Potipher one mean dude...head of executioners...put s Joseph in prision...doesn�t kill him...probably had a clue what kind of women she was...Also note in verse
11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
This last time she did it when �no one was around� was that to make her story more believable or had she done it before when there were others around?
Could it have been for Joseph�s protection from Potiphar wife and friends?
Before we go any further, what are the trials that Joseph has been through? At this point how many of us would have said what is the use of trying to keep the commandments...all I get is punishment, How has Jospeh responded?
16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
Yes, the Lord showed Joseph great favor, and again we see that if Potiphar would have suspected those things of Joseph he would have insured that Jospeh was punished, not rewarded.
Genesis 40:
There's something smelly here -- in the Egyptian court there were
two officers, the 'scribe of the sideboard' and the 'superintendent of the bakehouse', who are probably indicated here. They were the royal food-tasters, to make sure no one was
out to poison the pharaoh. It is thought that there was a plot to kill the pharaoh, and these men were suspects. Did Potiphar place Joseph with them in order to learn from him about their
culpability? Just a conjecture.
v2 The chief cupbearer and baker were prominent characters because they were very close to Pharaoh physically and would therefore have his political ear, and they were also stewards
over what he ate and drank. Thus, they were prime targets for political intrigue and prime suspects when intrigue was discovered.
Are dreams often overlooked today? Pretty good dreams in the scriptures. Lehi, Nephi,....
Do we still dream or just have nightmares, how do we look at those dreams? Joseph recognizes that he has a gift from God. As a result he decides to use it. As he uses it his ability grows, and because he uses it his family is saved. Do we know what the gifts are that we are given? An if so what can /should we be doing with them? [Joseph doesn�t know the whole story yet either...he just says he was kidnapped]: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
[The words "lift up thy head" indicate a decapitation. The corpse of the criminal was allowed to hang exposed to public view, to
become food for the birds. Such barbarism was outlawed in Hebrew law (Deut. 21:23)].from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
See verse 2 As the events turn out, it would seem the baker ended up being indicted in whatever intrigue was discovered and was executed, while the cupbearer was exonerated. While the cupbearer presently forgets about Joseph (v. 23), he does remember him later on in the next chapter.
1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God?["Do not interpretations belong to God?", Joseph ascribes his ability to interpret dreams to God, he therefore sees it as a spiritual gift
that is presumably at least somewhat revelatory in nature. He makes a similar statement in 41:16.] tell me them, I pray you.
What are the ways that the lord speaks to us? Interesting to note that one of the ways that the Lord speaks to us is through dreams.
9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews
16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head
20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Chapter 41 begins the story of pharaoh's dream. He seeks an interpretation from his wizards, but none can interpret the dream. Only Joseph, using the power of God, can know the meaning
of the dream. And in interpreteting the dream, Joseph saves the Egyptians from certain starvation.
1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
3 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.
4 And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
What has the Pharaoh dreamed? Object Lesson:Need a couple of wizards--
Do you think that it isn't that they couldn't provide interpretations at all, it is that they didn't produce ones that satisfied him?
Pharaoh repeats dream for Joseph
9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:
11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me [Do you think it would have been easy to say yea I gifted...I help you if you help me?Joseph explains that he doesn�t get the credit but it is of God Is there a lesson here for us?]: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
19 And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
20 And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
Joseph Interprets Dream
so what was the interpretation of the dream?
25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
Then what does Joseph suggest that the Pharaoh do?
What can we learn from the story for our times?
What are some of the ways that we need to store up in times of plenty?
And how does the Pharaoh respond to Josephs suggestions?
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?[ new concept being taught here, It has always been expected that the wizards will do this that is why they are around and taken such good care of. This is the first biblical mention of one so endowed.]
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
At this point Joseph must be overwhelmed and dumbfounded at Pharaoh's assignment to him. To be sure Joseph saw his interpreting Pharaoh's dream as a way out of jail, but surely this is not what Joseph had in mind. Also, we must consider Pharaoh's motives here. What safer person to pick for such a high profile position? He was eminently disposable in the event things went bad as he had no connections to nobility and was a foreigner. And, he was completely cut of from any of the local political intrigue of the court. Plus he seemed to Pharaoh to be a God fearing man.
some simple math tells us that Joseph had spent 12 years in prison! Joseph is identified as 17 years old in 36:2 when he goes into slavery, here he is 30. so, some considerable time has passed. Also, the latter half of the verse suggest Joseph wasted no time at all in taking his new job very seriously. He immediately went about traveling Egypt to get the lay of the land. [ "On" is later known as Heliopolis, located near present-day
Cairo. Once the center of Egyptian sun-worship, the celebrated Cleopatra's Needle, now located on the Thames Embankment, was originally located in On.]
