Category: BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Welcome to AtoZMom’s BSF Blog! BSF International, or Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)’s study of the Book of Genesis will take you from the Creation of the world through the patriarchs — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — to the death of Joseph, who saved his people from a famine. Read about God’s covenant promises to always be with His people and experience them for yourself in this best bible study online.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 3: Genesis 47:28-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 47:28-31:

Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years. He lived to be 147 years of age. He made Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan with his fathers.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 3: Genesis 47:28-31

7) “With his fathers.” In Machpelah near Mamre at Hebron in Canaan, which was the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah.

8 ) Jacob knew he would get to come back to Canaan and that he’d see Joseph at the end.

9) Personal Question. My answer: In my business, my career, my new business, and life’s directions.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 3: Genesis 47:28-31

I like how we can see that people have made burial wishes since the beginning of time, a tradition that still stands today with people’s wills.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 3: Genesis 47:28-31

Jacob wanted to be buried with his family in Canaan — his home. It’s comforting to many who are facing their last days on this earth.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 2: Genesis 47:13-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 47:13-27:

Egypt and Canaan spent all of their money to buy food. When they ran out of money, they asked Joseph what they should do. He said to bring their livestock in exchange for food. The people brought their horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. This lasted for one year.

When the people ran out of livestock, all they had left was their land and themselves, so they sold their land and themselves as slaves to Pharaoh in exchange for food. The priests kept their land because they received a regular allotment of food from Pharaoh.

Jospeh gave the people seed so they could grow food, but since the land was Pharaoh’s now, they had to give one-fifth to Pharaoh as payment for use of the land. The Israelites settled in Egypt in Goshen. They acquired property and grew in prosperity and number.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 2: Genesis 47:13-27

3) Sell food for money, sell food for livestock, sell food for servitude

4a) They obeyed and were grateful for Joseph saving their lives.

b) He saved people’s lives and the lives of his family. The Israelites settled in Egypt in Goshen. They acquired property and grew in prosperity and number.

5) They actually grew, prospered, and acquired land, while everyone else was selling everything they had to survive.

6a) Joseph had to make the tough decisions to save people’s lives and do what was right for Pharaoh.

b) To make the tough decisions to do what is right for the people.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 2: Genesis 47:13-27

I had forgotten that this was how the Israelites became slaves; by selling themselves for food.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 28, Day 2: Genesis 47:13-27

Joseph did his job faithfully.

Pharaoh grew very, very rich because of the famine. Effectively, he controlled most of the known supply of money. He now owned all of the land, which must now have been overflowing with all the livestock he just purchased. This often happens in times of crisis; the government becomes richer while the common man becomes poorer and struggles to survive.

One-fifth of the land is a 20% tax land. Not bad considering the amount of taxes people pay around the world.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTERS 45-47:12:

  • If you don’t forgive, payback never ends
  • God goes before all of us as the great orchestrator of our lives
  • What happens in our lives is God’s will
  • Seasons of famines come with seasons of feasts

Challenge: Believe God has you exactly where He wants you; step into it with faith.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 46:31-47:12:

Joseph advises his family to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds so that they can be allowed the land of Goshen and will be detestable to the Egyptians who despise shepherds.

Joseph tells Pharaoh that his family has come from Canaan to live in Goshen and be shepherds. Joseph chose 5 of his brothers to tell Pharaoh the same thing. Pharaoh gives them the best land in Goshen and asks for help with his flocks if any of them have any special talents.

Jacob was presented before Pharaoh who asks him how old he is. Jacob answers 130 years. He blesses Pharaoh and then they get settled. Joseph provides them with food.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12

12) Joseph tells his brothers what to say to Pharaoh

13) The years he was called by God to go to to the Promised Land. He also knows that his real home is with God in heaven.

14) He blesses Pharaoh. He’s humble about his lifetime.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12

Let’s not forget that Joseph is the whole reason Jacob and his family were saved.  “Joseph settled his father.”  “Joseph provided food.” Pharaoh accepted Jacob and the family only because of Joseph. If they had just been regular Hebrews looking for relief from the famine, they would have been turned away. But because of Joseph (and God) they were saved–as was God’s will.

The Egyptians considered sheep unclean; hence, everyone who worked with sheep were unclean.

Goshen was what is basically the Sinai Peninsula today.  Today it is a desert land but in ancient times it was renown for it’s grazing of animals.  Succinct history on Goshen HERE.

Let us also not forget that although Pharaoh is presented as a great, benevolent ruler in the Bible, he was all-powerful. He put Joseph in charge to save his people, not God’s. His people were also very poor and worked hard so he could live in luxury. We don’t see the poverty here of the vast majority of the people.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 5: Genesis 46:31-47:12

Joseph makes sure his family is provided for. He is their advocate, as Jesus is ours. However, not long after Joseph’s death and presumably the current pharaoh, the Israelites are made slaves (Exodus 1:8-10).

