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The Story of Joseph

Table of Contents

Introduction                                                        
His Early Life                                        Ch.1           
Joseph Sold Into Slavery                        Ch.2           
Joseph in Prison                                    Ch.3           
Joseph Interprets Dreams                      Ch.4           
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams       Ch.5           
Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt                 Ch.6           
Joseph’s Ten Brothers Come to Egypt    Ch.7           
Nine Brothers Return Home                  Ch.8           
Ten Brothers Again Return to Egypt      Ch.9           
Joseph Sends His Brothers Home          Ch.10                  
Joseph Reveals His Identity                  Ch.11                  
Joseph Invites His Family to Egypt        Ch.12                  
Salvation Message        
Poems
Heaven OR Hell                      #18
Heaven, Our eternal Home      # 6
Heaven Verses Hell                 #113
Heaven VS hell                        #1031                              

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Red bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

The Story of Joseph
Written and compiled by: HIS SERVANT, Connie Kramer
Revised 11-2015

The Story of Joseph
Introduction         

The story of the life of Joseph is one we all should really consider. He led a good moral and honest life. He lived up to what could be called the “biography of Christ.”
Philip. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) . . . This is the kind of life God wants us to live; the kind of life Jesus lived: good, virtuous, obedient and pure. And Joseph’s life was like that.
         
Joseph was a sinner, yes, like all humans. He certainly did have faults, like we all do; but I don’t think there is any one in Scripture who is more like Christ in His character and lifestyle than Joseph. Yet nowhere in the New Testament is Joseph set before us as a type of Christ. The parallel cannot be accidental.

Some things to consider.

(1.) The birth of Joseph was miraculous in that it was by the intervention of God as an answer to prayer. The Lord Jesus is virgin born. His birth was certainly miraculous!
(2.) Joseph was loved by his father. The Lord Jesus was loved by His Father, who declared, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Mat.3:17; 17:5).
(3.) Joseph had the coat of many colors which set him apart. Christ was set apart in that He was “separate from sinners” (Heb.7:26).
(4.) Joseph announced that he was to rule over his brethren. The Lord Jesus presented Himself as the Messiah. Just as they ridiculed Joseph’s message, so they also ridiculed Jesus. In fact, nailed to His cross were the words: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(5.) Joseph was sent by his father to his brethren. Jesus was sent by His Father to His brethren . . . He came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Mat.15:24-28).
(6.) Joseph was hated by his brethren without a cause, and the Lord Jesus was hated by His brethren without a cause (John 15:25).

PARALLELS
BETWEEN JOSEPH AND JESUS

JOSEPH                        PARALLELS                         JESUS     
Ge.37:3 . . . . . . . Their fathers loved them dearly . . . . Mat. 3:17        
Ge.37:2 . . . . . . . Shepherds of their fathers’ sheep . . . John 11,27     
Ge. 37:13-14. . . Sent by father to brothers . . . . . . . . . Heb. 2:11   
Ge. 37:4 . . . . . . Hated by brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 7:5     
Ge. 37:20 . . . . . Harm came to them . . . . . . . . . . . . . John 11:53     
Ge. 39:7 . . . . . . They were tempted . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mat. 4:1
Ge. 37:25 . . . . . Taken to Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mat. 2:14-15  
Ge. 37:23 . . . . . Robes taken from them . . . . . . . . . .  John 19:23     
Ge. 37:28 . . . . . Sold for a small price . . . . . . . . . . . . Mat. 26:15      
Ge. 39:20 . . . . . Bound in chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mat. 7:2       
Ge. 39:16-18 . . Falsely accused        . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mat. 26:59-0   
Ge. 40:2, 3 . . . . Placed with two other prisoners, one
who was saved and the other lost . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .Luke 23:32      
Ge. 41:46 . . . . . Both 30 years old at the beginning
of public recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 3:23  
Ge. 41:41. . . . .  Exalted after suffering . . . . . . . . . . . Phil. 2:9-11    
Ge.45:1-15 . . . . Forgave those who wronged them . . . . Luke 3:34     
Ge. 45:7 . . . . . . Saved their nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mat. 1:21
Gen. 50:7 . . . . . The evil that men did to hurt them,
God turned to into good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cor. 2:7-8     

SEVEN STEPS TO HONOR:

(1.) Godly influence. Genesis 39:2-3 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3  And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. [KJV]
(2.) Business honesty. Genesis 39:5-6 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6  And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. [KJV] . . . Joseph was a good person and well liked.
 (3.) Resistance to temptation. Genesis 39:7-9 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8  But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9  There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? [KJV] . . . Potiphar’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and said, Lie with me. . . . But he refused. 
(4.) Divine favor. Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. [KJV]  
(5.) Providential circumstances. Gen.40:5-8 Joseph was given the gift of interpreting dreams, but gave all glory to God.
(6.) Honoring God. Gen.41:16 Joseph always honors and glorifies God.
(7.) Divine revelations. Gen.41:25-26 The two dreams of Pharaoh was revealed to Joseph by God as having one answer. God was showing Pharaoh what He was about to do. In all the dreams; of the butler, the baker and Pharaoh, God revealed the correct interpretations to Joseph.

Joseph led a good, moral, decent life, and was loved by all except his 10 jealous brothers. We would do well to follow his example. If we stand by our Lord, He will stand by us, no matter what!

LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM JOSEPH’S LIFE:

*****It is not so much the events or circumstances in our life, but our response to them.
*****With God’s help, any situation can be used for good, even when others plan the worst evil to us (Rom.8:28).

Daniel’s and Joesph’s lives similar.

(1.) Both were carried away captive while young, both were model young men, and both found employment in a king’s court.
(2.) Both were unjustly persecuted, with their hardships becoming stepping stones to honor, and through the interpretation of dreams both were exalted to high ranking leaders.
(3.) Both lived pure lives in the midst of corrupt courts and both died in foreign lands.

JOSEPH’S CHRISTLIKE SPIRIT SHOWN

(1.) He forgave his brothers’ sin. Gen.45:15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. (KJV) 
(2.) In his loving devotion to his father. Gen.46:29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. (KJV)
(3.) In returning good for evil. Gen.50:19-21 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. (KJV) 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 1 
His Early Life

(1.) Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel.
Gen.30:23-24 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: [24] And she called his name Joseph; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son. (KJV) . . . Joseph was the older of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. When he was born, Rachel said, “God hath taken away my reproach.” Jacob named him Joseph saying, “The Lord shall add to me another son.” Joseph was probably about six years old when his father returned from Haran to Canaan and took up residence in the old patriarchal town of Hebron.

(2.) The favorite child of his father. Gen.37:3 Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [KJV] . . . The coat was long and full, with sleeves. Such coats were worn by children of nobility. A coat of many colours, or a coat of many pieces, probably means a patchwork of many small pieces of varied colors.

(3.) Because of Jacob’s partiality, Joseph was hated by his brothers. Gen.37:3-4 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [4] And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. (KJV) . . .When he was about 17 years old, Joseph brought on  the jealousy and hatred of his brothers.
         
(4.) Joseph’s dreams of being exalted. Gen.37:5-11 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. [6] And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: [7] For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. [8] And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. [9] And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. [10] And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? [11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying. (KJV) . . . Their anger of Joseph’s brothers was increased when he told them about his dreams. Can you imagine how the brothers scoffed? I’m sure they were really hostile after he told them about the first dream. They really did not believe that Joseph would ever rule over them. They hated him because he had this dream. But that wasn’t the end of the dreams! He had another one. When he told them the second dream, they understood what he was talking about. This same image of the sun, moon and stars appears in Revelation 12:1 where a woman is described clothed with the sun, and the moon is under her feet, and she had a crown of twelve stars upon her head, symbolizing the nation Israel.