43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee [Egyptian origin meaning "to kneel."]: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah [Joseph's new name is a combination of two Egyptian words -- "Zaphenath" means "food-man"; "paneah" means "of the life" -- making his name something like "Food steward appointed to save our lives."]; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Comments on Genesis 42
What happens in Chapter 42?
Why do Josephs brothers come to Egypt the first time?
42:1-3
How can guilt be a positive force in our lives? Do you think that carring this guilt around has changed these brothers?
Here Joseph is apprized of the facts of the matter that he realizes the initial purpose of his brothers was to "intend [him] harm"
why did Joseph take Simeon? I would guess that since Simeon is characterized as being a rather mean guy at times that he was one of the instigators when it came to picking on Joseph when they were younger.
21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
Previous to that he assumes it was the Midianites who kidnaped him. Thus, Jospeh must have initially thought his brothers just threw him in the pit, and it was the Midianites who pulled him out to what he thought was his rescue, only to discover their intent was to kidnap and sell him to the Ishmaelites.
The brothers do not know Joseph ended up being sold into slavery, so they naturally assumed the worst. The result is they now are assuming they are cursed as a result of bringing about Joseph's apparent death. The irony is these events resulted in both Joseph and his brothers being humbled. The adversity has softened the hearts of both parties.
24 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
Why the brothers didn't recognize him.
Three factors:
1) Many years had passed, and the brothers assumed he was dead.
2) Joseph's name had changed.
3) He spoke Egyptian (verse 23 indicates that he spoke through an interpreter).
Why do they go back a second time?
42:33-34; 43:2
How do you think these brother feel right now? They can see the greif that they have brought on their father by disposing of Joseph and now asking for Benjamin...do you think they are going to let Benjamin get hurt?
33 And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone:
34 And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.
35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
36 And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
Joseph Has a Plan
Now it is necessary to explain Joseph's strategy when his brothers arrive. Why does he accuse his brothers of being spies? Why does he return their money? When they return, why does he plant his special cup in Benjamin's bag? One would assume that Joseph has a plan, What is it?. Could it possibly be that he is simply 'teasing' his brothers, just to 'get back at them'? Is it, Joseph's plot as an attempt to determine what had happened to Benjamin. The fact that Benjamin was not with the brothers only supported Joseph's suspicion. First, he must isolate Benjamin from his brothers to find out what had really happened.
Upon recognizing his brothers, Joseph realizes that his childhood dreams may actually come true. Suddenly, all the events that transpired become pieces in a much larger puzzle. The family will ultimately unite, and he will obviously become the family leader. Joseph now sees God's fingerprints on every puzzle piece, yet he is unable to reveal himself to his brothers for a very simple reason. If he did, a wound would be opened that could never be healed. Let us explain.
Joseph, now shows the great LEADER that he has become. If Joseph revealed himself at this point, his brothers would have never been able to face him. What could they say to him? Family unity and fraternity would have been impossible to achieve. Joseph found it necessary to do something which could re-unite the family. He needed to create a situation that would bond the family both physically and spiritually. This is the trait of a true leader.
Joseph knew that if he informed his father at this point of his identity, before informing his brothers, Jacob's anger toward his sons would undoubtedly lead to his cursing them. This, for sure, would cause disastrous results for the future of Israel. Joseph must restrain his emotions for a few more weeks, in order to create a situation of true family unity.
Joseph's primary goal is to have the brothers bring Benjamin so that he can both verify their story and set up his plot. Towards this end, Joseph puts his brothers through a difficult test, by creating a situation in which the brothers must forfeit their lives in order to save Benjamin. He does many other things to make the brothers wonder, to think, to shake them up a bit. Then, he plants his cup in Benjamin's bag to give them a chance to prove themselves. Joseph's intention is not to find out whether they have changed and repented, rather it is for the brothers to PROVE TO THEMSELVES that they had done repentance! Only after they demonstrate willingness to give up their lives for Benjamin, will they be able to unite again as a family, and be able to face Joseph as a brother and their leader.