Pharaoh knows how God has blessed Joseph and probably presumes God is with Jacob as well. He accepts the blessing despite the Pharaoh being considered a god himself. Pharaoh knows that he needs God’s help, too.

Joseph you could say is now the head of the family as he is the sole provider of their food and well-being. It is presumed that every time Jacob or his family had a need, they went to Joseph who made sure they were taken care of.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 46:1-30:

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Israel/Jacob set out with all of his household and belongings for Egypt.  At Beersheba he offered sacrifices to God.  There God spoke to him, reassuring him to go to Egypt.

Jacob left Beersheba for Egypt, taking with him all his sons, their wives and children, his daughters and their families and all his possessions including his livestock.  They numbered 66 persons who went with Jacob that were direct descendants. Counting Joseph and his two sons and Jacob the total came to 70 in Egypt.

Joseph met his family at Goshen where they were to settle in Egypt, and he threw his arms around his father and wept. Israel/Jacob said he is now ready to die since he’s seen that Joseph is still alive.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30

9a) That is was God’s will for them to go since He wanted them in the Promised Land and God had told them to settle where there were at.

b) God spoke to Jacob/Israel in a vision at night, reassuring him that he was to go to Egypt and that God would build them into a great nation there.

c) God is good. He wants to reassure his people that they are doing the right thing. He also is taking care of them so that they can survive.

10) 66. For the line of Jesus to be recorded.

11a) We’ve moved recently to follow our dreams. They are still unfolding.

b) Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

ConclusionsBSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30

I wonder who eventually told Jacob what had actually happened to Joseph and how he got to be in Egypt. That would have been a conversation I would have liked to have heard. “Uh, Father, well, um, we didn’t like Joseph, so we threw him in this well, and then we sold him….”

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30

We’ve seen Beersheba before in Genesis. (Genesis 22:19), (Genesis 26:23). Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, and God spoke to Isaac here Genesis 21:33), repeating his covenant promise. Genesis 26:24-25). Jacob was making a huge move to a land far away. He needed God’s approval. God told him it was okay to find his wife away from the Promised Land as well (Genesis 28:12-17).

By God telling Jacob to not be afraid to go to Egypt indicates he probably was, as most of us would be. Remember in ancient times, people did not travel very far from where they were born. This is a huge move.

We’ve seen Egypt play a big role already in the Bible:

  • Abraham went to Egypt the last time there was a famine in the land, but this was against God’s will  (Genesis 12:10-20)
  • Isaac was told to not go to Egypt during a famine: (Genesis 26:2).
  • Jacob probably knew that God had foretold his people would be strangers/slaves in a land for 400 years  (Genesis 15:13).  Was this the beginning of 400 years?

God’s Promises to Jacob/Israel:

  1. “I will make you a great nation there.”
  2. “I will go down to Egypt with you.”
  3. “I will surely bring you back again.”
  4. “Joseph will close your eyes.”

The Israelites will be left alone as the Egyptians will not intermarry with them. This allows God’s people to grow in faith. God will be with them. God will bring them back to the Promised Land. Joseph is alive!

Carts were a sign of wealth, so Jacob was thrilled to see these. Plus, he probably wasn’t looking forward to walking or riding a donkey that far!

The sons of Judah lead to Jesus: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron

70 males total from God’s people went to or were in Egypt.  In Acts 7:14, Stephen tells us 75 went to Egypt. This number includes the sons and grandsons of Joseph who were born in Egypt

Once Abraham waited years for Isaac, 60 years passed before Jacob came alone. Then Jacob had his sons throughout his lifetime. After being in Egypt for 430 years, the Israelites would leave with 600,000 men and 2 million people. God is good, indeed.

Judah is chosen since he was the one with the most repentant heart.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 45:16-28:

Pharaoh was very happy that Joseph’s brothers had come. He gave Joseph’s family the best of the land in Egypt. He gave them carts to travel in. Joseph gave his brothers the carts and provisions for their journey to retrieve their father and families. He gave them new clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. He sent 10 donkeys loaded with the best of Egyptian goods as well as 10 donkeys with provisions. He told his brothers to not quarrel along the way.

The brothers told Jacob that Joseph was alive and the ruler in Egypt. He did not believe them at first (understandable, since they have lied before), but after seeing all of the goods and hearing the tale, Jacob was convinced, and will go to Egypt.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28

6) Pharaoh first welcomed foreigners into the land. He gave them the best land in Egypt with which to prosper. He gave them provisions for the journey and carts to ride in. He said the best of all Egypt will be theirs. Sometimes it pays to have connections.

7) Stunned. He was skeptical, but when he saw all of the goods and heard the tale, he was convinced.