His brothers knew that Joseph was telling them about themselves, the sons of Israel. The second dream alienated them yet further than ever from Joseph. Jacob too, was upset about the dream, and he rebuked Joseph, “Does this mean that your father, your mother, and your brothers are going to bow down to you?” All Joseph could say was, “That was what I dreamed.” He didn’t try to interpret it because it was clear. His brothers paid no attention to it, ridiculing Joseph with sarcastic taunts. None of them were going to bow down to Joseph! But Jacob really did consider the dream.

In the meantime, Joseph’s brothers had gone to Shechem with the flocks, about 60 miles north of Hebron. Jacob wanted to know how things were going, so he sent his beloved son, Joseph to see about them.

(5.) Sold into slavery in Egypt. Gen.37:12-28 And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. [13] And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. [14] And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. [15] And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? [16] And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. [17] And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. [18] And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. [19] And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. [20] Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. [21] And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. [22] And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. [23] And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; [24] And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. [25] And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. [26] And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? [27] Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. [28] Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. (KJV) . . . “Israel” is Jacob (verse 13). Joseph willingly obeyed his father’s orders. The children who are loved by their parents, should be the ready to obey them. Joseph’s brothers were so set against him. With malice of forethought, they sought to kill him in cold blood. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer (1 John 3:15). The sons of Jacob hated their brother because their father loved him more than he loved them. With Jacob revealing his tremendous love for Joseph, now topped off by the dreams; it increased their hatred and jealousy, until they decided to kill him. But God has all His TRUE children held closely in His hands.
         
When Joseph arrived, he found that his brothers had left Shechem and went to Dothan. He started for Dotham which was about 20 miles or so, north of Shechem. As soon as his brothers saw him coming they began to plan evil against him. They would have killed him if Reuben had not talked them out of it. Reuben had most reason to be jealous of Joseph, because he was the first-born; yet in the end, he proves to be the best of the evil bunch. They finally agreed to sell Joseph to Ishmaelite merchants for 20 pieces of silver, which was 10 pieces less than the current market value of a slave. Their jealousy and hatred of Joseph consumed them and they saw a chance to get rid of him. The merchants had different kinds of merchandise to sell in Egypt. They took Joseph with them and sold him as a slave to Potiphar, an “officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard” (Gen.37:36).
         
The exciting and significant story of Joseph really began when Joseph was 17 years old, only a teenager, definitely not like most teens today. Even at this early age, his firm belief in God controlled Joseph’s behavior. The idea that we cannot expect young people to display much godliness until they are much older is really not supported by Joseph’s life. It is possible to live godly at an early age, and Joseph’s life clearly shows this. The earlier a person starts to live for God, the less wasted years with all their accompanying damage and scars they will feel remorse for. Take it from one who knows.
         
The trials in his early life, helped to build in Joseph the character and faith which he so wonderfully exhibited throughout his entire life. Let us consider our lives as we study the life of Joseph. We can learn so much from this man. We all could become better people. His character and faith in God is something we should really take to heart. His personal knowledge of God, allowed him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. His quiet wisdom won the hearts of everyone he met; Potiphar, other prisoners, the king, and after many years, even his ten brothers.
         
Can you identify with Joseph? Many can! He was betrayed, deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, punished for doing right; imprisoned and forgotten by those he helped. But, through it all, he did NOT keep asking “Why?” Or “why me?” But  “What shall I do now?” Those who knew Joseph could clearly see that God was with him. When you are in trouble, an attitude like Joseph will help. Acknowledge and realize that God is with you, and that He will never leave you, never forsake you if you are His child (Heb.13:5). There is nothing like His Presence to shed light on any dark situation.

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 2
Joseph Sold Into Slavery          

Gen.37:29-30 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. [30] And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? (KJV) . . . The brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites (descendants of Ishmael, their half-brother) who take him to Egypt. Reuben, unaware of what they did, returns to the pit; Joseph was gone. Reuben was really upset, he tore his clothes in remorse, thinking they had killed Joseph. They probably told Reuben what they did, but said it was no use chasing after the merchants because they were a long way off by now. So they thought up a story to tell Jacob. They took Joseph’s coat of many colors, dipped it in the blood of a young goat and took it to Jacob, their father.
         
Gen.37:31-35 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; [32] And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. [33] And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. [34] And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. [35] And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him. (KJV) . . . The brothers concoct a really shrewd story. They act as if they had not even seen Joseph. They said they found this coat, and they don’t know if it belongs to Joseph or not. They knew the coat was Joseph’s! They hated that coat! Jacob too knew whose coat it was. He came to the natural conclusion, exactly as the brothers intended.  

Consider this. They killed a goat kid and used that blood on the coat. DECEPTION! Jacob is deceived exactly the same way that he had deceived (Gen. 25: 28-34). Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Jacob deceived his father, now he is deceived in the identical way that he had deceived his own father years before. Sow corn, reap corn. Sow tares, reap tares. God tells us that we get exactly what we sow.
         
Jacob is consumed by his grief. He tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
         
Gen.37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. (KJV) . . . Pharaoh was the king or leader of Egypt. The Pharaohs in Genesis and Exodus were different men. Ancient Egypt was a land of great contrasts. People were either very rich or poverty stricken. There were not many in middle class. Joseph served Potiphar, an extremely rich officer in Pharaoh’s service. Rich families had elaborate homes two or three stories tall with beautiful gardens and balconies. They had live entertainment at home and had nothing but the best and most delicious food from expensive bowls. They had alabaster vases, paintings, beautiful rugs, and hand-carved chairs. Dinner was served on golden tableware, and the rooms were lighted with gold lampstands. Servants, like Joseph, worked on the first floor, while the family lived in the upper stories.       

Gen.39:1-4 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. [2] And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. [3] And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. [4] And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. (KJV) . . . Our enemies can take much away from us; but wisdom and grace cannot be taken from us. Enemies may separate us from friends, relatives and country; but they can NEVER take away the Presence of the Lord (Rom.8:9). They can rob us of liberty, and confine us in prisons; but they can NEVER stop us from our communication with God, can NEVER keep us from the throne of grace, can NEVER take away the blessings of salvation, the hope of eternal life (Tit.1:2). Joseph trusted God completely and was truly blessed, even in the house where he was a slave. God’s Presence with us, makes everything we do prosper.
         
Gen. 39:5-6 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. [6] And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. (KJV) . . . Potiphar trusted Joseph so completely that he never even asked to see the books. He totally trusted him in all things. Potiphar was concerned only that as an officer of Pharaoh, he should please Pharaoh and do a good job. He let Joseph handle his personal affairs. He trusted this young man.

Joseph tempted, then framed by Potiphar’s wife.
         
Gen. 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. (KJV) . . . Potiphar gave Joseph charge of everything. We should be very careful with our eyes, for our eyes can infect our heart. Potiphar’s wife showed that her heart was fully set to do evil. When Satan saw that he could not conquer Joseph with the troubles of the world, he assaulted him with pleasures. Joseph was a handsome young man. Maybe Potiphar was an old man, for it was not uncommon for an older man to have a young wife. Potiphar’s wife sees Joseph, likes him and attempts to seduce him.
         
Gen. 39:8-9 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; [9] There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (KJV) . . . Do you see how Joseph is serving God in all of this? When he went down to Egypt, it was a land filled with idolatry just like Babylon was. In that land of idolatry, Joseph kept a testimony for the living and true God and a high moral standard. When this woman enticed him, he said, “My master has turned over everything to me but you . . . you are his wife.” Joseph had a high viewpoint of marriage. Joseph is true to God and to his master. What a high opinion he has toward God! But, what happens?

Gen. 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. (KJV) . . . This woman did not tempt Joseph just one time, but again and again. She continually tempted him, but he did NOT yield. Can you imagine the boiling resentment against Joseph that begins to well up in her? The old cliché says: “Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned.” She is not going to take Joseph’s rejection lightly. Revenge is soon to come!      

