Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Joseph in Egypt,” Pages 213-223; “Joseph and His Brothers,” Pages 224-232 in Patriarchs and Prophets. “The three days of confinement were days of bitter sorrow with Jacob’s sons. They reflected upon their past wrong course, especially their cruelty to Joseph. They knew if they were convicted of being spies, and they could … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 45:1-28. What lessons of love, faith, and hope can be found in this story? It is at that very moment, when Judah talked about the “evil” that would fall upon ’avi, “my father” (Genesis 44:34), that Joseph “cried out” (Genesis 45:1, NKJV) and then “made himself known” to his brothers. This expression, often used to refer to God’s self-revelation (Exodus … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 44:1-34. Why did Joseph put the divination cup in Benjamin’s sack and not in another brother’s sack? This story parallels the preceding one. As before, Joseph gives specific instructions; and, once again, he fills the men’s sacks with food. This time, however, Joseph adds the strange command to put his precious cup in Benjamin’s … Continue reading –>
Jacob could not easily allow the departure of Benjamin, his only son with Rachel who remained with him. He was afraid that he would lose him, as he already had lost Joseph (Genesis 43:6-8). It is only when there was no more food (Genesis 43:2) and when Judah pledged to guarantee the return of Benjamin (Genesis 43:9) that Jacob finally … Continue reading –>
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 –>
