Genesis 37-50 © John Stevenson, 2009 The Joseph Narrative.

Genesis 37-50

© John Stevenson, 2009

The Joseph NarrativeThe Joseph Narrative

Genesis 37:3Genesis 37:3Now Israel loved Joseph more

than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.

~ySiP; tn<toK.

Two possible meanings:Two possible meanings:• A coat with sleeves• A coat with colors



~ySiP; tn<toK.

The same phrase is The same phrase is used in 2 Samuel used in 2 Samuel 13:18-19 to describe 13:18-19 to describe Tamar’s royal robeTamar’s royal robe



What does the Bible say about favoritism?

Joseph’s DreamsJoseph’s Dreams

• Binding sheaves in a field

• Other sheaves bowed down to Joseph’s sheaf

• Sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down before Joseph

First Dream Second Dream

Genesis 37:12-13Genesis 37:12-13Then his brothers went to

pasture their father's flock in Shechem. 13 Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “I will go.”

Genesis 37:14Genesis 37:14Then he said to him, “Go now

and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

~Alv

Genesis 37:15-17Genesis 37:15-17A man found him, and behold, he

was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, “What are you looking for?” 16 He said, “I am looking for my brothers; please tell me where they are pasturing the flock.” 17 Then the man said, “They have moved from here; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

Hebron

Shechem

Dothan

Genesis 37:18Genesis 37:18When they saw him from a

distance and before he came close to them, they plotted against him to put him to death.

Genesis 37:21-22Genesis 37:21-22But Reuben heard this and

rescued him out of their hands and said, “Let us not take his life.”

22 Reuben further said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but do not lay hands on him” -- that he might rescue him out of their hands, to restore him to his father.

What were Reuben’s possible What were Reuben’s possible motives?motives?

Genesis 37:28Genesis 37:28Then some Midianite traders

passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt.

The Place of ProvidenceThe Place of Providence• Joseph just happened to be sent to

meet his brothers.

• A man just happened to have heard the brothers’ moving plans

• Reuben just happened to intervene

• The caravan of Ishmaelites just happened along

• They just happened to go to Egypt

Genesis 37:31-32Genesis 37:31-32So they took Joseph’s tunic, and

slaughtered a male goat and dipped the tunic in the blood; 32 and they sent the varicolored tunic and brought it to their father and said, “We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son’s tunic or not.”

JosephJosephHe was beloved by his

father

JesusJesusHe was the beloved of

the Father

He was hated by his brothers and they

plotted to murder him

He was hated by his brethren and they

plotted to murder himHe was sold for 20 shekels of silver by

Judah

He was sold for 30 pieces of silver by

Judas

George SayourGeorge Sayour

Judah InterludeJudah Interlude

• Judah takes a Canaanite wife

• Judah arranges Canaanite wives for his sons

• Death of Judah’s sons

• Tamar and the quest for an heir

Genesis 38Genesis 38

Genesis 38:13-14Genesis 38:13-14It was told to Tamar, “Behold,

your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 So she removed her widow's garments and covered herself with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gateway of Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah had grown up, and she had not been given to him as a wife.

Genesis 38:15-16Genesis 38:15-16When Judah saw her, he thought

she was a harlot, for she had covered her face. 16 So he turned aside to her by the road, and said, “Here now, let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. And she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”

Genesis 38:17-18Genesis 38:17-18He said, therefore, “I will send

you a young goat from the flock.” She said, moreover, “Will you give a pledge until you send it?” 18 He said, “What pledge shall I give you?” And she said, “Your seal and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him.

Genesis 38:24Genesis 38:24Now it was about three months

later that Judah was informed, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the harlot, and behold, she is also with child by harlotry.” Then Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”

““I am with child by the man to whom I am with child by the man to whom these things belong” (Genesis 38:25)these things belong” (Genesis 38:25)

Jacob deceives Jacob deceives IsaacIsaac

Jacob dons the clothing of Esau

and uses the skin of a goat in the

deception

Ten sons Ten sons deceive Jacobdeceive Jacob

Tamar Tamar deceives Judahdeceives Judah

The sons of Jacob deceive

him with the coat of Joseph stained with the blood of

a goat

Tamar take the pledge of Judah’s seal and cord and

staff and is promised a goat

as payment

Isaac in 27:23 does not recognize

(rkn) Jacob

Jacob in 37:32 asked to

examine (rkn) the coat

Judah recognizes

(rkn) the items of his pledge

What are we to What are we to think of Tamar?think of Tamar?

