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Joseph’s Brothers Betray Him
In Genesis 37:1-36, Jacob loved his son Joseph more than his other sons and gave him a special coat. This made his brothers jealous, especially when Joseph shared dreams that showed he would one day rule over them. Their jealousy turned to hatred, and they threw him into a pit, then sold him as a slave to traders going to Egypt. They lied to their father, making him think Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.
Joseph Stays Faithful in Egypt
In Genesis 39:1-23, Joseph was taken to Egypt and became a servant in the house of Potiphar, an important official. God was with Joseph, and he quickly earned his master’s trust. But when Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt him, Joseph refused to do wrong. She became angry and falsely accused him, leading to his imprisonment. Even in prison, God was with Joseph, blessing him and giving him favor.
Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison
In Genesis 40:1-23, while Joseph was in prison, he met two of Pharaoh’s former servants—the cupbearer and the baker—who each had troubling dreams. With God’s help, Joseph explained their meanings: the cupbearer would be restored to his job, but the baker would die. Everything happened just as Joseph said. He asked the cupbearer to remember him and help him get out of prison, but the man forgot.
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
In Genesis 41:1-36, Pharaoh had troubling dreams that no one could understand. Finally, the cupbearer remembered Joseph, who was still in prison. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and, with God’s help, explained the dreams: Egypt would have seven good years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh to store food during the good years to prepare for the famine. Pharaoh was impressed and listened to Joseph’s advice.
Joseph Becomes a Ruler in Egypt
In Genesis 41:37-57, Pharaoh saw that Joseph was wise and that God was with him, so he made Joseph the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph managed the land wisely, storing food during the seven good years to prepare for the famine. When the famine came, people from all over came to Egypt to buy food. Because Joseph trusted God and used his gifts wisely, he was able to help many people.
Joseph’s Brothers Come to Egypt
In Genesis 42:1-38, the famine spread, and Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food, not knowing that Joseph was now a powerful leader. When they arrived, Joseph recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him. He tested them by accusing them of being spies and keeping one brother, Simeon, in prison until they returned with their youngest brother, Benjamin. The brothers felt guilty for what they had done to Joseph years ago.
Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt
In Genesis 43:1-34, the famine continued, and Jacob’s family needed more food. Though he was hesitant, Jacob finally allowed his sons to take Benjamin to Egypt, as Joseph had demanded. When they arrived, Joseph welcomed them kindly and even prepared a feast for them. The brothers were amazed and confused by his generosity. Though they still didn’t recognize Joseph, he was testing their hearts.
Judah Offers Himself for Benjamin
In Genesis 44:1-34, Joseph tested his brothers by secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and then accusing him of stealing it. When the cup was found, the brothers were devastated. Joseph said Benjamin must stay as a slave, but Judah stepped forward, begging to take Benjamin’s place. He couldn’t bear to see their father, Jacob, suffer from losing another son. This showed that the brothers had changed and now cared for each other.
Joseph Reveals His Identity
In Genesis 45:1-28, Joseph could no longer hide the truth and revealed himself to his brothers. They were shocked and afraid, but Joseph reassured them, saying that God had used everything for good—to save many lives during the famine. He told them to bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt, where he would take care of them.
Jacob Blesses His Sons
In Genesis 49:1-33, Jacob, now old and near death, gathered his sons to give them blessings and prophecies about their future. He spoke about each son’s character and how their descendants would be impacted. Some received promises of greatness, like Judah, whose family would one day produce kings. After blessing them, Jacob gave instructions for his burial and then peacefully passed away.