Come Follow Me 12: Genesis 42-50

Come Follow Me Lesson 12: Genesis 42-50

Introduction:

Joseph was able to forgive his brothers and see that God brought about good for him, through his brothers wickedness.

How has the wrong you’ve endured at the hands of others turned to your benefit?

How did Joseph’s brothers cause the prophesy of Joseph’s dreams to be fulfilled? How does the Lord fulfill His promises, even when others seek to thwart them and no way can be seen for their fulfillment?

Joseph had fun with his brothers’ emotions, even though he forgave them. He taught them a lesson.

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 47:12 All of Joseph’s household was saved because he was now in a position to save them (and to rule over them).

How is Joseph’s life similar to the Savior’s? How does his example point us to Jesus Christ?

Personal Study

“God sent me before you to preserve you.” Genesis 45:7

Have you ever been a forerunner on behalf of others? How have you helped prepare the way for others?

Because of Joseph’s adherence to revelations from God, he was prepared for what lay ahead: the great famine. We aren’t told at that time that he would bring salvation to his father’s family, but that is what happened. In a very real way this is a Messianic story. Jesus also adhered to His Father’s will and brought salvation to all of His Father’s family, as many as are willing to come and partake. We need to hunger and make the journey first.

Besides being able to sell life-sustaining food to thousands of starving people, Joseph was able to save his own family.

As Spirits saved for the last days, we have been blessed as Joseph was. We have gifts, revelations, and blessings with which we can bless those around us and help bring those who are dying in a spiritual famine unto salvation. 

Can Joseph’s Example Help You to Forgive Others (Even Those Who Despise You Because of your Faithfulness and your Position in your Father’s Family?)

How was Joseph affected by being with his brothers and offering them forgiveness?

Look for examples of Joseph’s character traits and attitudes as you read these chapters.

How did Jesus help Joseph to be forgiving? How can He help you?

How was Joseph’s family blessed by his forgiveness to them? How have you been blessed by extending forgiveness to others?

Genesis 33:1–4 Esau also forgave Jacob Sometimes others have a right to be upset with us, even when we are striving to follow the Lord. How can we strive to make things right?

Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–11 We ought to forgive one another.

Family Study

Video of Joseph reuniting his family in Egypt.

Joseph’s brothers’ hearts had softened since earlier days. They were careful to protect Benjamin.

How has Heavenly Father turned your trials into blessings? Genesis 50:20

“How Firm a Foundation”

Readings: Genesis 42-48:

Chapter 42: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/42?lang=eng

vs 4: Jacob (Reuben, I think) didn’t want Mischief to befall Joseph. Did he have any idea what happened before? Was there a lack of trust?

Vs 5. Many traveled from all over to buy corn in Egypt.

8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them.

Joseph wants to see Benjamin too. He claims his brother’s are spies. He asked them to bring Benjamin back to prove they are not. Simeon stays behind as a guarantee that they will come back with Benjamin.

The guilt the ten brothers carried for years is now at the forefront, as they spent a few days in ward, as one of them has to stay behind, and as they contemplate the evil they did to Joseph, to his parents, and even to themselves.

21 ¶ And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

24 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

Joseph sent them on their way with much food so they could bring Benjamin back. He even gave them the money back (hid in one of their sacks). Vs 27-28 vs 35 Every man’s bundle of money was in his sack.

Jacob will not (does not want to) let Benjamin go. He is sad to have now lost Simeon too. He fears for Benjamin’s life. And he fears what another loss will do to him.

Chapter 43: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/43?lang=eng

When the food ran out, Jacob knew that Benjamin must go with his brothers to get more corn.

Jacob sends his sons with gifts for Joseph, plus double money and the returned money. He sends them with Benjamin.

16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.

Not the reception Joseph’s brothers were expecting. They were scared to be brought into Joseph’s house and explained to his steward what happened with them finding the money again their sacks.

23 And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

24 And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

25 And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26 ¶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.

27 And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?

28 And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

29 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.

30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another.

34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin’s mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

He showed favor to Benjamin.

Chapter 44: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/44?lang=eng

Joseph had his servant again replace all the money in his brothers’ sacks; plus, he put Joseph’s cup in Benjamin’s bag. Then when they were gone forth, the servant went after them asking why they dealt so wrongly.