Gen. 39:11-14 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. [12] And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. [13] And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, [14]  That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: (KJV)  . . . Potiphar’s wife speaks in a humiliating way of her husband. She says that he (Potiphar) brought in a Hebrew to mock them. It seems that the wife may have been guilty of unfaithfulness before.        

Gen. 39:15-16 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. [16] And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. (KJV) . . . Joseph avoided Potiphar’s wife as much as he could. He refused all her advances and finally ran from her. Sometimes just avoiding temptation is NOT enough. We must turn around and RUN, hard and fast as Joseph did, especially when temptations are strong, as is often the case in sexual temptations.

So here is this teen age boy, alone in Egypt, being framed in an utterly nasty way. She cries out to the other men of the house with this ridiculous charge against Joseph. Her husband was away from home; so she has time to concoct this crazy story tell him when he comes back.
         
Gen. 39:17-18 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: [18] And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. (KJV) . . . Joseph’s master’s wife, tried in vain to make him yield to her advances. She now will get revenge. Some times the best of men are falsely accused of the worst of crimes, by those who themselves are the worst of criminals. In the Day of Judgment, which is coming, everyone shall be seen as they truly are. Nothing will be hid, all secrets will be revealed (Rom.2:16).          

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 3
Joseph in Prison
         

Gen.39: 19-20 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. [20] And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. (KJV) . . . Potiphar must have believed the story. Through all this tribulation, God will open the door to Joseph’s honor. Joseph was loved and will be righted by the true and living God.
         
Gen. 39:21-23 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. [22] And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. [23] The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper. (KJV) . . . Joseph was away from all his friends and relatives; he had no one to help or comfort him; but the Lord was with Joseph there in the prison too, and showed him mercy. God granted Joseph favor with the chief jailer and before long, Joseph was in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. God really does work in mysterious ways! Joseph took care of everything. But, even with Joseph’s elevated position, he is still a slave. The Lord was with Joseph, in all that he did, no matter where he was. Let us not forget this. God NEVER, ever, leaves or forsakes His children (Heb.13:5), no matter how great our problem or pain! A good man will do good wherever he is, because he is blessed by God, even though we be in bonds or banished. God always has His children’s good in mind (Rom.8:28).
         
God’s Hand is clearly in Joseph’s life, even with the terrible things that happened to him. God is with him and is leading him. All of these experiences are moving toward the fulfillment of God’s purpose in Joseph’s life. I am sure that Joseph knew this, and it gave him an attitude of peace and hope. He didn’t let the circumstances get him down. Too often we let circumstances get on top of us! Discouragement, disappointment and depression are some of the best weapons Satan has. The story of Joseph tells us that not everyone can be bought! Satan says that every one has his price, but my friend, there are some people Satan could not and cannot buy. Joseph was one of these. Job was another, and the apostle Paul was another. It is God’s will that Joseph be in prison. It will all work out for the best!
         
As a prisoner and slave, Joseph could have seen his situation as totally hopeless. Instead, he did his best with each small job given him. His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed by the chief jailer, who promoted him to prison administrator. Are you facing a seemingly hopeless predicament? At work, at home, or at school . . . follow Joseph’s example by taking each small job and doing your best. Remember how God turned Joseph’s seemingly hopeless situation around. If you trust God, and stand firm in your faith, He will see your efforts and He can reverse even devastating odds. 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 4
Joseph Interprets Dreams         

Gen. 40:1-3 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. [2] And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. [3] And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. (KJV) . . . The cupbearer and the baker were two of the most trusted men in Pharaoh’s kingdom. The baker was in charge of making the Pharaoh’s food, and the cupbearer tasted all of his food and drink before giving it to him, in case any of it was contaminated or poisoned. This reveals to us the dictatorial position and policy that the pharaohs of Egypt had. We are not told what butler and the baker did, but Pharaoh put them into prison. What is important is that they both are put in prison where Joseph is. Joseph holds a good job, even there in the prison. Everywhere he went, his ability was recognized. “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men” (Pro.18:16). This was true for Joseph. God is moving in his life with a definite purpose.

Gen. 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. (KJV) . . . Joseph was acquainted with them because he had charge of them. It was his business to take care of them while they were in prison.

Gen. 40:5-6 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. [6] And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. (KJV) . . . The butler and baker both had dreams, and the dreams made them sad. Joseph had compassion towards them. Often it is a relief to those that are in trouble, just to be noticed. We should be concerned about those around us, as Joseph was.
         
Gen. 40:7-8 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? [8] And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. (KJV) . . . Joseph gives God all the glory in this. Later on we will find another young Hebrew in a foreign court who will do the same thing . . . Daniel also gave God the glory. I wish Christians today would do this. Anything you or I do for the Lord should be done to the praise of God, NOT self. Make sure that God gets the glory for everything! I think if we gave God the glory we would be blessed in so many more ways. 
         
Gen. 40:9-13 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; [10] And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: [11] And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. [12] And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: [13] Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. (KJV) . . . God does NOT change. His character is always the same! But, He does at times change His ways of doing things. In the Old Testament, He often used dreams. Dreams from God are not common place today, but back then, God did speak in dreams, using symbols that they understood. A butler would understand about serving wine, for that was what he did for Pharaoh. Later King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of an image. He certainly knew about images and idols, so he could understand very well. Joseph was able to interpret the dream and promised the butler that he would be restored in three days.
         
Gen. 40:14-15 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: [15] For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. (KJV) . . . Joseph asks the butler to remember him when he got out of prison, and help him to get out of prison. Joseph goes on to say that he was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and that he did nothing to deserve being put in prison. The butler most likely promised Joseph that he would speak to Pharaoh in his behalf.

Gen. 40:16-17 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: [17] And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. (KJV) . . . When the baker saw that the interpretation of the butler’s dream was favorable, he told Joseph that he had a dream too. He was carrying three baskets on his head. In the top basket there were all kinds of goodies for the king, and the birds were eating them.
         
Gen. 40:18-19 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: [19] Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. (KJV) . . . Considering the character of Joseph, I am sure that the interpretation of this dream saddened him. He told the baker that the three baskets were three days. The language that Joseph describes specifically describes one form of capital punishment that took place in Egypt at that time; where the criminal was beheaded and then his headless body hung on a tree by the highway till it was finally devoured by hungry birds.

FULFILLMENT OF THE DREAMS.

Gen. 40:20-23 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. [21] And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: [22] But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. [23] Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. (KJV) . . . There are only two birthdays mentioned in the Bible, and BOTH are associated with murder. The other one is Herod’s (Mat.14:6; Mark 6:21). Jesus’ “birthday” is NOT ever mentioned, just His death! 
         
Joseph’s imprisonment seems hopeless now. The butler forgot all about him! Joseph is not only a slave, but one who has been falsely accused. The butler was so happy to get back to his job, he forgot all about Joseph. But, God has a purpose in ALL that He does! When Pharaoh has his dream, there will be no difficulty in finding Joseph.
         
In spite of all that happened, Joseph believed that God was moving in his life, and the fruits of faith were plain. Joseph was faithful to Potiphar. He was faithful to the keeper of the prison. He was faithful to God, always giving Him the glory. He will be faithful to Pharaoh, and he will be faithful to his own brothers. Joseph’s faith made him faithful. If you are truly a believer, you will be faithful to God. It was faith that made Joseph kind and compassionate. He was to the butler and the baker, and later on he will be kind to his brothers. Faith made Joseph humble. He gave God the glory for all he accomplished. What a godly person he was! He believed God. He believed God as Abraham did (Rom.4:3; Gal.3:6).

I believe that God gave us the story of Joseph for a reason! He wants you to know that He cares for you and that He is moving in your life. IF you are His child, He allows things to happen to you for your own good. When He corrects us, it is always for our good. God is good!

