparation of food. [2]#N#Roland K. Harrison, “Baker,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979), 1:404.#N#In prison, Joseph did the work of interpreting dreams for these politically connected individuals.
What did Joseph and Pharaoh give Joseph's brothers?
Back to Table of Contents. Joseph and Pharaoh lavishly gave Joseph’s brothers “the best of all the land of Egypt” ( Genesis 45:20) and supplied them for their return to Canaan and transportation of the family. This apparently happy ending, however, has a dark side.
What was Joseph's job in Potiphar's employ?
Joseph’s stint in Potiphar’s employ gave him a wide range of fiduciary responsibilities. At first, Joseph was merely “in” his master’s house. We don’t know in what capacity he served, but when Potiphar recognized Joseph’s general competence, he promoted him to be his personal steward and “put him in charge of all that he had” ( Gen. 39:4 ).
What did Joseph do to impress Pharaoh?
Joseph’s way of doing it impressed Pharaoh, showing that publicly giving God credit can be done in a believable way. God’s presence with Joseph was so obvious that Pharaoh promoted Joseph to second-in-command of Egypt, especially to take charge of preparations for the coming famine ( Gen. 41:37-45 ).
What did Joseph do to help the poor in Egypt?
After the people ran out of money, Joseph allowed them to barter their livestock for food. This plan lasted for one year during which Joseph collected horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys ( Gen. 47:15-17 ).
What did Joseph's promotion bring him?
Joseph’s promotion brought him significant accoutrements of leadership : a royal signet ring and gold chain, fine clothing appropriate to his high office, official transportation, a new Egyptian name, and an Egyptian wife from an upper class family ( Gen. 41:41-45 ).
A Reflection of Christ: A Lesson from the Life of Joseph
Joseph’s life offers us a magnificent portrayal of the grace of God as He came to our rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus. So many come to Him, like Joseph’s guilty brothers, feeling the distance and fearing the worst from God, only to have Him demonstrate incredible generosity and mercy. Instead of being blamed, we are forgiven.
About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. Since 1998, he has served as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends beyond a local church body.
What chapter does Joseph reveal his identity to his brothers?
He “threatened” to keep Benjamin as his slave, and Judah pleaded with him to keep him instead of Benjamin. This brings us to Chapter 45 , when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Genesis 45:1-8. 4.
What did Joseph tell Pharaoh?
Joseph interpreted the king’s dreams, which foretold of the coming seven years of great abundance in Egypt (41:29) and the following seven years of famine (41:29). Joseph proceeded to tell Pharaoh what should be done (41:32-37). 3.
How many chapters does Joseph's story span?
What an encouragement to us. Let God use you where you are. Let Him use you in the hard times, as well as the good times. The story of Joseph spans many chapters, Genesis 37-50.
What does God use to bring about his perfect purpose?
God uses even the negative motives of others to bring about His perfect purpose. Meditate on Genesis 50:20. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”. Joseph had a divine purpose.
Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt?
1. Jacob sent his sons, with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. When his brothers came before Joseph, why didn’t he just tell them who he was and why do you think he recognized them but they did not recognize him?
Where did Jacob move to?
In Genesis 46-47 Jacob moved his family to Egypt. God once again spoke to him, encouraging him to not be afraid to go to Egypt and reminding him of His promise to make him a great nation ( Gen. 46:1-4 ). Genesis 48-49 records Jacob’s final days. Today we look at Joseph’s last days after his father Jacob died.
Who refused to let Jacob take Benjamin?
Jacob first refused to let them take Benjamin, but after all the grain was eaten, he sent his sons back to Egypt with Benjamin (43:1-15). When Joseph saw Benjamin, he responded with emotion (43:16-34). In Genesis 44, Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan and played a little trickery on them.
What happened to Joseph after 11 years of faithful service to Potiphar?
Because of this, his brothers sold him and was brought to a foreign and unfamiliar land. After about 11 years of faithful service to Potiphar, he was rewarded with imprisonment.
Why was Joseph imprisoned?
The wife of Potiphar accused Joseph of “mocking” her and Potiphar’s anger was aroused against Joseph. So Joseph was imprisoned for doing the right thing. When it comes to overcoming life’s challenges, lessons from the life of Joseph are very important ...
What led Joseph to sell to the Midianite traders?
The jealousy, hatred, and resentment of Joseph’s brothers led them to sell Joseph to the Midianite traders. Joseph was brought to Egypt where the Midianite traders had sold him to Potiphar, “an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard” (Genesis 37:36).
Why was Joseph a successful man?
Because of this, the “LORD was with Joseph and he became a successful man” (Genesis 39:2). The blessings of God helped Joseph to find favor in the sight of his master and eventually made him be the overseer of his house.
Why doesn't God bless us?
Of course, God will not bless us because we are righteous and we are entitled of his blessings. He blesses us because of his love and mercy. As this might be the case, God still expects us to follow His commandments for his commandments lead to eternal life (John 12:50).
What does God say about pain?
However, God has this to say for those who still choose to follow Him: “For it is a sign of grace if a man, desiring to do right in the eyes of God, undergoes pain as punishment for something which he has not done.
How does God work?
This is how God works. If God wills it, he can turn the table in just a moment . Christians must realize that no matter what happens in our life, we can always have the confidence that God is in ULTIMATE control. God is in charge.
Joseph and His Brothers
In Genesis 37 we learn of Israel, his son, Joseph, and the brothers. Israel favors Joseph and endows him with a beautiful coat, inciting the envy and resentment of Joseph’s brothers. His brothers took Joseph’s coat, cast him into an empty cistern, and sold him into bondage with the Ishmaelites.
Joseph Feeds Egypt
Thanks to the special gifts that God endowed Joseph, Israel’s favored son interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. Pharaoh takes advantage of Joseph’s God-given wisdom and manages the food prudently. Through Joseph, God provided for the people of Egypt and the surrounding area. Despite challenging circumstances, God cared for His beloved and was glorified.
Joseph Forgives
Joseph’s brothers come to learn not only is Joseph alive, but also a powerful figure in Egypt and their benefactor in the midst of famine. Joseph, reflecting on all he had suffered, could have indulged vengeance and punished his brothers. Instead, there is forgiveness and reconciliation. He provides for his brothers and their offspring.
Why was Joseph put in prison?
Not really, because it was short lived. Due to the false accusation of Potiphar’s wife to her husband, because Joseph would not sleep with her, Joseph was cast into prison. Joseph paid the price for impeccable integrity, but the Lord was with Joseph.
What can we learn from Joseph's life?
Let’s bring it all together with some lessons we can all learn from Joseph’s life: 1) God’s plans and purposes are far greater than our own! 2) God provides and blesses those who persevere to follow Him. 3) Suffering to God’s people is not always bad! God can use the most painful time of our life for His good.
Why was Joseph's life cut short?
Upon his arrival his sightseeing was cut short because he was sold to Pharaoh’s captain Potiphar to be a servant in his house, but the Lord was with Joseph. Picking the story back up in Genesis 39, things were starting to shape up for Joseph.
What to do when you feel like God doesn't care?
When you find yourself in a situation where you feel like God doesn’t care, put your faith in what Scripture tells us about the nature of God. Remember, “He will never leave you or forsake you.”. Many of us get stuck in the “what God is NOT doing” narrative.
What is Heartstone about?
Heartstone is a journey of destiny, a story of a life turned upside-down for the best possible reason. Step into the story and discover what happens when a broken life has a head on collision with a broken world! [WARNING] This book isn’t for the faint of heart.