Bible Study Week 3
Part 4
Sons of Jacob
Joseph
God reaffirmed His covenant with Jacob (Israel), and Jacob fathered twelve sons (Genesis 35:22-26). One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, was chosen by God to be a preserver of the family of Jacob (Genesis 45:5).
Joseph's Dreams
Joseph was sensitive to the Lord and a person of high moral character. His brothers became jealous of him when they saw that their father loved him above the other sons. Later, Joseph had some dreams that suggested his brothers and mother and father would bow down to him (Genesis 37:3-11).
Joseph Sold into Slave
Predictably, Joseph's brothers hatred for him increased. One day, when Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers, they saw an opportunity to rid themselves of him forever.
After casting him into a pit, they sold him to some Midianite merchants for twenty pieces of silver. The Medianites took him to Egypt, where they sold him to Potiphar, who was one of Pharaoh's officers and a captain of the guard. (See Genesis 37:23-28)
Jacob Deceived
After having disposed of Joseph, his brothers took a goat and killed it, dipping Joseph's coat in the blood. They brought the coat to their father and asked, "Is this thy sons coat?" "It is my sons coat," Jacob declared. "An evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces." In his despair, Jacob refused to be comforted and mourned with tears for Joseph (Genesis 37:29-36). Meanwhile, Joseph, being the conscientious, godly man that he was, did his very best as a servant to Potiphar. He had every reason for bitterness and an excuse to be sullen. Instead he served his master diligently. Potiphar saw that God was with him and that everything Joseph did prospered. Finally, Potiphar made Joseph the overseer of all that he had. Potiphar concerned himself only with the food that was set before him to eat; Joseph took care of everything.
Joseph's Temptation
Joseph's trials were not over, however. Potiphar's wife became infatuated with Joseph and daily tempted him to commit adultery with her. He steadfastly refused her advances, until one day, as he fled from her presence, she grasped part of his clothing. Seeing that she was rebuffed, she contrived to accuse Joseph of trying to assault her, using his clothing as proof. Potiphar, his wrath kindled, put Joseph in prison.
A great sculptor once formed a beautiful statue representing the soul and its choice between good and evil. It was a child clutching a dove to its chest and being assailed by a serpent. This symbol fits everyone. The story of the temptation of the human spirit is never out of date.
Joseph in Prison
Even in prison, Joseph kept the right attitude. He refused to be bitter, and he looked for opportunities to serve God. The keeper of the prison committed to Josephs hand all the prisoners and the complete management of the prison. Even in prison, God blessed Joseph and prepared the way for the fulfillment of His plan.
In the prison were two men who had served Pharaoh, one as chief butler and the other as chief baker. They both had dreams, which Joseph interpreted. True to Josephs interpretation, the butler was restored to his office, while the baker was hanged.