Read Genesis 42:1-38. What happened here, and how does it reveal the providence of God, even despite human evil and malfeasance? The famine obliges Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Ironically, it is Jacob who initiates the project (Genesis 42:1). The unfortunate old man, a victim of circumstances beyond his control, unknowingly sets … Continue reading –>
For Joseph, Pharaoh’s dreams revealed what God was “about to do” (Genesis 41:28, NKJV) in the land. Joseph, however, does not call on Pharaoh to believe in Joseph’s God. Instead, Joseph’s immediate response is action. Joseph proposes an economic program. Interestingly, only the economic part of Joseph’s discourse is retained by Pharaoh, who seems more interested in … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 41:37-46; 1 Kings 3:12; Genesis 42:1-38; Romans 5:7-11; Genesis 43:1-34; Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28. Memory Text: “And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt’” (Genesis 41:41, NKJV). Joseph is now leader of Egypt, and his own brothers will bow before him without knowing who … Continue reading –>
An Eternal Gift By Andrew McChesney Tragedy struck young Vishalini’s life when her parents divorced over a misunderstanding in the extended family. Vishalini sadly said good-bye to Mother after Father gained custody of her. Before long, Father remarried, and Vishalini had a stepmother. Vishalini felt so alone. Her new stepmother did not like Mother at … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Joseph in Egypt,” Pages 213-223, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great changes of fortune. In his father’s … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 40:1-41:36. How are the dreams of Pharaoh related to the dreams of the officers? What is the significance of this parallel? The providential character of the events continues. Over time, Joseph is put in charge of the prisoners, two of whom happen to be former officers of Pharaoh, a butler and a baker (Genesis 41:9-11). … Continue reading –>
We now pick up the flow of Joseph’s stories, which had been “interrupted” by the Tamar incident. Joseph is now working as a slave for the “captain of the guard,” who is in charge of the prison for royal officials (Genesis 40:3-4; Genesis 41:10-12). Read Genesis 39:1-23. In light of the example of Joseph’s working as a manager … Continue reading –>
The story of Tamar is not out of place here. This incident follows chronologically the sale of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 38:1), and it is consistent with the fact that Judah has just left his brothers, which points to his disagreement with them. In addition, the text shares a number of common words and motifs with … Continue reading –>
However horrible the events that were to follow, they’re not hard to comprehend. To be in that close proximity to, and even to be related to, someone whom you hated would inevitably lead, sooner or later, only to trouble. And it did. Read Genesis 37:12-36. What does this teach us about how dangerous and evil unregenerate … Continue reading –>
Jacob has, at last, settled in the land. While Isaac was only “a stranger,” the text also says that Jacob “dwelt in the land” (Genesis 37:1). Yet, it was then, as he was settling into the land, that the troubles began, this time from inside the family. The controversy does not concern the possession of the … Continue reading –>