8a) Times when we’ve moved.

b) Trust that God put us here for a reason and that everything will work out as planned.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28

This shows just how valued Joseph was. Otherwise, I don’t see Pharaoh doing this for anyone else, especially non-Egyptians

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 3: Genesis 45:16-28

We can think of carts as limos in today’s world. Jacob’s travels would be in luxury and a place of prominence to Egypt. Joseph warned his brothers not to quarrel since, as siblings, they may be tempted to.

Jacob is over-the-moon happy when he finally believes his favorite son is alive. Jacob goes from wallowing in self-pity Genesis 42:36) to a man of faith.

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The Meaning Behind Joseph’s Tears

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Joseph is recorded as crying 7 times in the Bible (Genesis 42:24; 43:30; 45:2; 45:14-15; 46:29; 50:1; 50:17).

Joseph weeps when:

  • He sees his brothers for the first time again in Egypt
  • Joseph sees Benjamin
  • When Joseph makes himself known to his brothers
  • When he reveals himself to his brothers
  • When Joseph sees Jacob again
  • When Joseph learns Jacob died
  • All of Egypt cries with Joseph
  • Again at Jacob’s death

Joseph does not weep when:

  • He’s thrown in the pit by his brothers
  • When he is sold as a slave
  • When he becomes a slave to Potiphar
  • When he’s framed by Potiphar’s wife and thrown back in prison
  • When he’s forgotten by Pharaoh’s cupbearer
  • He’s afraid, angry, or uncertain
  • When he is stressed

Note that Joseph cries only in personal matters that involve his family that mean the most to him. He is unashamed when he cries. He is resilient. His greatest fear may have been to never see his family again. God made sure that didn’t happen. God can make sure none of your fears come true, too.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 26

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTERS 43-44:

  • Need often turns you to God
  • God’s love causes repentance
  • Repentance leads to deliverance
  • Our failures lead to our growth

Take Away: Our faith grows out of need and then resolution.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 5: Genesis 44:18-34

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 44:18-34:

Judah pleads for Benjamin’s life, in the end offering to take his place because he cannot face Jacob and tell him that Benjamin has been taken from him like they did when they sold Joseph into slavery. Judah explains to Joseph that Benjamin is the only son left of his mother and Jacob loves him deeply. He recounts the whole conversation with Jacob of taking Benjamin so that he (Joseph) would sell them grain. He says that Jacob will die if they return without Benjamin.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 5: Genesis 44:18-34

13) Judah cannot bear to see the misery that would come upon Jacob and the fact that Jacob would die in sorrow. Just the fact that Judah does not want Benjamin taken says it all. Here, his actions speak louder than his words. All of the brothers could have left Benjamin. Instead, they stand up for him.

14) Personal Question. My answer: Age and experience has contributed to my growth. Unsure the evidence, however.

15a) Regret is when you feel sadness, repentance, or disappointment over an event that has happened or been done to you. Repentance is a feeling of regret for past wrongs and a commitment to change for the better. The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary defines repentance as “a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.” Sorrow leads to repentance. Regret is the first step; repentance follows regret and is the act of change.

b) Just the fact I want to repent is God’s grace. Many people feel bad over what they’ve done, but don’t resolve to change. Resolving to change so when the situation presents itself again is repentance and that lead to salvation. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 So my answer is all the time since I sin all the time.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 5: Genesis 44:18-34

I love how the brothers pass this test of Joseph’s of caring. What if they hadn’t? The story of God’s people would have been different, indeed.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 5: Genesis 44:18-34

Many Bible scholars call Judah’s appeal moving. Others call it pathetic. Either way, it’s one of absolute desperation. Once again, Judah is putting the blame on someone else, saying this all started because Joseph asked them questions. All they wanted was to buy some grain. He once again says that Joseph is torn to pieces. I’m wondering how Joseph is taking this. I’m surprised he never asked what happened to him/Joseph to see if he could get the truth from them.

Joseph asks “What is this you have done?” giving the brothers a chance to repent and explain themselves. This is the same question God asks Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and of Cain when he killed Abel.

You can see now that Judah does care about Jacob’s feelings when before they didn’t, even though Jacob favored both Joseph and now Benjamin. I can only imagine that Benjamin was even more favored now that Joseph is gone than before.

Since Judah is the one who volunteers to exchange his life for Benjamin’s, we see sacrificial love, which usually only occurs under the umbrella of love and is a sign of transformation (John 13:34). Since he was the one who wanted to sell Joseph  (Genesis 37:26-27), we know for sure that his heart at least has changed.

In these two chapters, we see how the brothers have matured. They stay with Benjamin, they don’t care he gets more food, they offer themselves as slaves, and they care for Jacob. They also know all of this is happening because of their sin against Joseph (Genesis 44:16) , and they accept that. This is a lot of growth, indeed.