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 5
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
         

This chapter is so different from the previous one. We left Joseph in jail, forgotten, forlorn, and forsaken. Through all that happened, God’s watchful eye never left Joseph. If we could just look at things like Joseph did, we would have a different outlook on life! Joseph was conscious of God’s care even during the days of trouble. This created in him many virtues which are the fruits of the Spirit. One of which was patience (Rom.5:3).

THE DREAMS OF PHARAOH
         
Pharaoh’s butler and baker were put in the same prison where Joseph was. Joseph interpreted their dreams correctly. The butler was restored to his position, and the baker was killed. Now God gives Pharaoh a dream.
         
Gen. 41:1-4 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. [2] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. [3] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. [4] And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. (KJV) . . . It is not certain if the two years means the beginning of Joseph’s imprisonment, or from the from the time the butler and baker left. Pharaoh had two dreams in one night; both similar yet distinct, that they were vividly impressed on his memory, for his spirit was troubled. Pharaoh sees seven cows, fat and sleek, come up out of the river and eat the grass. Then he sees seven other cows come up that were pathetically thin. The skinny cows gobbled up the fat cows. Then the king woke up.
         
Gen. 41:5-8 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. [6] And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. [7] And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. [8] And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. (KJV) . . . He fell asleep again and had a second dream. Seven good, healthy heads of grain grew on one stalk. Seven other heads of grain, thin and spindly, sprouted up and ate the seven good, healthy heads. Then Pharaoh woke up. In the morning he was so upset that he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could tell him what they meant.
         
As the magicians and wise men were called in and Pharaoh was telling them his dream, the butler listened. When none of the wise men could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, the butler finally remembers Joseph.
         
Gen. 41:9-13 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: [10] Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker: [11] And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. [12] And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. [13] And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. (KJV) . . . The butler tells Pharaoh about his experience while he was in prison, how both he and the baker had had dreams and that Joseph had interpreted them correctly.
         
Gen. 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. (KJV) Our most important opportunities may come when we least expect them. Joseph was hurriedly brought from the dungeon and before Pharaoh. He had no warning that he would be yanked from prison and questioned by the king. But, Joseph was ready because he had a right relationship with God. It was not Joseph’s knowledge of dreams that helped him interpret their meaning. It was his knowledge of God. The more you know about God, the more you will be ready for unexpected opportunities!
         
Joseph shaved himself. Hebrews did not shave in that day, but the statues and paintings of the Egyptians show a clean-shaven people. Could there be a message in this for us today? Joseph is brought up out of the prison. He shaves, and changes his prison clothes for proper clothing to come before the king. This is a new life that is before him. It’s like a resurrection; he is raised up. Now he goes to the Gentiles. This is like a wonderful picture of Christ!

Gen. 41:15-16 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. [16] And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. (KJV) . . . Again, Joseph gives God the glory! From Joseph’s viewpoint, God must receive the glory . . . for ALL things! Far too many professing children of God do not do this! God needs to get the glory for all of our accomplishments, for without Him, we are nothing!  If what we do is a blessing, it is because God is doing it through us. Joseph was well aware of this! He says, “It is not in me . . . I can’t interpret it . . . but God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Pharaoh tells the dreams to Joseph.
         
Gen. 41:25-36 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. [26] The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. [27] And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. [28] This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. [29] Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: [30] And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; [31] And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. [32] And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. [33] Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. [34] Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. [35] And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. [36] And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. (KJV) . . . Joseph tells the king that the dreams are one, for both speak of the same thing. And because it was repeated, given to Pharaoh twice, makes it very important. The reason for the dream is that God is letting Pharaoh know what He is about to do. Joseph gives the interpretation. The seven fat cows are seven plentiful years; and the seven good ears of grain are seven abundant years. Both dreams have the same meaning.
         
The seven skinny cows that came up and ate the fat cows are seven years; and the seven scrawny ears blasted with the east wind are seven years of famine. This is a prediction (prophecy). There will be seven years of plenty, then seven years of famine. The dream was given to Pharaoh twice because that which is to come is set up by God, and it will soon take place. The famine had been determined by God; it would definitely happen just as God intended it to happen, and He wants Pharaoh to know about it so that he could take measures to insure the well-being of the people during the famine which would come.

THE ADVICE OF JOSEPH TAKEN BY PHARAOH

Gen. 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. (KJV) . . . Pharaoh was obviously satisfied with the interpretation of the dreams. Joseph goes on to offer advice on the coming years. He told Pharaoh to appoint officials and store a fifth of the crops during the 7 years of plenty, to collect all the food during the good years that are coming, and store the grain in the cities and guard it for use in the 7 years of famine. If Pharaoh would do this, the people of Egypt would not starve during the prolonged famine.
         
Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh, because the advice came from God. Any warnings to us should be followed by good counsel, and the best counsel we can get comes directly from God. God has in His Word told us we shall have trials, but He also tells us the grace we need to get through those trials, are available to us (John 14:16; 2 Cor.4:15; 9:8; 12:9; Eph.1:6-7; 2:5,8; Tit.3:7; Heb.13:5). We, like Joseph, cannot do it alone . . . but with His help, we can do all things! (Phil.4:13). Let us all truly consider the humble, godly, obedient life of Joseph. 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 6
Joseph made ruler of Egypt

Gen. 41:38-41 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? [39] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: [40] Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. [41] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. (KJV) . . . This is like a “fairy tale.” Joseph had been in prison on false charges; forgotten, forsaken, forlorn. But because no one else could interpret the dream of Pharaoh, he now is in charge of all Egypt! WOW! Remember, God is leading him in all of this.
         
God has warned that there will be seven years of famine which will affect Egypt. Pharaoh listens to the Hebrew boy, and what he says makes sense. Pharaoh is told what shall happen for the next 14 years. Who could take over better than Joseph? Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was a man of ability. We can see how God had been training him in the home of Potiphar. He had been in charge of everything in Potiphar’s home. Now he is promoted! He shall have charge of everything in the entire land of Egypt. What a tremendous transition in his life. He went from the jail to the throne next to Pharaoh. Again, WOW! 
         
Gen. 41:42-43 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; [43] And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. (KJV) . . . The ring was a special ring. It had a stamp (signet) on it, and when the ring was put down in wax, it was just the same as Pharaoh’s signature. Pharaoh made Joseph his trusted agent. He has the right to use the king’s signature. The king also gave Joseph his second royal chariot to ride in, and his honor guard went ahead of him making way for Joseph. Joseph was appointed ruler over all of Egypt.

Gen. 41:44-46 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. [45] And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. [46] And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. (KJV) . . . Joseph’s new name, Zaphnath-paaneah means “the revealer of secret things.” Joseph is now 30 years old. He has been in exile for 13 years. He worked for Potiphar possibly 10 years, the rest was spent in prison. Now, at 30, he takes on a new job. Jesus was about 30 when He started His ministry (Like 3:23).
         
Why did Pharaoh accept Joseph so willingly? I believe the answer is, it was all in God’s Hands! All the way, the Hand of God was leading Joseph.

Faithfulness was certainly a characteristic of Joseph. He had complete confidence that God was moving in his life, and that produced in him a faithfulness to whomever he was attached. He was faithful to his job and master, because he knew that God was in it.
         
Joseph’s getting a Gentile bride gives us another parallel with the life of our Lord Jesus. Joseph had a Gentile bride, and the Lord Jesus Christ is presently calling out of this world a Gentile bride (the church). I have already mentioned both were 30 years old when they started their jobs. 

Gen. 41:47-49 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. [48] And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. [49] And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. (KJV) . . . This gives us an idea of the lush and fertile land, which produced super abundant crops during the 7 good years. Sufficient corn, as the sand of the sea, was stored away for the survival of Egypt’s population during the 7 years of famine. Joseph is doing a very practical thing. He is laying up surplus food in all the cities.
         