Chapter 43 continues the story of Joseph's brethren. A few notes: What happens in Chapter 43? Why does Jacob finally let the brothers take Benjamin? 43:3-5
3 And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.
4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food:
5 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.[ they convinced Jacob that if they did not return with Benjamin that Joseph would not even see them]
11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
The "honey" referred to here is honey made from dates, not the kind gathers from bees. While the Hebrews knew how to make this delicacy, it was not available in Egypt, and would thus be considered a great gift. The "nuts" were pistachios, still considered a great delicacy in the East.
32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Joseph eats alone undoubtably because of his exalted status; also the segregation of the Hebrews was due to the Egyptian feeling of racial and religious superiority that engendered contempt for foreigners, who were regarded as unclean. Reports are given that because the cow was taboo to Egyptians but eaten by Greeks, no native of Egypt would kiss a Greek, use his kitchen utensils, or even eat the flesh of an ox that had been cut with the knife of a Greek. It is therefore likely that Egyptian particularism asserted itself here because the Hebrews were shepherds -an abhorrent profession -and because they ate sheep -an abomination to the Egyptians.
33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth [The brothers are astonished because Joseph has seated them in age order. Also, the other Egyptians were probably astonished as well that Joseph would even deign to eat with Hebrews present.]: and the men marvelled one at another.
34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times [What do you suppose was the reason for that action, Giving Benjamin 5 times as much food? see if the older brothers still hold animosity for the youngest brother if he is favored over them, just as they formerly did with him.] so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Chapter 44 What happens in Chapter 44?
Tells the interesting tale of the missing goblet, and Joseph's great joke on his brethren. It is quite comical; read it with a light heart and you'll enjoy the story greatly.
And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks [with] food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. (Genesis 44:1)
"As much as they can carry" seems to imply that their food purchase had little to do with the amount of money they brought. Joseph was once again showing his generosity and wisdom.
And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. (Genesis 44:2)
The "silver cup," or better yet, the "silver goblet," was a special instrument used by the wizards of Egypt to divine the future. Pieces of gold or silver were thrown into the water in the goblet. The movement of the water represented coming events.
9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.The brothers pronounce their willingness to observe the generally acknowledged legal penalties of theft and guilt by association, namely death for the thief and enslavement for the associates. Little do they realize in so doing they put Benjamin in jeopardy of exactly what Jacob feared.
13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
Tradition indicating great anguish or terrible emotional distress. One must remember that clothes back then were entirely hand made and of considerable value, unlike today where clothing is inexpensive and mass produced. so, tearing your shirt down the front was no small act of destruction.
Summary of v14-34 Judah valiantly honors the oath he made to Jacob in 43:8-9 and attempts to place himself in the place of Benjamin regarding the guilt.
In v. 16 Judah appears to be attempting to shift the blame of the theft away from Benjamin and onto all of the brothers equally. In so doing he probably hopes to avoid the death penalty invoked in v. 9 by casting the blame upon the entire group. Recall that Judah is the one who made the oath to Jacob to return Benjamin alive to him (cp. 43:8-9).
Then in v. 17 Joseph informs them we will not kill Benjamin for the "crime", but will only enslave them. Naturally they would have taken heart at this, and Judah then takes advantage of the apparent mercy to plead his case before Joseph (v. 18-34). How has Judah become a kinder person since he had last seen Joseph? Remember who�s idea it was to sell Joseph as a slave?
Chapter 45 What happens in chapter 45?
1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me[Everyone, presumably including the interpreter, is asked to leave, implying that Joseph will now revert to the Hebrew language.]. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2 And he wept aloud: ["He wept aloud" is literally "he gave forth his voice in weeping," a much more powerful emotion.] and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. What thoughts do you suppose were going through the heads of the brothers? Why do you think they were worried?
4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt [that ye caused to be sold into Egypt].
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
How did Joseph show that he had forgiven his brothers? What do you think that did to his brother spiritually?
What does the world teach us to do when someone has wronged us?
What does the Lord Teqach us to do? D&C 64:8-11
8 My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11 And ye ought to say in your hearts--let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
Does anyone have any thing that they would like to share about forgiving and how it has helpped them?
How can we become more forgiving?
