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Lesson #5 - From Dungeon To Palace
Series: The Life of Joseph - A Tapestry of God's ProvidenceLESSON #5
From Dungeon To Palace
1. How old was Joseph during the events recorded in Gen.39-41?
The story of Joseph begins in earnest when he was 17 years old - - shepherding his father’s flock in Canaan? – Gen.37:2
Joseph was likely still a teenager when his brothers sold him into slavery.
As to how long he served in Potiphar’s house, we might speculate about a decade or so.
Gen.41:46 notes that Joseph served at Pharaoh’s “right-hand man” at the young age of 30.
Joseph had been incarcerated (after the false accusation of Potiphar’s wife) for approximately two years – Gen.41:1
2. After being imprisoned by Potiphar, what brought about Joseph’s release from jail?
After Joseph interpreted the chief cupbearer’s dream, what request did his make of him? – Gen.40:14
Two years later, what reminded the cupbearer of Joseph’s request? – Gen.41:1 & 8
What may have emboldened the cupbearer to bring the matter of Joseph’s false imprisonment to Pharaoh’s attention?
Describe Pharaoh’s dreams. – Gen.41:1-7
Being eager to know the meaning of his dream, Pharaoh sent for Joseph. – Gen.41:14
3. How does Joseph interpret Pharaoh’s dreams? (Genesis 41)
As to the means of doing so, Joseph acknowledges that it was a power that came from Jehovah God. – vs.16
What is the meaning of the dreams?
Joseph tells Pharaoh that both dreams concern the same matter. – vs.25
Why were the dreams repeated (i.e., both dreams emphasizing the same thing)? – vs.32
Seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of famine. – vss.29-30
What advice does Joseph give to Pharaoh? – vss.33-37
4. Who does Pharaoh appoint to be the “governor” over his domain?
“Since God has informed you…you shall be over my house”. – vss.39-40
What was the importance of Pharaoh signet ring (given to Joseph)? – vs.42
? How exalted and authoritative a position was this position given to Joseph? – vss.43-44
What is the meaning of the title given to Joseph – Zaphenath-paneah? – vs.45a
What other “gift” did Pharaoh give to Joseph - - who was Asenath? – vs.45b
5. What was the outcome of Joseph’s supervision?
“During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly.” – vs.47
During these seven years stockpiles of grain were stored (20% of the total harvest) in various locations. – vss.34 & 48
Prior to the famine Asenath and Joseph were blessed with the birth of two sons. – vss.51-52
What is the meaning of the names of Joseph’s two sons - - Manasseh and Ephraim?
When the seven years of famine arrived there was an adequate supply of food stashed in the storehouses. – vss.53-56
Chapter 41 ends by noting in vs.57:
The people of all the earth come to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.
e Next week’s assignment 4 Read Genesis 42 regarding Joseph’s brothers’ journey to Egypt to seek grain.