Gen. 41:50-52 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him. [51] And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. [52] And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. (KJV) . . . These verses are a pause, for a family note. His sons were born before the famine. Joseph called his first son Manasseh, because it means that God made Joseph “forget.” He was so busy with the huge job assigned to him,  that he forgot about his father’s house. He had been homesick, but not anymore.
         
From the time that Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothing (Gen.41:14), he dressed like an Egyptian; talked like an Egyptian; and lived like an Egyptian, for God had made him forget.
         
Joseph’s second son, he names Ephraim, meaning fruitful. Joseph again is giving God the glory, by what he named his sons; for God had made him forget his father’s house and had made him fruitful in the land of Egypt.
         
Gen. 41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. (KJV) . . . Joseph is now 37 years old. The 7 bountiful years are over now. The famine will now begin.
         

Gen. 41:54-55 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. [55] And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. (KJV) . . . Here is yet another parallel. Christ Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Jesus WAS the Bread;

Joseph HAD the bread. When the people cried to Pharaoh, he told them to go see Joseph, and do as he tells them to do.
         
Gen. 41:56-57 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. [57] And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands. (KJV) . . . This famine was everywhere, not only in Egypt. Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold food to Egyptians. Too, all surrounding countries came to Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because the famine was severe in all lands. All lands probably means all the lands adjacent to Egypt: Canaan, Syria and Arabia, but this famine reached as far as Hebron, south of Jerusalem, where Joseph’s father lived, which was about 300 miles away.
         
As thoughtless and careless as people usually are in the time of prosperity, the nations found themselves in desperate want, and would have starved by thousands if Joseph had not foreseen and provided for the prolonged calamity. I feel sure that Joseph never took credit (glory) for anything he ever did. Even in this heathen land with idols everywhere, idols to everything, Joseph stood fast in his commitment to his God.
         
We, in the USA, were once a godly nation. That has ceased to be. With so many abominations being accepted (gays, live-ins, etc.), even by “professing” Christians, it is clear that the majority of Americans no longer fear (reverence, respect) God, and most have never even made a commitment to God. If we do not trust and obey our Lord, (John 14:15-16), we do not have the Holy Spirit abiding within us (Rom.8:9), and we are in big trouble with the true Creator God! 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 7
Joseph’s Ten Brothers Come to Egypt
         

Gen. 42:1-2 Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? [2] And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. (KJV) . . . We shall see some dramatic events in the life of Joseph now begin to unfold. God used Joseph to preserve the Jewish race during the famine and took Jacob and his sons to Egypt. It will all come out in clear detail. When Joseph was back in that prison, he could not see any of this. But he believed God. Because of his faith, he was always optimistic. It doesn’t take much rain or dark clouds to make people less optimistic than they should be.

Gen. 42:3 And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. (KJV) . . . Joseph is in a unique position. The famine is everywhere, and all the people are coming to Egypt to get food. So, guess who’s coming for dinner! The famine forces Jacob to send his 10 sons to Egypt to buy food. Why only ten?       
         
Gen. 42:4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. (KJV) . . . Why didn’t Jacob send Benjamin? Benjamin was special, and it would have killed Jacob if he would have lost him. Jacob thought Benjamin was the only surviving son of his beloved wife, Rachel, and he was a full brother to Joseph, and a child of Jacob’s old age. 

Gen. 42:5 And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan. (KJV) . . . The sons of Jacob came with others to buy food, for the famine was in Canaan.
         
Gen. 42:6 And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. (KJV) . . . Do you think Joseph was expecting his brothers to come? The Bible does not say. But, when they came, they all bowed down before him, just as Joseph’s dreams had indicated.
I often wonder how Joseph felt. Do you think that he gloated? Do you think he said to himself . . . see, I told you! I do not think so. I believe that he was glad to see them.
This was the literal fulfillment of the dreams of Joseph. Joseph was the high-ranking ruler, in the peak of his power and influence. He directed all the sales of grain.

Gen. 42:7-8 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. [8] And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. (KJV) . . . Why did Joseph treat them roughly? He is testing them. He is going to ask them some piercing questions. And, maybe if he didn’t speak harshly, he may have broken down and cried, for I feel he was a very compassionate man.
         
Joseph knew his brothers, but they did not know him. WHY?

(1.) They thought he was dead. They never expected to see him again. (2.) It had been many years since they had sold the Jewish boy. Now Joseph was a man, dressed and talking like an Egyptian ruler. (3.) There were 10 of them for Joseph to judge by, they had only one strange face before them.

Gen. 42:9-11 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. [10] And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. [11] We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies. (KJV) . . . Joseph now calls them spies, who had come to check out Egypt’s weakness. The brothers denied the charge, saying they had come only to buy food, said they were honest men.
         
Gen. 42:12-13 And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. [13] And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not. (KJV) . . . Joseph continues to accuse them of being spies. He is trying to get as much information as he can about his family without letting them know who he is.
         
There are only 10 men before him, but they say that they are really twelve; that one is home with their father, and the other “is not” (is dead), is what they think. In other words, they considered that Joseph was dead.
         
Gen. 42:14-16 And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: [15] Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither. [16] Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. (KJV) . . . Now for the third time Joseph accuses them of being spies. Joseph is trying to make contact with Benjamin. These 10 men are really his half-brothers, but Benjamin is his full brother, and Joseph wants to see him. By keeping 9 in prison, one could go and get Benjamin.
         
Consider that many years have gone by. Joseph was 17 when they sold him, and now he is 37 years old, plus however many years the famine has been going on. Let’s say it was one year; so it’s been 21 years since they had seen Joseph. He’s almost 40, he is dressed like an Egyptian, he speaks and acts like an Egyptian.
         
Gen. 42:17 And he put them all together into ward three days. (KJV) . . . Joseph locks all up of them. Things look bad. They wonder what will happen.
         
Gen. 42:18-20 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: [19] If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: [20] But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. (KJV) . . . Joseph said: “I fear God.” Joseph never misses an opportunity to give a testimony for God. How about us??? Certainly he gives one here. He always gives God the glory as the One who directs his life. The statement that he fears God should have encouraged the brothers to believe that they would be treated justly at his hand. The men are being dealt with by one who fears God, but they are afraid! They don’t know what he will do. Joseph makes the excuse of testing them to see if they are honest, but what he really wants, is to see Benjamin.
         
Gen. 42:21 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. (KJV) . . . This is quite interesting. The brothers are speaking in Hebrew, but Joseph can understand. Joseph had been speaking to them through an interpreter. He didn’t need to, but he did because he is posing as an Egyptian. They are making a real confession of their guilt.

Gen. 42:22 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. (KJV) . . . Reuben said, “I told you not to hurt the boy, but you wouldn't listen. Now we are being paid back for his death.” They feel that the vengeance of God is upon them for the way they treated Joseph.
         
SIMEON LEFT AS HOSTAGE

Gen. 42:23-24 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. (KJV) . . . Joseph hears it all, and he has compassion. He would love to walk up to them, throw his arms around each of them, and call them “brother.” But he wants to get Benjamin there. Now, a real test. They must leave one of the brothers. It is Simeon who will stay. Maybe while Joseph was gone out of the room, his brothers chose Simeon, and Joseph agreed.
 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 8
Nine Brothers Return Home to Jacob          

Gen. 42:25-26 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them. [26] And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. (KJV) . . . Joseph couldn’t take their money. He not only gave them back their payment for the grain, but he gave them food for the trip home. The nine brothers loaded up the donkeys and started home.
         
Gen. 42:27-28 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. [28] And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us? (KJV) . . . One of them opened his sack to give his donkey food, and he saw his money, there on top of the sack. Now, more than ever, they feel that this is judgment from God. They already feel that they are in hot water with this powerful ruler in Egypt who has made it so difficult for them. This just adds fuel to the fire.     
         
Why didn’t they go back to Egypt immediately? What would you have done? Maybe they thought they would really be in bigger trouble if went back. He would accuse them of stealing the money. So, they went home, and would take the money back later.    

