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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 4: Genesis 44:1-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 44:1-17:

Joseph then gives his brothers all of the grain that they can carry. He then orders each man’s silver to be placed back in the mouth of their sacks and for his silver cup to be placed in Benjamin’s sack. Joseph lets his brothers pack up and leave. Then he sends men after them to accuse them of stealing. The brothers deny having stolen anything, citing the fact that they even brought back the other silver they had found in their sacks. They boast that if anyone finds it, that person will die and the rest of them will become slaves. The silver cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers tore their clothes and returned to the city.

Joseph asked them why they stole from him since he can divine things with the cup. The brothers have no defense, taking this as God’s payback for what they did to Joseph. They declare themselves Joseph’s slaves. Joseph says only the one who was found with the cup will be his slave.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 4: Genesis 44:1-17

11) Joseph is testing his brothers to see how they react when Benjamin is found to have the silver. Perhaps Joseph wants to see if they are happy that they will be rid of Benjamin like they were him.

12a) Night and day. The brothers couldn’t wait to be free from Joseph who told them he would rule over them and they would bow to him one day. Here, they tear their clothes and accompany Benjamin back to Egypt.

b) The brothers are older now with families of their own. They have matured. They know how much they hurt their father by getting rid of Joseph, and they can’t bear to tell him Benjamin is gone, too. Judah says he is personally responsible for Benjamin.

c) Anyone can change, even those who do evil. This is good to remember when evil is done to us as well.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 4: Genesis 44:1-17

Great way to see how the hearts of the brothers have changed and to test them, bringing them to complete repentance for what they did to him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 26, Day 4: Genesis 44:1-17

Bible scholars doubt that Joseph actually used the cup for divination. I mean, God speaks to him. Joseph obviously doesn’t need a cup. It was probably just to emphasize to the brothers the magnitude of the crime they were being accused of.

The brothers are so confident no one stole it that they offer death as a penalty.

Their reaction to Benjamin having the cup says it all: they did not want any harm to come to him, as they did Joseph.

We see the brothers bowing before Joseph for a third time (Genesis 37:5-11). They needed Benjamin to go free and were humble in their approach.

The brothers could not return to Jacob without Benjamin. So, they would stick by him, becoming slaves with him. It took all this time for the brothers to finally realize their wrong against Joseph, and now they would pay the price. It seems they have accepted that. No one can hide from God or escape the penalties of their decisions. Time will get you; either on this side of heaven or the other.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 26, Day 4: Skimming Joseph’s Story in Genesis 39-41

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Genesis 39 tells how Potiphar’s Wife wanted to sleep with Joseph but he refused so she told her husband he tried to take her and he ended up in prison. Genesis 40 tells that while Joseph was in prison he began interpreting others’ dreams. Genesis 41 tells how Joseph languored in prison for 2 years until he was called upon to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams.  Joseph credits God and seeing that God is with him Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of all of Egypt–second in command beneath him.

Questions:

9a)  Jacob refused to be comforted and was disconsolate when his favorite son, his whole world, died.  He refused to rejoice that Joseph was in heaven, in a better place.  Instead, he only wanted to die.  This was from his emphasis on Joseph as his favorite son.  When Joseph died, so did Jacob.

b)  Throughout all the circumstances that happened to Joseph, he rose to become the number two guy of the most powerful nation on earth.  He not only saved God’s chosen people but he also saved Egypt and all the peoples around.  God used Joseph to ensure all prospered.  Joseph’s family was reconciled.

Just like Romans 8:28 says “In all things God works for the good of those who love him”. All things work together for my good.  Even the bad works for good.  We just have to remember to trust God and what He is doing for He has a purpose that we cannot see nor understand.  God is in control and no matter what happens to us or around us we must not worry.  For His plan will prevail.

10)  Thrown down the cistern and sold by his brothers.  Potiphar’s wife lied to have him thrown in prison.  He explained a dream to a cellmate who forgets about him.  There he sat for 2 years until he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.

11)  God protects Joseph from the death of his brothers (Genesis 37).  Potiphar’s wife tempts Joseph day after day but he tell her he cannot sin against God (Genesis 39:9). Potiphar puts him in jail when he could easily have killed him and while in jail Joseph is favored by God (Genesis 39:21) and put in charge of the prisoners and God “gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:23).

While in prison, Joseph meets those who will tell Pharaoh about him, the chief cupbearer.  Joseph credits his interpretations to God (Genesis 40:8; 41:16)

Conclusions:  Honestly, didn’t like this lesson.  Not much point to it.  Why not just be assigned to read the passages and then answer questions?

9b is why the story of Joseph is so powerful and why almost everyone (even non-Christians) know his story. For despite all the terrible things that happen to Joseph, he never once gives up on God and God never forgets Joseph.  I think this story particularly resonates with Americans who hold the American dream:  that no matter where you come from you can rise to succeed.  No matter how many hard knocks you take, you must always get up and keep fighting.

With one caveat:  As long as you give God the credit.

I know, even non-Christians rise and succeed but it is all God’s plan and God’s credit even if they don’t believe nor acknowledge it.

But as Christians we must.  His glory.  Never ours.  As Joseph so wondrously shows us how.