Joseph Finds Favor
Adult 1 Sunday School Class Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52 January 8, 2012
(Due to scheduling, this lesson will be covered on January 15, 2012)
Theme: Joseph is appointed to Pharaoh’s court and becomes responsible for Egypt's survival strategy for the next 14 years. God's favor rests on him as he is named the wisest man in the land and placed second in command.
Understanding and Interpreting the Scriptures (responses are in bold print)
Please explain the meaning or significance of the following verses:
* Genesis 41:37and 38, “And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all of 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?" After being imprisoned for 2 yrs. for a crime he did not commit, God once again showed favor upon Joseph. While in prison, the Egyptian Pharaoh had two reoccurring dreams which no one could interpret. The Pharaoh’s cupbearer remembered that while in prison, a Hebrew youth demonstrated his ability to interpret dreams. The lad was sent for by the palace. Not only did Joseph interpret the Pharaoh’s dream, but also develop a strategy to survive the impending famine which was foretold. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to take the lead in preparing his people to survive the impending famine. Pharaoh, not knowing the persons of God (the Trinity), stated that Joseph was a man with the "Spirit of God".
* v.39, 40, and 41, "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, forasmuch as God hath showed 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." 39. Pharaoh recognizes the wisdom which God has given to him and pronounces that no one is wiser. 40. Because of his abilities given to him by God, he appoints him the ruler of his "house", meaning not only the palace, the ground and all that the Pharaoh commands. 41. Joseph would be the prime minister of Egypt and rule all but the Pharaoh himself. This is truly a "rags to riches" story; he has gone from the pit to the palace, from obscurity to influence all because of the favor and blessings of God.
* V.42, 43, and 44, " 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 around his neck; 43. And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: 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." 42. The Pharaoh bestows upon Joseph, the symbol of his knew position. The ring symbolized the royal seal of the kingdom. "…arrayed him in vestures of fine linen…" indicates that Pharaoh is providing a wardrobe that is fit for royalty. The gold chain represents another symbol of royal power and authority. 43. "Second chariot" represents that Joseph is second only to the Pharaoh in Egypt. "They cried before him, Bow the knee:” indicates the honor bestowed upon him by people as he came by. 44. as the top leader after Pharaoh, no one could lift a hand or a foot without Joseph's approval. Joseph, however, was still accountable to Pharaoh.
*V. 45, 50, 51, and 52, “And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 50. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of the famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 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 he called him Ephraim: for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Verses 45 and 50 are self explanatory. v51. and v52 give the name of his two sons. Joseph had a tragic life since he left his father's house, but it appears that he was beginning to turn the corner from the oppression and difficulties that he had endured with the birth of his sons. The sons were named for the impact that they had upon his life. Manasseh meant, “cause to forget", and Ephraim meant "fruitful". It was the trust that he put in God that allowed him to prevail.
What Have We Learned
* “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…" Psalm 111:10
* "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." Jeremiah 17:7
* "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Psalm 18:32
1/8/12