In our last lesson we left off with Joseph in Prison, we pick up in Genesis Chapter 40 where Joseph has probably, by now, been in prison for a number of years. In Genesis 39 we learned that Joseph is the overseer or supervisor of the whole prison.
"The spiritual greatness of Joseph is a remarkable thing. How many people have become bitter over some real or imagined slight, or blamed the Lord for some personal tragedy? In the very midst of being faithful and holding true to that which is right, Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison. How easy it would have been for him to give up, to say, "What's the use of trying to serve God? All he does is punish me." but there was not a trace of bitterness, no blaming the Lord. Joseph just continued being righteous and faithful. Unselfishly he offered to interpret the dreams of his two fellow prisoners, telling them that the knowledge came from God (see Genesis 40:8). He still trusted in the Lord, although he must have felt doomed to spend his life in prison. If any person had cause for discouragement and bitterness, it was Joseph, but he never faltered in his faith. Truly, Joseph is a model to be emulated."
Old Testament Student Manual pg. 95
In Genesis 40 the butler and the baker's dreams are interpreted by Joseph. This will eventually lead to Joseph being brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. In chapter 41, Joseph's fortunes change completely. When Pharaoh has two dreams that trouble him. The butler will remember Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and will call for him to come to Pharaoh. Pharaoh believes Joseph's interpretation and appoints him second in command, under him, for all of Egypt. (The Old Testament Made Easier, David J. Ridges)
Joseph's appointment puts him in a position to now to save his family from the drought that will happen just a few years from this point.
Chapter 42 brings us to a severe famine. The famine is so severe that Jacob (Joseph's father) and his family, who incidentally are still living in Canaan, cannot survive. Jacob heard that there is grain in Egypt so he sends ten of his sons to go buy food, but Benjamin remains home. You'll remember how heart broken Jacob was to learn that Joseph had been killed by wild beasts. He could not bare the thought of potentially losing Benjamin.
When Joseph's brothers get to Egypt they are brought before their brother, Joseph, who they do not recognize. Though he immediately knows them. He is very hard on his brothers, accusing them of being liars and spies. During the exchange, the brothers tell Joseph that they have another brother, Benjamin, who is not with them. Joseph demands that they prove that they are not lying by bringing their youngest brother to him. Joseph realizes during this exchange that his brothers hearts seemed to have softened over the years.
Regardless of the change that Joseph sees in his brothers, he still demands that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin. They have no choice but to bring Benjamin. Joseph requires that they leave Simeon, hoping to ensure their return.
The Old Testament Student Manual provides some insight as to why Joseph would require that Simeon be left behind, while the brothers go for Benjamin.
"By demanding that Benjamin be brought back to Egypt, Joseph allowed his brothers to show whether or not they truly were sorry for what they had done to him so many years before. Would they now show the same lack of concern for Benjamin? It is significant that Judah, who suggested that Joseph be sold, became the one who was willing to become "the surety" for Benjamin. There does seem to be evidence of sincere repentance on the brothers' part, and Joseph's stratagem allowed them to demonstrate this repentance. When the pressure was on, Judah's change of heart was shown to be complete."
Chapter 43 commences with Jacob's refusal to let his sons take Benjamin to Egypt. They survive for a short time on the provisions that they had brought back, but it does not take long before their food is running out.
I am leaving the last two chapters for you to discover.
Purpose : To help class members understand that if we are faithful and obedient, God will consecrate our afflictions for our good.
Study the following scriptures:
a. Genesis 40–41. In prison, Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants. He then interprets Pharaoh’s dreams about cattle and corn. Joseph is made ruler over all Egypt under Pharaoh and prepares the people for a famine.
. Genesis 42–45. Jacob twice sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph makes himself known to his brothers and forgives them, and they rejoice together.
• What does the world tell us to do when someone has wronged us, as Joseph’s brothers had done to him? What does the Lord tell us to do? (See D&C 64:8–11.) How have you been blessed when you have dealt kindly with others who have mistreated you? How can we become more forgiving?
• How did Joseph’s imprisonment in Egypt, which was a trial for him, become a blessing for him, his family, and all Egypt? (See Genesis 45:4–8.) What experiences have you had in which events that at first appeared negative became blessings?
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