Tuesday, January 26, 1999

Genesis 37-39: Study Guide

Background

  • Review of Genesis 34-36: Jacob's sons Levi and Simeon pillaged the people of Shechem as revenge for the rape of their sister Dinah. Afterwards God commanded Jacob to build Him an altar at Bethel, and Jacob made preparations for this mission by making his household bury its foreign gods. At Bethel God promised to make Jacob's descendants into an organization of nations that would produce kings. Similarly, Esau's lineage also reportedly produced clans, chiefs and kings.
  • Setting for Genesis 37: Jacob was living in Canaan in the area where his father had sojourned (Genesis 37:1).

Study Preparations

  • Timer: Assign a timer who will focus the group on spending 15 minutes in each chapter.
  • Prayer: Open in prayer and invite God to provide understanding into Genesis 37-39.

Genesis 37



Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 37.

Discussion
  1. First Impressions
    1. What stood out to you about Joseph's personality?
    2. What stood out to you about Joseph's dreams?
  2. Righteousness: Rank the following brothers according to their goodness of character: 1) Joseph, 2) Reuben, 3) Judah. Explain your reasoning.
  3. Our Own Flesh: Consider Judah's appeal in verse 27 that "[Joseph] is our brother, our own flesh."
    1. Why would murdering one's own brother be any worse than murdering any other individual?
    2. How might Judah's words be empowering for any community wherein its members share a sense of brotherhood?
Transition: The leader ties Genesis 37 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 38. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:
  • Child Favoritism (Jacob favored Joseph)
  • Jealousy Between Brothers
  • Prophetic Dreams
  • Slave Trade
  • Fatherly Grief
  • Brotherly Mercy ("... he is our brother, our own flesh" verse 27)

    Genesis 38


    Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 38.

    Discussion
    1. First Impressions: What did you think about Tamar's actions in this story?
    2. Evil Sons
      1. How did Onan displease God?
      2. What did you think about Onan's motives?
    3. More Righteous: Consider Judah's declaration that Tamar was more righteous than him.
      1. Explain how Tamar had acted more righteously than Judah.
      2. By what standard can Tamar be declared more righteous?
    4. Perez: Consider the midwife's question to Perez: "How did you break through?" (verse 29).
      1. Do you agree with the following statement: "Tamar and Perez are alike: they were both able to 'break through'"?
      2. Do you think that Tamar and Perez carry any typological significance? If so, what can we anticipate for the future line of Judah?
    Transition: The leader ties Genesis 38 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 39. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:
    • Denial of Progeny Rights (Tamar's right to progeny was sabotaged first by Onan, then by Judah)
    • Progeny conflict of interest between brothers (Onan could not produce an heir through Tamar)
    • Forced widowhood
    • Prostitution taboo
    • Tamar's righteousness (she deceptively procreated by means of her father Judah)
    • Is Perez's 'break-through' birth meant to be viewed as a typology? (See Ruth 4:12)

      Genesis 39


      Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 39.

      Discussion
      1. First Impressions: What did you think about Potiphar's total ignorance of his own estate, due to his complete trust in Joseph's oversight?
      2. Joseph's Refusal: How do you understand Joseph's explanation to Potiphar's wife for why he refused to sleep with her?
      3. False Accusation: Have you ever been in a situation like Joseph's where you were punished over a false accusation? Share your situation.
      Transition: The leader ties Genesis 39 into the full picture of Genesis, and helps the group anticipate what may be coming in the next study. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:
      • Joseph's upright & God-blessed reputation as an overseer (Joseph's masters paid no attention to his estate because he trusted Joseph completely)
      • Joseph's appreciation for his blessings (see Joseph's explanation to Potiphar's wife for his refusal to sleep with her)
      • Joseph flees from sexual immorality
      • False accusation (Joseph framed for attempted rape)
      • God's mercy towards Joseph (Joseph promoted in prison as an overseer)

        Closing


        Looking Forward: What do you think will happen next?
        1. Joseph's Dream: How do you anticipate that Joseph's prophetic dream will be fulfilled (or not fulfilled) regarding the sun and moon and eleven stars? (Especially the part about the moon)
        2. Perez: In light of the family strengths & weaknesses of Judah's household, what do you think the future  might look like for the line of Judah, Tamar, and Perez?
        3. Joseph's Personal Growth: What personal strengths & weaknesses do you anticipate Joseph will display in his future?
        Closing Prayer Topics: The leader may wish to facilitate a closing prayer. Suggested prayers might include:
        • Thanking God for any promotions or blessings that have been entrusted to members within the group
        • Asking God to provide a breakthrough for anyone who has been running into major obstacles
        • Asking God for resolutions to difficulties being recently experienced, which might include:
          • Jealousies
          • Grief over Family Losses
          • Searching for a Spouse
          • Widowhood
          • Prostitution
          • Promiscuity or Cheating
          • False Accusations
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