If you are looking for the beginning of this study you can start HERE with the brief introduction. At the bottom of that introduction will be the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. For this study the English Standard Version is the translation that is being utilized and you can read it online HERE or pick up the copy of your choice from Amazon or your local book store. I find THIS EDITION to be useful for deep study and annotation.
Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)
How long had it been since Joseph had interpreted the dream of Pharaoh’s cupbearer? (41:1)
What does Pharaoh dream about? (41:1-7)
What is the interpretation of those dreams given by Joseph? (41:25-36)
How old was Joseph when he entered the service of Pharaoh? (41:46)
What must Jacob’s family do because of the great famine? (42:1-5)
What does Joseph accuse his brothers of? (42:9)
What does Joseph say he will do until his brother can prove they are honest men? (42:18-20)
What do the sons of Jacob believe is the reason for their distress while in Egypt? (42:21-22)
What caused the sons of Israel even more fear than they already felt? (42:35)
What pledge does Judah make to his father? (43:9)
What does Joseph cause to be hidden in Benjamin’s sack? (44:2)
What does Judah attempt to do for his brother Benjamin? (44:30-34)
After Joseph reveals himself, what does he tell his family to do? (45:9-11)
Logic Questions: (The Interpretation/Comparison of the Text)
What is the purpose of a signet ring and why is it important that Pharaoh gave his to Joseph? (41:42)
What is ironic about the sons of Jacob’s statement “We are honest men”? (42:10)
Why does Joseph accuse his brothers of being spies? (42:9) What does he hope to gain from this?
What are some ways in which Joseph uses deception in this reading?
Why is it significant that Judah, of all the brothers, attempts to take the place of punishment for his brother Benjamin? (44:33)
Why does Joseph treat Benjamin with special favor, giving him more food (43:34), money, and clothing (45:22)?
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)
Joseph uses deception toward his brothers for some time. Was it right for him to do this? Why or why not?
If you were in Jacob’s position, with Joseph supposedly dead, Simeon in prison in Egypt, and a foreign ruler demanding your youngest son come to Egypt in order for Simeon to be released, what would you do? Do you agree or disagree with Jacob’s actions? Why?
Theological Analysis: (Scripture Interprets Scripture)
Read Daniel 2. How does this story in Genesis parallel the story in Daniel? What are some similarities and differences?
Substitution is a very important idea in Scripture? How have we seen this idea before now in the book of Genesis? Where else do we see it in Scripture?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Family, Deception, Substitution, Forgiveness