Genesis 37:1-39:23
Key Verse 39:2
 
 

* JOSEPH'S YOUTH (37:1-36; Chapter 38)

1. Why did Joseph's brothers hate him? (2,3,4,5,8,11) Describe Joseph's dreams. What did they reveal about God's larger purpose for Joseph? In the absence of a written Bible, how might God use dreams in Joseph's life?

2. What was the errand Jacob gave Joseph? How did Joseph carry out the mission his father gave him? What does this show about him?

3. How did Joseph's brothers come to sell him to Midianite traders going to Egypt? What were the roles of Judah and Reuben in this crime? (42:21) How did they explain to their father, and how did this affect his life?

4. What happened to Joseph? (36, Ps 105:17,18) What did Judah do after this? (38:1-30) Describe his family life among the Canaanites.

5. Who was Tamar? Why did Judah say, "She is more righteous than I..." (38:26) How does God use her to bring Judah back into the covenant history? (See also Mt: 1:2,3)

* JOSEPH IN POTIPHAR'S HOUSE (38,39)

6. How does the writer describe Joseph's rise to power in Potiphar's house? (39:1-6a) What are some of the things he had to overcome in that situation? Why was he successful? (2,3,5)

7. Why was Potiphar's wife attracted to Joseph? How did she try to seduce him? What was involved in the temptation other than physical desire? What reasons did Joseph give for refusing her? What does this show about him?

8. What happened that caused Potiphar's wife's desire for Joseph to turn into hatred? What happened to Joseph because of her lies? What happened to him there? How could he avoid becoming bitter and fatalistic? What can you learn from Joseph's faith and life?