Genesis 39-42

Genesis 39 focuses on the overarching theme that "The Lord was with Joseph" (7:37). This is the central idea of the passage, bookended by verses 2, 3, 21, and 23, which repeatedly state God's presence and blessing upon Joseph despite his challenging circumstances (8:16-9:05). Four key reflections from this theme: Gratitude for personal success and humility for the successes of others (13:19): Joseph's success ultimately came from the Lord, not solely from his own gifts or hard work. We may apply this to personal accomplishments, cautioning against pride and encouraging humility when observing others' achievements, even if their methods or theology differ (13:39-20:14). God's presence does not mean circumstances will automatically or immediately change (20:17): Despite being blessed, Joseph faces continued adversity, including false accusations and imprisonment. We see parallels between Joseph's trials in Genesis 37 and 39, showing that doing the right thing doesn't always lead to immediate positive external outcomes (20:29-23:20). God's presence does not mean we will not face temptation (23:24): Joseph's blessings, including his handsome appearance and position of trust, become the very occasion for Potiphar's wife's persistent temptation. We see the pervasive nature of this temptation and Joseph's firm refusal based on his understanding of sin against both his master and God. I can't stress the importance of fleeing temptation, especially when no one else is watching, as Joseph did (23:32-33:26). God is with us even when no one else is (33:40): The repeated mention of "Yahweh" (Lord) seven times in Genesis 39 emphasizes God's unwavering presence with Joseph, even when he feels abandoned by his family, friends, and Potiphar (34:06-34:59). There is a profound meaning of the prayer "The Lord be with you," especially in light of the Incarnation and Christ's role as Emmanuel, God with us (35:00-37:43).

Chapter 39 is about God's purpose to show favor to Joseph as the recipients of his promises and as the purveyor of his blessings. This is in direct fulfillment of what was unleashed in Genesis Chapter 12. That avalanche of blessing and promise to Abraham. I will bless you. I will bless the nations through you. Everyone who blesses you. I will bless everyone who curses you. I will curse, through you shall come all the nations of the earth. Be blessed, this isn't direct fulfillment. In fact, it's one of the main, if not the main, theme throughout Genesis. Certainly 12 through 50 is to trace this line of blessing. So often it goes even despite the patriarchs. Genesis is not mainly nice isolated biographies of the Patriarchs and their family. No. Usually they're being blessed despite themselves. Here we have Joseph, even when everything seems to be going wrong yet again and again, we are told that in fulfillment of God's covenant promises the Lord was with him and notice also in fulfillment of that promise that through Joseph, he's not only the recipient of blessing, but he's the purveyor. He's the conduit of this blessing. Do you see how all of those around Joseph in his orbit are also being blessed? Look at verse 5. It say that the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had.

Observations we can make as we reflect on this theme because though God is blessing Joseph in everything, the big idea is not, therefore you do whatever you wanna do and you'll succeed. That's not quite the take away. What I want us to see are 4 reflections on this theme?

Joseph was blessed by the Lord in everything, and I want us to notice for things.

Four reflections

4 things that this blessing did mean and did not mean.

So here's the first this theme that the Lord was with Joseph, this theme should make us grateful when looking at our own successes and humble when looking at the successes of others. That's the first lesson for us. You say? Well, yes, Joseph was faithful. Obviously. He had been given gifts. Joseph here is the kind of patron St. for church administrators, executive pastors, or people who lead ministries, or people who organize a household, or even for hard working moms, somebody who has some organization, some oversight. He seems to have a knack wherever he goes. For administrating things he can manage well, people and processes, so obviously he's gifted. But ultimately the success was from the Lord that could not be any clearer in this passage. The Lord was with him, so the Lord blessed.

Look at your life. What you have? What you've accomplished? Degrees kids, a home, jobs, friends, respect, wealth, satisfaction. Whether you have that now or someday you have that later. I can assure you there will be a temptation to think surely I have earned some of this. That Deuteronomy 8 was written to tell the Israelites when you come into the promised land years later and when you're enjoying your fields and your abundance in your harvest, and you think, look what my hands have done. Deuteronomy 8 was there to say no. I chose you. I blessed you. Do not forget.