The account ends with the revelation that Joseph is in fact still alive. Joseph explains the whole story, but oddly enough, he doesn't explain why he has been leading them on the whole time. In any case, they send for his entire family and the whole batch of them move from Canaan to Egypt. Thus, setting the stage for the Exodus. Of interesting Note: What was the style of living amoung the Egyptians? Despite living among Egyptians, who's practices are quite idolatrous and lascivious, he does not give in to their ways and remains firm in his moral and religious convictions. All of this and he even marries and Egyptian woman and raises two sons who turn out to be pretty good.
Point of this Story: In the New Testamant, the Apostle Paul told the Romans that � All things work together for good to them that love God�. What are your thoughts?
****************** A VIEW FORM THE JEWS ***************** Interesting how the jews view Joseph: ALL IN THE NAME OF GOD
If Joseph had been a bit more righteous in the eyes of his brothers, they may have conceded to this destiny. However, their perception of Joseph's character troubled them. In their eyes, Joseph was a 'slanderer':
The brothers, aware of the challenges facing God's special Nation, recognized the need for exemplary leadership. Could Joseph possibly assume this role? To the brothers, the mere thought that 'Joseph the slanderer' would become the leader was repugnant. From their perspective, it was simply UNTHINKABLE that Joseph could assume the leadership of a nation destined by God, they conclude: Joseph must be weeded out!
The brothers now faced a predicament similar to that of Rebecca in the previous generation. Just as Rebecca had realized that Issac was mistaken in favoring Esau, so too the brothers realize Jacob's mistake in favoring Joseph. Just as Rebecca decided to use trickery to ensure that the proper son be blessed, so too the brothers decide to use 'trickery' to ensure that Joseph will not be appointed leader. Considering that the entire fate of "Israel" is at stake, the brothers consider it now permissible to 'bend the rules' a bit, in order to secure their future.
Thus, the brothers' plot to dispose of Joseph, although inexcusable, was understandable. It was not out of petty jealousy that they wanted to kill Joseph, rather out of a 'sincere' concern for the future of Israel. WHY DOESN'T Joseph WRITE HOME?
Considering that Joseph enjoyed a very close relationship with his father, one would expect that he would make every effort possible to contact his father. Yet, even after his appointment as Head Servant of the House of Potiphar, Joseph makes no effort to inform his father that he is alive and well. Furthermore, after his appointment as the Commissioner of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, Joseph should have no problem whatsoever in contacting his father. Nevertheless, it appears that he has wiped his past from his memory. Why do you suppose this is so?
1) Joseph's actions were motivated by his aspiration to make his dreams come true. For some reason, Joseph felt that in order for the Divine plan to unfold, he must not contact his family.
Or -
2) Joseph has no idea that his father believes that he is dead. Rather, he expects his father and/or his brothers to come to his rescue. When months pass, and no one shows, Joseph could have concluded that he was 'rejected' by his family, and accepts his new fate. Joseph is sure that someone will soon come to redeem him. After all, his father will surely investigate what happened, someone will 'snitch', and no stone will be left unturned until 'daddy's favorite son' is found and brought home. Joseph is totally unaware that the brothers tricked their father with the blood stained coat. He has no idea that his father presumed that he was killed.
The months pass, and nothing happens. Joseph begins to wonder why no one has come to look for him. Does his father no longer care about him? Why did the brothers throw him in the pit as soon as he arrived? Why did his father send him out alone on such a long journey to see his brothers who hated him?
2 Nephi 3:5-15 or JST Genesis 50:24-38
Prophecies of Joseph concerning the Modern day Joseph Before the Death of Joseph, he recorded some rather amazing prophecies.We have them today from both the Book Of Mormon and the Joseph Smith Transaltion of the 50th Chapter of Genesis.
1) He knew the name of the great emancipator would be �Moses� 2 Nephi 3:10; Genesis 50:29,34
2) He knew Moses would be raised by the Kings daughter and would be called her son Genesis 50:29
3) He knew that Moses woul;d us a rod with which he would perform miracles 2 Nephi 3:17 Genesis 50:34
4) He knew Moses would have the power to �smite the waters of the red sea� Genesis 50:34
5) He knew that Moses would be slow of speech because the Lord would not loosen his tongue 2 Nephi 3:17
6) He knew Moses would have a spokesman appointed to speak for him 2 Nephi 3:17; Genesis 50:35
7)He knew the name of that spokesman would be �Aaron� 2 Nephi 3:17; Genesis 50:35
8) He knew while Moses would be slow to speak he would be great in writing 2 Nephi 3:17; Genesis 50:35
9) He knew the Lord would personally inscribe the Law of Moses �By the fingure of mine own hand�
2 Nephi 3:17; Genesis 50:35
1) He knew that God would raise up a righteous branch, that would be �broken off and shall be carried into a far country�2 Nephi 3:5; Genesis 50:25
2) He knew that this branch would be �remembered when the Messiah cometh� 2 Nephi 3:5; Genesis 50:25
3)He knew the Mesiah would appear to his descendants �in the latter-days� and would bring his posterity �out of the Darkness into light� and �out of captivity unto freedom� 2 Nephi 3:5; Genesis 50:25
4) He knew that in a �far country� a great prophet or seer would be raised up who would be �esteemed highly� by Josephs posterity. 2 Nephi 3:6-7; Genesis 50:25-26
5) He knew that the seer of the Latterdays would do a great work for Josephs posterity and he would be �great� in the eyes of God because he would have an exclusive assignment from the Lord 2 Nephi 3:7-8; Genesis 50:27-29
6) He knew this latter-day seer would be given revelations and have the power to bring forth my word unto th descendants of Joseph 2 Nephi 3:11; Genesis 50:30
7) He knew that this seer would have the ability to rebuild their faith in the scriptures which had already come into their possession �in the last days�2 Nephi 3:11; Genesis 50:30
8) He knew that his descendants would write a testament of God�s revelations to them 2 Nephi 3:12; Genesis 50:30
9) He knew that the Jews would write a testament of God�s revealed word to them 2 Nephi 3:12; Genesis 50:30
10) He knew these two testaments would grow together and become a single canon of scripture 2 Nephi 3:12; Genesis 50:30
11) He knew that these two testaments would combine to put down false doctrines, eliminate contentions and establish peace amoung Joseph�s descendants of the Latter-days 2 Nephi 3:12; Genesis 50:30
12) He knew that those who undertook to destroy the Lord�s seer in the Latter-days would be confounded 2 Nephi 3:14; Genesis 50:33
13) He knew that this seer to be raised up in the Latter-days would be named Joseph 2 Nephi 3:15; Genesis 50:33
14) He knew that his Father would also be named Joseph 2 Nephi 3:15; Genesis 50:33
15)He knew that this seer would be like unto the Joseph that was sold into Egypt.2 Nephi 3:15; Genesis 50:33
16) He knew that he would have qualities like unto Moses 2 Nephi 3:13; Genesis 50:20
17 He knew that this seer would begin his calling in abject weakness but would �be made strong�
2 Nephi 3:13; Genesis 50:32
18) This latter-day Joseph would start a program of gathering and restoring Israel 2 Nephi 3:13; Genesis 50:32
19) He knew this Joseph would have a spokesman like Moses 2 Nephi 3:18
20) He knew that he would have tha ability to restore those things that had been written �Many generations� earlier 2 Nephi 3:18-20
21)He even knew that these writings would come from a seceret burial place in the earth as �they would cry from the dust...after many generations have gone by� 2 Nephi 3:20
22)He knew that these writings would not be eloquent but would be noted for there �simpleness�and though they would be referred to as �weak� by many they would none the less throught God be strong in converting Israel and establishing his covenant with them 2 Nephi 3:21
Hebrew history, Jewish history and Samaritian text which includes:
1) They believe that there will be a modern day Joseph that will come through Ephraim they reffer to him as �the son of Ephraim�
2) They call him �Teal� which means �restorer�, �he who returns�, �he who causes to return�
3) They believe he would call the people to repentance and bring back better days for Israel
4)They belive this Joseph of the Latterday �will restore everywhere the thrue Law to its validity and convert all peoples, especially the Jews to the Samaritian [Ephramite] religion.
5) He will come shortly befor the coming of Shilo(The Savior)
6) His mission will commence about the time the prophet Elijah comes as promised in Malachi
7) In preparing mankind for the coming of Shilo he will enter into a great contest with anti-Christ forces
8) In their text it also says that this latter-day prohet named Joseph will be killed by the Anti-christ..
2 Nephi 3:
5 Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light--yea, out of hidden darkness
and out of captivity unto freedom.
6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.
7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.
8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.
9 And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.
10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt.
11 But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins--and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.
12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.
13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.
14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;
15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.