Genesis Chapters 39-45

Chapter 39:

Main Events:

Joseph prospers with Yahweh’s help, becomes overseer of Potiphar’s house

Potiphar’s wife attempts and fails to seduce Joseph

In retaliation Joseph is accused of trying to force himself on her.

Potiphar reacts with burning anger and throws him into prison

Joseph Prospers.

Main Themes:

God’s providence in difficult times

The High character of Joseph

The chapter begins and ends with Joseph prospering

A Very real Romans 8 moment

Caution in believing accusations.

Chapter 40:

Main Events:

Two court officials are put in prison along with Joseph, both of whom have dreams.

Joseph interprets the butler’s dream as a positive sign of his release:

Encouraged by this news, the Baker asks for his own, but it is a sign of his death.

Both interpretations are shown to be from God but the butler does not remember Joseph.

Main Themes:

Joseph is still a man of dreams

Joseph is a man that others seek out for wisdom and advice

Joseph is forgotten by man, but remembered by God

Chapter 41:

Main Events:

God sends Pharoah two dreams, one of the cannibalistic skinny cows and one of the same deranged ears of corn.

This serves as the impetus for the butler to remember Joseph who is called before Pharoah:

Joseph states with confidence that God will interpret the dream

The dreams signify 7 years of plenty, followed by 7 years of famine.

Joseph is set over Egypt, given a wife, and sets in motion the plan to save Egypt

Joseph begins to prosper with Ephraim and Manasseh

Main Themes:

God is faithful over time

The humility of Joseph before Pharoah, like Daniel

Joseph did not seek exaltation but was given position

God’s people can prosper anywhere.

Chapter 42:

Main Events:

Jacob sends his 10 eldest sons down to Egypt to fetch the grain: A journey of at least 400 someodd miles.

Joseph’s brothers present themselves to him. Although they do not know him, he knows them.

Joseph accuses them of being spies and demands that they produce their youngest brother to prove their story: Jailed for 3 days:

The brothers sense divine justice coming their way:

Simeon is held as hostage and their money is hidden in their sacks of grain.

The brothers are terrified:

Everything gets worse upon their return home:

Jacob is unwilling to send anyone back to Egypt.

Main Themes:

Why does Joseph not immediately reveal himself?

What purpose did it serve to give them their money?

What else is he trying to test?

Chapter 43:

Main Events:

The famine’s severity overpowers Israel’s hesitancy

Benjamin is placed in Judah’s hands and equipped with some small gifts

Joseph prepares a feast for his brothers; they display their returned wealth

Simeon is reunited with his brothers; all are presented before Joseph who excuses himself to weep:

The feast begins with everyone’s seat being oldest to youngest, and Benjamin being given a penta-portion.

Main Themes:

Growth of Judah as a character

Chapter 44:

Main Events:

Joseph sets his brothers up to be captured-Benjamin’s sack contains the cup:

Judah sees this as God’s punishment for past actions

Judah offers to stay in the boy’s place

Chapter 45:

Main Events:

Joseph can’t take it any longer; breaks down to cry and reveals himself to his brothers:

Joseph calms his terrified brothers by pointing to God’s providence.

Joseph promises to take care of and provide for their families:

Pharoah sends the brothers off with his blessings, Joseph sends them off with a warning, and Jacob cannot believe its all true.

Main Themes:

Judah’s growth, and his Christlike actions in offering to take his place

Their selfless attitudes and concern for their father

Joseph continues to be a type of Christ in that his father recieved him back from the dead: