><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 36 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Jacob and Esau were both sinners. What, however was the vital and decisive difference between them? Do we ever read anything similar to 35:1-7 recorded of Esau? Cf Heb 12:16,17. 2) It was foretold before their birth that each of Rebekah's twin sons would beget a nation(25:23). Was it the case with the nations, as it was with their progenitors, that the one was chosen of God and the other rejected, and if so, why? Cf OB 1-4,8-10,17,18;Mal 1:2-5. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 36 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Jacob sought the Lord, while Esau was a fleshly man. Esau took foreign wives, and sold his birthright. May we seek to walk in His Holy Spirit, and be spiritually rather than fleshly minded. Romans 8:6, "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is LIFE and PEACE." Change your mind, change your life - hallelujah! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 36 Edomites This chapter is mainly addressing the descendants of Esau. Esau moved out of Canaan with his wives, children and livestock and settled in the hill country of Seir, south of the Dead Sea, Mount Seir. Esau was called Edom, which means red. Esau had conquered the Horites and spent most of his life in Seir. The region was originally called the land of Seir and later called Edom. The Horites were inhabitants of Seir. Esau married the daughter of one of their chieftains, 36:2. The Edomites were Baal worshippers. They felt secure and proud of their self- sufficiency. Through out their history, it teaches us that wisdom and security come only from God. God destroyed the House of Edom later because of their thankless heart (Obadiah 1-9) and their treacherous hand (Obadiah 10-16). -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Jacob and Esau like all of us were both sinners. However, Jacob realized his sinful nature and repented. He put away the foreign gods and hid them from his sight. We see later in Heb 12:16,17 that Esau never repented or found repentance. 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. 2) Yes, the nations of Israel and Edom were the descendents of Jacob and Esau. As was the case with their founders, one nation was chosen, the other was not. One would be blessed by the Lord, the other destroyed. Because of their indignance and lack of a penitent heart, they were destroyed. This is the end result for all who will not turn from their evil ways and find repentance at the foot of the cross. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 37 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What 3 things specially aroused the envy and hatred of Joseph's brothers against him? To what other sins did their envy lead them? Cf Jas 3:16 2) Cna you approve of a) Jacob's possessive love for Joseph, b) his favouritism in his treatment of him, c) the unrelieved gloom to which the loss of Joseph led him? What ought we to learn from such a story? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 37 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It was foolish of Jacob to show such favoritism to Joseph, especially giving him an elaborate, ornamented coat. Although I don't think that the Bible specifically addresses this type of father/child favoritism, it does instruct us on worldly favoritism, such as treating wealthy men better than poor ones in the church. James 2:1, "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism..." It is a principle we must learn to be truly submitted to the Lord Jesus. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 37 Joseph, "The Dreamer" After Jacob buried his father, Isaac, in the Valley of Hebron, together with his brother Esau, Gen. 35:27, Jacob lived there, 37:1. Hebron is about 20 miles south of Jerusalem. During this time, a richly ornamented robe, "The Coat of Many Colors", and the two dreams trigged the actions of history - God's plans. When Joseph was sent to Shechem, about 50 miles north of Jerusalem to look for his brothers who were tending their father's flocks and found them further north in Dothan. From there, Joseph was sold to Egypt into slavery. Judah played the major part of this deal, 37:26-27, because Judah was the one who competed with Joseph about the birthright due to the fact that Reuben sinned of adultery. Simeon and Levi made their father stinking. Judah was the next one down the line of Leah's children against Joseph, Rachel's first born. Joseph was the last one mentioned in Genesis to conclude the book by reflecting a type of Christ. W. Graham Scroggie made the following comparisons: The beloved Son - Mathew 3:17; Genesis 37:3; Hatedby his brethren - John 15:25; Genesis 37:4,5; His Kingship rejected - Luke 19:4; Genesis 37:8; Conspired against - Mathew 27:1; Genesis 37:18; He was stripped - Mathew 27:28; Genesis 37:23; Sold for silver - Mathew 26:15; Genesis 37:28; Went in/came out of Egypt - Mathew 2:14,15; Genesis 37:38; Released by the King - Acts 2:24; Psalm 105:20; All power given to Him - Mathew 28:18; Genesis 41:55; To be obeyed - John 2:5; Genesis 41:55; Not known by brethren - John 1:10,11; Genesis 42:8; A fruitful bough - John 15:5; Genesis 49:22. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph's brothers were embittered against Joseph due to his dreams, their father's favoritism of him, and the coat made by Jacob for him. Their jealousy lead to disorder and all kinds of other evil things. They conspired against him, a plot to get rid of him. They did not however want innocent blood on their hands, so they instead sold him into slavery. 2) Parent's should never show favoritism towards their children. This is a bad thing and can only lead towards bad blood within the family. His favoritism lead to the whole conspiracy of the brothers to sell him into slavery. The way Jacob dealt with the loss was way too harsh as well. We see a picture of how not to play favorites amongst children here. The results of envy and jealousy and the working of God's plan all in one. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 38+39 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Chapter 38. From what initial falst step did all the events of sin and shame originate? What can we learn from this? Cf Gn 24:3;2634.35;27:46-28:4. 2) Chapter 39. How did Joseph exemplify the best qualities of his ancestors: the Faith and faithfulness of Abraham, the meekness of Isaac, the energy and ability of Jacob, the beauty of Rachel? 3) Over what temptations did Joseph win the victory? What was the key to his success? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 38+39 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1-3) Joseph was a righteous person, because he followed God's law. He avoided Potiphar's wife, and the Lord was with him. I Peter 5:8-9 gives a clear, strong and direct exhortation, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking fo rsomeone to devour. RESIST HIM, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 38 Judah Departed From His Brothers Last Chapter was talking about how Joseph was sold to Egypt and he resembled the Messiah. However, this chapter is kind of clarifying that Jesus came from the Tribe of Judah, not as decedents of Joseph. Judah left his father's house and married a Canaanite woman, Shua. His first son is Er, his wife is Tamar. Er is a wicked man and the Lord took his life. The second son is Onan, took his brother's wife, Tamar, unwillingly. The Lord also took Onan's life because he would not give child for his brother. The third son is Shelah; Judah did not give Shelah to Tamar as her husband, and sent her away. After Judah's wife died, Tamar found a way to give twin children to Judah out of marrage The four son of Judah is Perez The fifth son, Perez's twin brother, is Zerah. Matthew 1:3-16 "and to Judah were born Perez and zerah by Tamar; and to Perez was born Hezon Ram; --- [16] ---- Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. The genealogy of Jesus tells us that His father, Joseph, is a descendant of an illegal relation of Judah with Tamar. This must be the reason that Jews despise Jesus of his background. However, on the other hand, it tells us that how Jesus came to this world in such a humble manner, not out of a famous family and was born in a manger. Chapter 39 A Goodly Man Went to Prison Joseph is such a upright man who would not sin against God, 39:9b. He rather be put into jail, by his master, and being mistreated to keep himself away from temptation and sin against God. "---the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper." 39:23 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The originating false step was that of Onan not taking in his brother's wife - a customary duty in the society at that time. One sin can lead to many greater ones. 2) Joseph was a faithful man, showing his trust in God to help him, even in a strange land under rule of another. 'The Lord was with' Joseph. There are a chosen group whom 'the Lord was with' in the Bible, those who did have the Lord 'with' them were greatly blessed by Him. He was meek in accepting the duties of a slave without complaining or grumbling. He possessed so many positive character attributes and is an example for all of us. 3) Joseph won over the temptation of lust to commit adultery. His key to this victory was fleeing the situation. The Lord would reward his faithfulness in due time. Sometimes when we do the right thing, the result is not positive. As in the case here, just because Joseph did the right thing, did not mean a positive outcome in the short term. He was actually sent to jail, albeit for a wrong he did not commit. The Lord would eventually see to it that he would proseper. This is a lesson to all of us. The Lord sometimes brings situations into our lives to bring us to the right place at the right time for His will to be done. May we be thankful at all times Phil 4:6. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 40:1-41:13 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What qualities in Joseph are shown in this passage? Try to find at least five. 2) How did God make Joseph's prison experiences work together for good? Why were victory over temptation, and use of opportunities to prove God and help others, so important at this stage? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 40:1-41:13 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Joseph was a dreamer, smart, insightful, a leader, and observant about people. It really encourages me that Joseph was used so powerfully by the Lord, despite and strengthened by the hardships he endured. Being disowned and hated by his brothers, thrown in prison, etc., It encourages me to be daily more submitted to my Lord. Blaise Pascal (the famous scientist, mathematician, and religious philosopher) wrote these lines, titled "Conform My Will": O Lord, let me not henceforth desire health or life except to spend them for you, with you, and in you. You alone know what is good for me; do therefore what seems best to you. Give to me or take from me; conform my will to yours; and grant that with humble and perfect submission and in holy confidence I may receive the orders of your eternal providence, and may equally adore all that comes to me from you." Amen. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 40:1 - 41:13 Joseph's Tests In His Service for the Lord SLAVERY:He was exposed for sale in the open market; TEMPTATION:Potiphar's wife exposed him to the most trying temptation; SLANDER:Refusing Potiphar's wife's advances, Joseph was unjestly accused; IMPRISONMENT:He was placed in prison unjustly; TYRANNY:His life was held in the balances by a tyrannical monarch; NEGLECTED:The Chief butler forgot about him once he was released from prison. The lesson that Joseph learned from these tests was that the iron crown of suffering precedes the golden crown of glory. Joseph kept sweet. He did not pose as a martyr. He was ready when God called him for service! [Salem Kirban Reference Bible] Does God speak through visions and dreams? Some believe He continues to do so. And other believe that He speaks to us today through the Holy Spirit. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." John 16:13. The Holy Spirit will [1] convict the world; [2] guide the believers into all the truth; and [3] the Spirit will disclose the things to come, Rev. 1:1, 19. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph was shown to be: A GOOD LEADER(put in charge), TRUSTWORTHY(to be put in charge), TENDERHEARTED(asked why the servants were dejected), PATIENT(to wait for God's timing on his release), HONEST(to interpret the dreams as they happened, not just for a favorable outcome), FAITHFUL(that God would provide). 2) During his prison time, God was shaping the man He would use to lead Israel through the time of hardship and famine. His witness at this stage was so important in order for him to be considered a trustworthy servant and man of upstanding character. This would help him in the future to be put into the position of highest authority in Egypt. Many times God uses hardships to build us up, to develop the character traits He needs for us to possess in order that we might carry out His will and to join Him in His work. May each of us be yielded when broken as Joseph was so that we may be molded into worthy vessels fit to serve a King! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 41:14-57 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What in Joseph so impressed Pharaoh and his court that he was made ruler of Egypt? Compare your own character and consistency with his, and consider where you fall short. 2) If we have found in Christ the Bread of Life, and men around us are perishing, what spiritual lessons may we draw from vs54-57? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 41:14-57 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Pharaoh was impressed that Joseph was so discerning and wise, and that he was given by God. It means a lot that Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, a sharing/transfer of authority. Then, he married him into the Egyptian line, gave him a new name. He did this in order to give him power, especialy since Joseph was a Hebrew. However, Joseph gave his own children Hebrew names, showing that he retained his heritage. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 41 Joseph - The Man Who Was Filled With the Spirit of God Joseph left his father at 17. When he was given the power to minister Egypt he was 30 years old. It is refreshing to note that through out these years, he kept the faith of what his mother and his father sealed in his heart. This chapter enhances this fact with a beautiful statement in Verse 41:38b - "---, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" How did the Spirit of God worked in Joseph? (1) The Spirit of God enabled him to interprete Pharaoh's dream, 41:25-32. (2) Being the most powerful man in Egypt, 41:42-43. He was the deputy of Pharaoh who held the signet ring. (3) Became the most honorable man in Egypt; his name was changed to be Zaphenath-Paneah, 41:45, it means "the one who furnishes the sustenance of the land". It is an amazing fact for Pharaoh to listen and yield his power to Joseph. Pharaoh ("great house") was not a name but a title given to Egyptian kings. The main link between the various pharaohs was not bloodlines but religious tradition. The pharaoh was considered a god among men and a man among the gods, performing a priestly and magisterial role. [The Word in Life Study Bible] Pharaoh changed his name to be Zaphenath-Paneah. And proposed the marriage with Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. On was the center of worship for the sun god, Ra. Priest of sun god at that time was a powerful, rich and political ruler. Through Asenath, the Lord gave Joseph two sons, Manassas and Ephraim. Manassas - God has made me forget all my trouble; Ephraim - God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction. Or say, Manassas - Forgetfulness Ephraim - Fruitfulness. Joseph received a double portion (treated as first born) through these two sons: "And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manassas shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. But your offspring that have been born after them shall be yours; they shall be called by the names of their brothers in their inheritance." Gen. 48:5-6. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The 'divine spirit' they saw evidenced in Joseph's life impressed Pharaoh and his court so much that they Pharaoh made Joseph the chief of the land. Each of us should strive to maintain the type of relationship with God that Joseph did. In all things, Joseph gave thanks, and turned to God. He put his trust in the Most High and trusted that God would lead him. 2) We need to spread the Gospel as if it were bread and that there were a famine in the land. This is a powerful example since the Word of God has often bee called the Bread of Life. If we do not share the bread we have, then we are selfish, self-centered, personal gain seekers. We must attempt to be generous as possible with the bread we have found and to make sure those around us do not go hungry from spiritual starvation. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Genesis) CHAPTER 42 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was the motive for Joseph's apparent harshness toward his brethren? For his real feelings see verses 24, 25. Have we here an illustration of the methods which God also uses? Cf Heb 12:6,11; Je 31:18,19. 2) What brought the brothers to the recognition of their guilt? See v21. 3) How mistaken was the attitude of Jacob in v 35! What may we learn from this about our own attitude when everything seems against us? Cf Ps 43:5;Phil 4:6,7. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Genesis) Chapter 42 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Joseph was probably trying to cover up who he was and the emotions of reunion, and so was harsh with his brothers. From a human side, he could also have been angry with them, although the text does not indicate any ill anger on Joseph's part. Jacob did not have the faith to overpower his fears of punishment. That is a common human emotion, but the test of our faith is whether we can trust God with our fears, and trust that our life is absolutely in His hands, come what may. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Genesis 42 Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; Make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; Tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; Seek His face always. --------- He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and He sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, Till the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom." Psalm 105: 1-5 ---- 16-22. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Joseph's harshness was apparently a disguise so that they would not recognize him. In his heart, Joseph was weeping with joy for the reunion with his brothers. It does not appear that he harbored ill feelings for them or wanted revenge on them. God disciplines those He loves. He does this out of love, not out of an enjoyment for the discipline, but out of necessity. 2) The brothers realized their guilt because they remembered the distress of Joseph's soul when they sold him off and he entreated them for mercy. 3) Jacob did not trust God to protect Benjamin. Instead, again in a favoriting way, he did not want to let all go to God's plans. God calls us to surrender all to him, our time, our money, our very being. He wants us to give all and do all to and for him. May we turn everything over to the one who can restore our praise!