Gen. 42:29-34 And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that  befell unto them; saying, [30] The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. [31] And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: [32] We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. [33] And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone: [34] And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land. (KJV) . . . The nine brothers reported everything to Jacob. It troubled him, and the returned money scared him.
         
Gen. 42:35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. (KJV) . . . Jacob blamed his sons, thinking they had angered the Egyptian ruler, and had wrongfully brought home the money. 
         
Gen. 42:36 And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. (KJV) . . . Jacob gave up Joseph as gone, Simeon now was gone, and Benjamin is in danger. He concludes that all things were against him. Did you ever feel that way?

Gen. 42:37-38 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again. [38] And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. (KJV) . . . Poor Jacob! He’s not cocky any more, and his faith seems to be shrinking. No bragging now, just pessimistic. “All these things are against me” he said. Joseph would not say that, but Jacob says it. Joseph would have faith in God and said: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6).
         
Reuben told his father, “Slay my two sons, if I don’t bring Benjamin back.” But Jacob absolutely refused to send Benjamin. His life would be finished if he lost Benjamin. Jacob leans on him.
         
Because the famine was so severe, Jacob’s sons are forced to return to Egypt with Benjamin. Jacob had to allow Benjamin to go, or they would all starve. They returned again to Egypt where they would have another meeting with Joseph and present Benjamin to him. Joseph still will not make himself known unto them at this time.
         
Chapter 43 is one of the most dramatic chapters in the Book of Genesis. The appearance of Benjamin before Joseph is quite emotional. The seriousness of the famine is what brings them back down to Egypt again. If the famine had ended, maybe Simeon would have spent the rest of his life in jail. 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 9
TEN Brothers Return Again to Egypt
         

Gen. 43:1-2 And the famine was sore in the land. [2] And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. (KJV) . . . Jacob knew they would starve to death if they didn’t go down to Egypt again.
         
Gen. 43:3-5 And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. [4] If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: [5] But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. (KJV) . . . “The man” is their brother Joseph, but they do not know it. Joseph had told them to bring Benjamin . . . or else! They knew he meant it. Judah tells Jacob “If we go there, we must have Benjamin with us. You wouldn’t send him before, but there is no use going if he is not with us this time because the man won’t see us.”
         
Gen. 43:6-7 And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? [7] And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? (KJV) . . . Jacob is really upset. “Why did you tell that man that you had another brother?” He
Does not know that Joseph knew it anyway. But Jacob sure wishes his sons had kept their mouths shut. They told Israel (Jacob) that they did not intend to tell “the man” everything but that he kept on with questions.        

Gen. 43:8-9 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. [9] I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever: (KJV) . . . Judah comes forward as a surety (security, insurance) for Benjamin.

We have a Surety today, and He too came from the tribe of Judah. The Lord Jesus became my Shepherd, took my place and paid my penalty. I wasn’t able to meet God’s standard. I was not able to come up to His level. So the Lord Jesus stepped in and became my Surety and gave His life for me. What a picture of Christ we have here!
         
Gen. 43:10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. (KJV) . . . Judah said, “If you had let Benjamin go, we would have been there and back home by this time.”
         
Gen. 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: (KJV) . . . You see here that what they lacked was grain. They needed bread, the staff of life. Clearly they had honey, nuts and spices. So Jacob says they should send the man a gift, to try to get on the good side of him.
         
Gen. 43:12-14 And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: [13] Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: [14] And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. (KJV) . . . Jacob gives up the fight and lets Benjamin go with his older brothers. Jacob told them to take extra money so they could pay for what they had received, as well as for more grain. Jacob did not try to get away with anything. He was a man of integrity who paid for what he bought. We should follow his example and guard our integrity. A reputation for honesty is worth far more than the money we might save by compromising it.

Gen. 43:15 And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. (KJV) . . . What a moment this must have been! Can you imagine Joseph’s emotion when he laid his eyes on Benjamin?

THE BROTHERS ENTERTAINED IN JOSEPH’S HOME
         
Gen. 43:16-17 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. [17] And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. (KJV) . . . Joseph wants to see them in the privacy of his own home.
         
Gen. 43:18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they
said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. (KJV) . . . Joseph’s brothers are really scared now. They can’t see him inviting them to his home for any good purpose. He had dealt so harshly with them before; now he’s inviting them to lunch! Very unusual! This would be like being invited to the White House for dinner! You would think it was an exceptional privilege. But, these men were to say the least, very uncomfortable! No joy at all. Guilt complex. They feel guilty about everything that happens because they are the ones who sold their brother. Guilt always changes joy into misery. Why is this happening?
         
Gen. 43:19-22 And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, [20] And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food: [21] And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. [22] And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks. (KJV) . . . They apologize, try to explain, plead; appealing to the man who brings them to Joseph’s home, who clearly was an official.
         
Gen. 43:23 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 Simon out unto them. (KJV) . . . Evidently, this man, through the witness of Joseph, had come to know the living and true God. Joseph had at least in part let him know what was taking place, for he said: “I had your money.” This probably scared the brothers all the more. Then he brings in Simeon to them.
         
Gen. 43:24 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. (KJV) . . . Footwashing was the custom of that day. It was the sign of a good host.
         
Gen. 43:25-26 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. (KJV) . . . Again, they bow down to Joseph. Again the boyhood dreams of Joseph are being fulfilled.

Gen. 43:27 And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? (KJV) . . . Another  dramatic moment! Joseph asks, “Is your father well?”        

Gen. 43:28 And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance. (KJV) . . . All 11 of them fall down on their faces again.
         
Gen. 43:29 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. (KJV) . . . This was his dear mother’s other son! 

Gen. 43:30 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. (KJV) . . . There is no way can Joseph control his emotions in this dramatic moment! He left the room as quickly as he could, to weep in private.
         
Gen. 43:31 And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. (KJV) . . . This is a wonderful picture of something that is yet to be fulfilled. Zechariah tells us that Jesus Christ is going to make Himself known unto His brethren one day. They will recognize Him, and they will weep. Christ is the One who has provided salvation for them. Christ is the One who gave His life for their redemption. This is going to take place at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. There will be a remnant there who will know Him. Most of His brethren (Jews) did not believe on Him when He came the first time, but at that time they shall know Him.
So too, the brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. They sold him, got rid of him just like the Jews delivered Jesus to be crucified. Beware of anti-Semitism. Regardless of how blind the nation of Israel is or what they do, they are still the brethren of our Lord. It’s a family affair. Do NOT mess with His family! No TRUE Christian can hate Jews.
         
Gen. 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians. (KJV) . . . Joseph was served at one table and his brothers at another. Egyptians did not eat with Hebrews.
         
Gen. 43:33 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. (KJV) . . . Joseph arranged where they sat. He put Reuben in his proper place, he put Benjamin in his proper place; all the brothers were in order, according to their ages. They looked at each other and wondered how he knew their ages.

Gen. 43:34 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. (KJV) . . . Notice what else Joseph does. He served their plates. Messes means portions. Joseph could not refrain from showing his affection for his own brother Benjamin. He gave him 5 times as much as the others. It was a great meal. And what a wonderful day it will be when Joseph finally reveals himself to his brethren.

Genesis Chapter 44
         
Chapter 44 keeps on with the drama. Joseph is not yet finished with all the tests on his brothers.
He will test his brothers as to their relationship and their affection to Benjamin and their father Jacob.        

Remember, they sold Joseph into slavery, with no remorse. Have they changed? Will they be willing to let Benjamin go into slavery to save themselves? Joseph needs to satisfy his mind in this matter before he tells them who he really is. The test he uses would give him absolute proof that his brothers would not repeat what they had done to him all those years ago.
         
Judah acts as spokesman, bringing us a wonderful picture. He is willing to take the place of Benjamin, and his powerful defense of Benjamin is one of the most moving Passages in the Bible.