They said they didn’t do wrong. Didn’t they return the money that had been returned to them? Vs 8

They were so certain they would be in the clear that the spoke these words:

9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.

10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.

Of course they found it in Benjamin’s sack. His brothers rent their clothes. So much grief. Vs 13

15 And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

Joseph certainly was toying with them.

When Joseph wants to keep Benjamin alone and send the others back, Judah speaks up in defense of Benjamin and his father. Judah, the one that was willing to sell Joseph, is now the one that is willing to pay.

33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.

34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

Chapter 45: churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/45?lang=eng

3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.

14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Vs 17-20 Pharaoh loved Joseph so much, that he considered a blessing to invite Joseph’s family to come live and have place in Egypt and enjoy the riches there!

Vs 22 Joseph gave much more to his full brother Benjamin.

What about Jacob’s astonishment? Can you imagine your son being found after decades?

26 And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.

27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:

28 And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

Chapter 46: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/46?lang=eng

Jacob’s family of 70 people head to Egypt! The Lord sends them.

This chapter begins with Israel offering sacrifices in Beersheba. What do I do when the Lord blesses me? Do I give Him a gift? Am I just greedy for more?

It must have been wonderful for Jacob to know he was doing the right thing and that his posterity would again be given the promised land; they’d return to Canaan.

2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

4 I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

The Israelites stayed in Goshen because they were shepherds.

Chapter 47: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/47?lang=eng

Pharaoh let the Israelites stay in Goshen. He desired any that were expert to tend his cattle.

Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Vs 7-10

Goshen, the land of Ramses. Vs 11

When money failed in the land, Joseph took cattle in exchange for food. Vs 15-17

vs 18-20 Nothing left to barter with, so the people sold their lands and they became servants to Pharaoh, so they could eat. Vs 22 All except for the priests.

The people made a contract with Joseph:

23 Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.

24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.

25 And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.

Joseph promised his father Jacob that he will have him buried in the land Israel, not in Egypt.

Chapter 48: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/48?lang=eng

12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.

13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him.

14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15 ¶ And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.

18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

Israel will return to promised land out of Egypt. Joseph is the birthright son.

Personal Study (and Family Study for 49)

Symbolism in Genesis 49

Look for clarifications in 1 Nephi 15:12 Book of Mormon people are a broken off branch of the House of Israel (the Olive Tree).

 2 Nephi 3:4–5 The descendants of Joseph would obtain a land of promise and be instrumental in sharing the gospel in the last days and helping to gather Israel.

Jacob 2:25 The Lord led groups away, and He raised up a righteous branch from Joseph.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:44. Keep looking to the Lord:

44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.

What blessing was given to Judah? See Genesis 49:8–12

Jesus has always been the King of Israel. Judah will yet find their Messiah in Jesus Christ. The will again be His covenant people.

What do we find in this chapter that teaches us about the roles and mission of Jesus Christ?

Who is the Seer the Lord Raised Up? Genesis 50

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38

Joseph of Old prophesied of Joseph Smith. How have the teachings brought forth by the Seer released us from bondage. How have the writings of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ confounded false doctrine?

Much of Joseph of Old’s prophesy had been lost. How does it help us to have it back? (Lehi shared it with his son Joseph 2 Nephi 3)

We find prophesies of Joseph Smith’s life in Genesis 50 and fulfillment to those prophesies in  Doctrine and Covenants 1:17–23; 20:7–12; 39:11; 135:3

Chapter 49: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/49?lang=eng

vs 8-12 Judah shall be the lawgiver, the scepter shall be passed down through his lineage. The Savior who atoned for us all came through Judah.

Vs 22-24 Blessings to and from Joseph

vs 26 Blessings of the Priesthood will be given to Joseph

Chapter 50: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/50?lang=eng

When Jacob died, Joseph had him embalmed. After 40 days, he and a huge entourage of people too Jacob to be buried in his own tomb.

Joseph’s brothers were worried Joseph might now seed evil against them. He had no ill intent.

19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Before Joseph dies, he promised and makes his brothers children promise that they will again return to the land of Canaan. Although Joseph is buried in Egypt, he wants his remains transported to Canaan.