Judah recognized them, and said, “She is more righteous than I,

inasmuch as I did not give her to my son Shelah.” (Genesis 38:26)

Tamar is the account of a Tamar is the account of a Canaanite who came into the Canaanite who came into the covenant community and who covenant community and who

learned to value the heritage of learned to value the heritage of the seed of Abraham.the seed of Abraham.

• Tamar: Dresses and acts like a prostitute

• Rahab: Is a prostitute

• Ruth: A Moabite woman

• Bathsheba: An Adulterous woman

• Mary: Shouldered the assumption that she bore a child out of wedlock

Genesis 38:27-28Genesis 38:27-28It came about at the time she

was giving birth, that behold, there were twins in her womb. 28 Moreover, it took place while she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”

Genesis 38:29-30Genesis 38:29-30But it came about as he drew

back his hand, that behold, his brother came out. Then she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” So he was named Perez. 30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand; and he was named Zerah.

Younger Brother MotifYounger Brother Motif

• Seth instead of Cain

• Isaac instead of Ishmael

• Jacob instead of Esau

• Perez instead of Zerah

• Ephraim instead of Manasseh

We have an elder brother who We have an elder brother who has given us His inheritancehas given us His inheritance

JudahJudahWent to a foreigner of

his own will

JosephJosephTaken to Egypt against

his will

Sexual immorality: Went in to his

daughter-in-law

Sexual morality: Resisted seduction

Left his seal & cord Left his garment

Accuser Falsely accused

Sons judged by God Blessed by God

True accusation of a woman

False accusation of a woman

Genesis 39 contains a story Genesis 39 contains a story that looks, from a human that looks, from a human perspective, to be one of perspective, to be one of

defeatdefeat

PromisePromise

Abraham: Descendants

will be a multitude

Seeming Seeming DefeatDefeat

Supernatural Supernatural FulfillmentFulfillment

He and Sarah are both

barren and old

A son is born in their old age

Jacob: To be given rule over

the land

He becomes a fugitive in

Haran

He returns with great wealth

Joseph: Your family will bow down to you

A slave in the prison of a

foreign superpower

He is raised up to become the second in all of

Egypt

PromisePromise

Moses: You will lead your country out of

bondage

Seeming Seeming DefeatDefeat

Supernatural Supernatural FulfillmentFulfillment

Rejected by Israelites; a fugitive in

Midian

Leads Israel out of Egypt and

through the Red Sea

Jesus: The Kingdom of Heaven is at

hand

Crucified, dead and

buried; His disciples scattered

Resurrection; Ascension; the

giving of the Holy Spirit to spread the

gospel to the ends of the

earth

The Lord’s PresenceThe Lord’s Presence• The LORD was with JosephThe LORD was with Joseph, so he , so he

became a successful man (39:2).became a successful man (39:2).

• Now his master saw that Now his master saw that the LORD was the LORD was with himwith him and how the LORD caused all and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand (39:3).that he did to prosper in his hand (39:3).

• But But the LORD was with Josephthe LORD was with Joseph and and extended kindness to him, and gave him extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer (39:21).favor in the sight of the chief jailer (39:21).

The Lord’s PresenceThe Lord’s Presence• The chief jailer did not supervise anything The chief jailer did not supervise anything

under Joseph's charge because under Joseph's charge because the the LORD was with himLORD was with him; and whatever he ; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper. (Genesis did, the LORD made to prosper. (Genesis 39:23).39:23).

How did Joseph’s presence in How did Joseph’s presence in Egypt benefit the various Egypt benefit the various

characters in the narrative?characters in the narrative?

How does the presence of How does the presence of Christians in the world today Christians in the world today

benefit others with whom they benefit others with whom they are associated?are associated?

Genesis 41:14-15Genesis 41:14-15Then Pharaoh sent and called

for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

Genesis 41:16Genesis 41:16Joseph then answered Pharaoh,

saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

~Alv'

Genesis 41:32Genesis 41:32“Now as for the repeating of the

dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about.”

Genesis 41:33-34Genesis 41:33-34“Now let Pharaoh look for a man

discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance.”

Genesis 41:35-36Genesis 41:35-36“Then let them gather all the food

of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. 36 Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.”