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 10
Joseph Sends His Brothers Home

Gen. 44:1-5 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. [2] And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. [3] As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. [4] And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? [5] Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. (KJV) . . . The brothers start home. They have no idea that the cup is in Benjamin’s sack. Joseph’s steward comes after them with an army. They are accused of taking Joseph’s cup. The steward says that Joseph uses this cup for divining. Divination was one of the common superstitions of ancient Egypt, as it is of Eastern countries still. It’s not likely that Joseph, a pious believer in the true God, would have done this superstitious practice (Deut.18:10). But he might have said that to carry out the last decisive test of his brothers.
         
Gen. 44:6-7 And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words. [7] And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: (KJV) . . . All the brothers claimed they were innocent.
         
Gen. 44:8-9 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? [9] With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. (KJV) . . . They were so sure that none of them had the cup.
         
Gen. 44:10-12 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. [11] Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. [12] And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. (KJV) . . . They found the cup in Benjamin’s sack, where the steward had put it.  
         
Gen. 44:13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city. (KJV) . . . They tore their clothes as a sign of extreme grief. They all turned around to go back. They are not going home without Benjamin.      
         
Gen. 44:14-15 And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. [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? (KJV) . . . Again, they all fall on the ground before Joseph. This time it is in complete agony.
         
Gen. 44:16-17 And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. [17] And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. (KJV) . . . Joseph wants to test them now in their love for their brother. He says that Benjamin is the guilty one; so it is Benjamin who must stay. They had sold Joseph into slavery; now Joseph says, “Leave Benjamin here, he can be my slave. He is the guilty one. The rest of you can go home.”
         
Gen. 44:18 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. (KJV) . . . Judah now speaks!
         
Gen. 44:19-29 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? [20] And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. [21] And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. [22] And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die. [23] And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. [24] And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. [25] And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. [26] And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. [27] And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: [28] And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: [29] And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. (KJV) . . . Judah reports all that happened and tells the feelings of their father. Joseph now sees that his father had been deceived. Now he knows exactly what the brothers told their father had happened to him so long ago. They had said before that he “was not,” meaning that he was dead. Jacob is growing in grace, but he hasn’t gotten there yet. Instead of trusting the Lord, he leans on Benjamin. If anything would have happened to Benjamin, it would have killed him. We must have faith in God!

Gen. 44:30-31 Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life; [31] It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. (KJV) . . . Judah is concerned for Jacob.  
         
Gen. 44:32-34 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. [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. (KJV) . . . Joseph’s brothers pass the test. Rather than see Benjamin a slave, they will take his place.

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 11
Joseph Reveals His Identity
         

Gen. 45:1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. (KJV) . . . Joseph cleared the room, except for his brothers.
         
Gen. 45:2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. (KJV) . . .  
This time Joseph could not get out of the room. Even in Pharaoh’s house they can hear the sobbing. They can’t understand what is happening over at Joseph’s house. No one knows why Joseph is weeping. Now there is no more reason now for Joseph to conceal his identity from them. They all passed his tests. Christ too will one day make Himself known to His brethren. And “in that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zech. 13:1). The event of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers gives us a little clue of how wonderful that day of Christ’s revelation will be.
         
Gen. 45:3 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. (KJV) . . . Troubled is really not strong enough. The brothers were terrified! They were afraid before, now they are terrified. It’s almost 25 years since they had sold him to the Ishmaelites, and they are sure he will get revenge.
         
Gen. 45:4 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. (KJV) . . . I wonder how the brothers felt. The normal reaction of most people would be anger, revenge; but not Joseph! Why no revenge??? Joseph’s faith.
         
Gen. 45:5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. (KJV) . . . Joseph could see that in all that happened, God was in charge. God had allowed it all for a purpose. God was moving in his life.
         
Gen. 45:6-8 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. [7] And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. [8] So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. (KJV) . . . Joseph again gives all glory to God. He was 17 when he came to Egypt; 30 when he stood before Pharaoh. There were 7 years of plenty; 2 years of famine are passed. He is now 39, and has lived in Egypt for 22 years. He knows God is with him.
         
Gen. 45:9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: (KJV) . . . Joseph said: Hurry home, tell my father that his son, Joseph is alive and well. 

The Story of Joseph
Chapter 12
Joseph Invites His Family to Egypt
         

Jacob and his family would not have survived if had they stayed in the land of Canaan at that time. They (Israel) would have perished. Joseph tells them to come to the land of Goshen. It is there that God will make them a nation.
         
Gen. 45:17-19 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan; [18] And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. [19] Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. (KJV) . . . Can you see God working here?? Pharaoh told Joseph to give his family the best part of Egypt (the land of Goshen). He tells Joseph to send wagons to bring back the families. Those in Canaan were not using wagons yet. Egypt was more advanced.
         
Gen. 45:20-26 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. [21] And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. [22] To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. [23] And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. [24] So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. [25] And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, [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. (KJV) . . . Pharaoh himself invited Jacob and all his family to migrate to Egypt. The changes of clothing was customary for great men to give their friends. The great number given to Benjamin spoke of Joseph’s love for him. Joseph sent supplies of everything that would help support and comfort his father. Joseph sent his brothers away with cautions of a safe trip. When the brothers got home, Jacob could not believe all they told him.
         
Gen. 45:27-28 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. (KJV) . . . They finally convinced Jacob it was all true. All Jacob could think about was that he would see his son, Joseph before he died. The hope of seeing Joseph surely inspired Jacob to make the move to Egypt. Jacob may have thought he was going to Egypt for a short visit. God told Abraham to stay out of Egypt. He had been in trouble there. God told Isaac the same thing. Should Jacob go to Egypt? He needs more encouragement than just the invitations from Joseph and Pharaoh. He wants a green light from God. He wants to know it’s God’s will.
         
Gen. 46:1-4 And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. [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. (KJV) . . . God gave Jacob an OK to go to Egypt.
         
Gen. 46:5-7 And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. [6] And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: [7] His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt. Gen.46:27 And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten. (KJV) . . . The fulfilling of God’s Promises is always sure, but often slow. It’s been 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make him a great nation (Gen.12:2). Abraham’s seed had only increased to 70. This specific account is kept, to show God’s power, in making the 70 seventy into a great multitude. For specific numbers, see verses 8-26. Each son of Jacob and his offspring are listed by name. Why are these names given to us? There is nothing more important than our Lord Jesus Christ, and this genealogy leads to Him. Some of these names are found in Matthew ch.1, and some in Luke ch.3. 
         
Gen. 46:28-31 And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen. [29] And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. [30] And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. [31] And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; (KJV) . . . Jacob sent Judah to Joseph to find where to go. Joseph got in his chariot and went to see his father, Jacob. Can you imagine the happiness and joy of the delighted father and son? Joseph went personally to Pharaoh to tell him of his family’s arrival, out of respect. How many prayers of thanks and gratitude do you think went up to God from Joseph because of this reunion? I would think that prayers of gratefulness “crowded his mind” as one man recently put it.
         
How many Christians go through the week and leave God out of their schedules? They make their own decisions, do what they want, say what they want; then on Sunday, they go to church, and think that’s enough.  A dear lady once said: “You can’t go to church on Sunday and act like the devil the rest of the week.” If God is not in the picture for you 24/7, some thing is wrong! Consider the life of Joseph. His thoughts were always on the Lord! 

SALVATION         

Jesus said “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). What does it mean to be ‘born again’? When we are born of our mother (our physical birth), this is our ‘first birth’. Our second birth comes the moment we accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord (Jn.1:12-13). Jesus said you can’t even SEE Heaven without being ‘born again.’ Salvation (eternal life in Heaven) is readily available to all! It is NOT something you buy, or work for; it is a “Gift”! God made salvation (sternal life in Heaven) so simple that even a child could understand and accept it. God loves you. He does not want you to go to Hell, but if you refuse to accept the “Gift” of His Son, which is eternal life, you most certainly will end up there.
         
If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, the Bible states  that you are God’s enemy! But once you accept Jesus, you are reconciled to God, by His Son (Ro.5:9-10).
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [KJV] . . . ‘Justified’ = just as if you’d never sinned! You are declared ‘not guilty’ in the courts of Heaven! This can happen only through Jesus! God forgives all our sins the moment we turn to His Son to save us (from God’s wrath, and Hell). Only Jesus can justify you!
         
No one is righteous without Jesus (Rom.3:10).
We ALL are sinners, every last one of us (Rom.3:23).
         
If we ‘keep on’ in sin, we receive eternal death in an agonizing, everlasting Hell (Ro.6:23-a). If we accept Christ, we have eternal life (Ro.6:23-b) awaiting us in the beauty and bliss of Heaven, in a reserved mansion (1 Peter 1:4, John 14:2). Where will YOU spend eternity?

HEAVEN OR HELL??

Heaven will be clothed with beauty and light,
Hell is naked before Him; dark as the night.
Heaven is high with Him; Hell is deep below,
Which of these places my friend, will you go?

Heaven is for all who love and obey God,
Hell, for Satan, and all who with him do trod.
Just as Heaven shall greet each one who believes,
Hell with its kings and chief ones, rejecters receive.

Heav’n can be attained by the young, or old,
Just trust Christ to save you, and you’re in the fold.
But all who can’t believe the Words God does tell,
Follow that slippy dark way, and fall into Hell.

Not only the wicked ones to Hell will go,
‘Twill be many good, moral people, below.
A terrible pity, an eternal shame,
For those who refuse Christ, nor trust on His Name.

All God’s children will hear that Heavenly bell,
But all unbelievers, are turned into Hell.
Heav’n will be Home for those who trust and believe,
Hell is for rejecters; forever they’ll grieve.

It is easy your destination to change,
From Hell, to HEAVEN, do not think it so strange.
Believe what He says, just trust Jesus today,
Open your heart to Him, there’s no other way!

Only thru’ Jesus, there is NO other way,
To get to Heaven, on that fateful day.
No matter who you are, or where you are from,
God the Father, thru’ Jesus, will bid you “COME”.
********************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Nov.10, 1995 # 18
(Rev.21; 22:17; Job.26:2; Mt.8:12; 25:41; Is.66:1; 14:9;
Lu.15:10;16:22; Ac.4:12; Jn.3:15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 14:6)

HEAVEN, OUR ETERNAL HOME

In God’s house are many mansions, Christ said so,
He went to prepare a place, for us to go.
If we’re God’s children, by being ‘born again’,
One day He’ll call us Home, from our grief and pain.

A new Heaven and Earth will someday appear,
God’s wrath will end, and He will always be near.
The Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
God made for His children, ev’ry one of them.

There’ll be no more sorrow, no crying, no pain,
All tears are gone; and all reasons to complain.
God Himself shall dwell with us; His we will be,
Wondrous joy, peace and bliss, for eternity.

The City’s Light, as a gem precious and clear,
Will be Jesus, please do listen and do hear.
We’ll not need the sun’s rays, nor light of the moon,
For His Light is brilliant; and He shall come soon.

There’ll be no more night, no evil, and no wrong,
All shall glorify God, so supreme and strong.
Nothing that defiles; not one who makes a lie,
Will be able to enter in, or even to pry.

I pray you listen, if you’ve not believed God,
Don’t follow Satan, on that road that’s so broad.
You don’t want to go with him, of this I’m sure,
It’s a road to destruction, and has no cure.

Please trust and follow Jesus, He’ll lead you right,
Just He can take you to Heav’n, all pure and bright.
Open your heart’s door, He wants to come inside,
And with you, for eternity, He will abide.
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.27, 1995 # 6
(Jn.14:1-6; 1:12; 3:3-8,15;18; 2 P.3:10; 1 Jn.3:10;
MT.13:38; 8:44; Rev.3:20; ch.21; 22:14-15)

HEAVEN VERSES HELL

Heaven and Hell are REAL; they do exist,
Heaven for those, who Christ do not resist.
Hell was made, for the devil and his angels,
But if you follow him, there you’ll dwell.

Most folk don’t think about Hell deep below,
They don’t think that there they will ever go.
I ask that you think, about it today,
Just believe God, and you won’t go that way.

What’s the difference ‘tween Heav’n and Hell?
In God’s Word, He very plainly does tell.
In Heav’n living water; in Hell constant thirst,
The ‘Light’ of Christ, verses total darkness!

In Heav’n no more pain; in Hell agony,
Friendship in Heav’n, verses Hell’s enemies.
Love and joy of Heav’n, verses sadness and hate,
Twelve gates in Heav’n, verses Hell’s NO escape.

Comfort and contentment, of God’s bright Heav’n,
No rest, and resentment, what Hell is giv’n.
Blessings and peace, verses judgment and anger,
Constant fellowship, verses no one to care.

Blue skies and sweet fragrance of Heav’n so high,
Blackness and sulfur stench in Hell awry.
Green grass and flowers, verses dark deep pits,
No more tears in Heav’n; in Hell, screams won’t quit!

O’ dear friend, as you read these brutal words,
Please accept Christ; don’t reject or discard!
Only Christ can save you from deep dark Hell,
Only Christ gives Heav’n’s key, where you could dwell.
********************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Jan.18,1996 # 113
(Mt.3:12; 5:22; 8:12; 13:41-42; 22:13; 25:41,46; Mk.9:43-48;
Lu.16:22-24; 2 Thes.1:9; 2 P.2:4; 3:7; Jude 13; Mal.4:1; 1 P.1:4;
Rev.14:11; 20:15; 21:8; ch.21; 22:1-5,14-15)

Heav’n Vs Hell

God’s children shall live in Heav’n above,
In this great city, fill’d with God’s love.
The home of Satan’s children is Hell,
In misery for e’er, they shall dwell.

Heav’n shall be an awesome, dazzling sight,
For e’er glist’ning, in God’s glorious light.
Worse than the blackest night, Hell shall be,
Smoth’ring darkness, for eternity.

In Heav’n, the Presence of God is there,
You will feel His great love, ev’ry where.
In Hell, God will be nowhere around,
Just agonizing pain, shall abound.

No more crying in Heav’n, no more tears,
Just peace, joy, comfort, and no more fears.
In Hell, crying and tears shall ne’er cease,
Foreboding heartbreak, will not decrease.

In Heav’n, a river starts at God’s Throne,
Its beauty, shall be our very own.
Hell will have NO water, anywhere,
Distress and anguish, can’t be compar’d.

A tree of life, shall be by the street,
Its fruit to us, shall be a great treat.
In Hell, absolutely not one tree,
No nature’s beauty, no serenity.

In Heav’n, love, joy and tranquility,
Peace and contentment, eternally.
In Hell, suff’ring, that will never end,
And out of that pit, you’ll ne’er ascend.

In Heav’n there shall be twelve wondrous gates,
Each gate will be one pearl, e’er so great.
NO exit doors, anywhere in Hell,
This place where Satan and his children dwell.
***************************
His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.6, 2004 # 1031
Rev.21 & 22; Isa.33:14; Ps.9:17; Mat.5:39; 8:12; 10:28; 25:30,41,46;
Rev.20:10; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thes.1:8-9; 1 John 3:10.

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Books You Should Read

Blessings and Curses Prophesied

Christ in Psalms

Christ in the Old Testament

Comfort From God

???Does God Really Love Me???

God's Wrath

God Cannot Lie

God Controls His Creation

Heaven vs Hell

Humility

Joseph, the Story of

Messianic Prophecies

Olivet Discourse

Our Awesome Triune God

Privileges of Believers

Rapture, Second Coming

Second Coming, And Other End Time Events

Understanding What Jesus Said

Unfulfilled Prophecies

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