NOW LOOK AT GENESIS 40

Who are the two prisoners awaiting their sentencing (40:2)?

In what way is Joseph able to assist them?

The two prisoners are the chief cupbearer (or butler) and the chief baker of Pharaoh.

Joseph is able to assist them by interpreting their troubling dreams, stating that the interpretations belong to God. 

What does Joseph's statement in 40:8 indicate about his character?

Joseph's statement, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please," indicates his humility and his deep faith that God is the source of all understanding and wisdom, not himself. 

Does Joseph accurately interpret the dreams of the two men? What does this prove?

Yes, Joseph accurately interprets their dreams. Three days later, everything happens exactly as he predicted: the cupbearer is restored to his position, and the baker is hanged. This proves that Joseph is a reliable messenger of God and that his interpretations are divinely inspired. 

Why do you think the cupbearer forgot to honor his promise to mention Joseph to Pharaoh?The text states that the cupbearer "did not remember Joseph, but forgot him". Possible reasons include being overly excited by his own release, not wanting to call attention to his time in prison, or simply being selfish. The Bible implies this was part of God's timing, so Joseph remained in prison for a further two years. 

Why do you think God allowed Joseph to sit in prison for such a lengthy time for a crime he did not commit?

Answer: There are multiple theological perspectives on this, but a common interpretation is that God used this time to prepare Joseph for his future role in Egypt, teaching him patience, humility, and reliance on God, and ultimately positioning him to save his family and the nation of Egypt from famine as part of his divine plan. The time in prison could be seen as a period of character development and a necessary step in the fulfillment of God's covenant.

Is Joseph able to interpret Pharaoh's dream? How?

Yes, Joseph is able to interpret Pharaoh's dream. He explains that he cannot do it by his own power but that God will give Pharaoh the answer of peace (Genesis 41:16). He then interprets the dream as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine, both sent by God.

Answer the following questions, to help shape your understanding or the story:

Who gave Pharaoh his dreams?

God gave Pharaoh his dreams. Who gave the interpretation for the dreams?

God gave the interpretation through Joseph.

Who will fulfill the dreams?

God will fulfill the dreams.

In Egypt Pharaoh was believed to be a divine being. He was believed to be able to influence other deities through magic to ensure fertile crops, favorable weather, and prosperity. How does his encounter with Joseph challenge this idea?

The encounter fundamentally challenges the idea of Pharaoh's divinity and power. Pharaoh's own wise men and magicians are powerless to interpret the dreams, highlighting the limitations of their magic and the false nature of their gods. Joseph explicitly states that only the true God can provide the interpretation, demonstrating God's supreme power over all things, including the future and the natural world (crops, weather), which were supposedly under Pharaoh's influence.

How does Pharaoh respond to Joseph's interpretation and counsel (41:37-39)

Pharaoh responds very positively. The counsel is "good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants" (Genesis 41:37). He recognizes that Joseph has the Spirit of God within him and declares that no one is as discerning and wise as Joseph, immediately placing him in charge of all of Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41).

Read 41:46. How much time has passed since Joseph was sold into slavery? (Compare 37:2.)

Approximately 20 years have passed. Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold into slavery (Genesis 37:2), and he was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46).

What detail do we learn about Joseph's life in 41:50-52?

Joseph had two sons before the years of famine began. He named the firstborn Manasseh, meaning "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household," and the second son he named Ephraim, meaning "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

NOW LOOK AT GENESIS 41

How long would you estimate Joseph has been imprisoned at this point (39:20, 40:1, 41:1)?Joseph was in prison for two full years after he interpreted the cupbearer's and baker's dreams. He was 17 when he was sold into slavery and 30 when he was appointed governor, for a total of 13 years of servitude/imprisonment (30 - 17 = 13 years; 13 - 2 = 11 years in Potiphar's house/custody). 

What finally happens in 41:9-13?

The chief cupbearer finally remembers Joseph when Pharaoh is troubled by his own dreams that no one can interpret. He tells Pharaoh about the young Hebrew man in prison who correctly interpreted his and the baker's dreams two years prior, leading to Joseph being brought before Pharaoh.