Genesis 41:38-40Genesis 41:38-40Then Pharaoh said to his

servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.”

In the Days of JosephIn the Days of Joseph

THE NILE

The Pyramids were already

many hundreds of years old

Middle KingdomMiddle Kingdom

1991 - 1786 B.C.1991 - 1786 B.C.

Old Old KingdomKingdom

Middle Middle KingdomKingdom

New New KingdomKingdom

Dynasties Dynasties 3-63-6

11stst In

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1212Dynasties Dynasties

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2686 – 21812686 – 2181 1991 - 17861991 - 1786 1587 - 10851587 - 1085

Pyramid Pyramid eraera

Era of the Era of the biblical biblical

patriarchspatriarchs

Era of Era of Moses Moses and the and the ExodusExodus 33

rdrd In

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Goshen

Joseph’s brothers hate him (37)Joseph’s brothers hate him (37)

Joseph’s brothers fear him (49:29 - 50:26)Joseph’s brothers fear him (49:29 - 50:26)

Interlude: Judah signified as leader (38)Interlude: Judah signified as leader (38)

Interlude: Judah blessed as ruler (48:1 - 49:28)Interlude: Judah blessed as ruler (48:1 - 49:28)

Joseph’s enslavement in Egypt (39)Joseph’s enslavement in Egypt (39)

Joseph’s enslavement of Egyptians (47:13-31)Joseph’s enslavement of Egyptians (47:13-31)

Joseph before Pharaoh: A plan to save Egypt Joseph before Pharaoh: A plan to save Egypt (40-41)(40-41)

Joseph before Pharaoh: A plan to save Israel Joseph before Pharaoh: A plan to save Israel (46:28 - 47:12)(46:28 - 47:12)

Journeys of brothers to Egypt (42-43)Journeys of brothers to Egypt (42-43)

Migrations of family to Egypt (46:1-27)Migrations of family to Egypt (46:1-27)

Brothers pass the test of love for their Brothers pass the test of love for their brother (44-45)brother (44-45)

Joseph manipulates his brothers in Joseph manipulates his brothers in order to bring the family back order to bring the family back

together, not just physically, but together, not just physically, but spiritually.spiritually.



As Moses writes this As Moses writes this narrative, God is doing narrative, God is doing the same thing to Israel.the same thing to Israel.



What is God doing in What is God doing in your life today to bring your life today to bring you closer to Himself?you closer to Himself?

Blessing on Ephraim & Blessing on Ephraim & ManassehManasseh

Genesis 48

Hebrews 11:21 Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying,

blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

Genesis 49:1-2Genesis 49:1-2Then Jacob summoned his sons

and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come. 2 Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father.”

Genesis 49:8-9Genesis 49:8-9Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lion, who dares rouse him up?

hd'y"

Genesis 49:10Genesis 49:10The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Burial arrangements for Israel (1-3)Burial arrangements for Israel (1-3)

Burial arrangements & death of Burial arrangements & death of Joseph (22-26)Joseph (22-26)

Joseph’s petition to Pharaoh (4-6)Joseph’s petition to Pharaoh (4-6)

Joseph’s brothers petition him (15-21)Joseph’s brothers petition him (15-21)

Preparation to bury Jacob (7-9)Preparation to bury Jacob (7-9)

Burial of Jacob (12-14)Burial of Jacob (12-14)Mourning over Jacob (10-12)Mourning over Jacob (10-12)

William Ramey

Genesis 50:19-20Genesis 50:19-20But Joseph said to them, “Do not But Joseph said to them, “Do not

be afraid, for am I in God’s place? be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 2020 As for you, you meant evil against me, As for you, you meant evil against me, but but God meant it for good in order to God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”preserve many people alive.”

A Pattern of Israel’s A Pattern of Israel’s PurposePurpose

• Altars & Worship

• A Sense of Purpose

• Unity

• Racial & Religious Purity

Genesis 50:25-26Genesis 50:25-26Then Joseph made the sons of Then Joseph made the sons of

Israel swear, saying, “God will surely Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” my bones up from here.” 2626 So Joseph So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.placed in a coffin in Egypt.

Genesis 37-50 © John Stevenson, 2009 The Joseph Narrative.

Documents

Transcript of Genesis 37-50 © John Stevenson, 2009 The Joseph Narrative.