Genesis 40-42: Study Guide

Background

• Review of Genesis 37-39: Joseph, who was Jacob's favorite son, was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, who then covered up their actions by convincing their father that Joseph was eaten by a wild animal. Meanwhile, Judah's lineage seemed threatened as two of his sons died without producing any children, until his daughter-in-law Tamar deceptively bore a son through him by veiling herself as a prostitute. In the meantime, Joseph was thrown in prison in Egypt when the wife of Potiphar his master falsely accused Joseph of trying to rape her. Nevertheless, Joseph was promoted by his warden because God was with him and making him successful.
• Setting for Genesis 40: Joseph was inside a prison in Egypt.

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 40-42.

Genesis 40

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 40.

Discussion

1. Dream Imagery: What did you notice about the imagery that was portrayed within the prophetic dreams?
2. Reactions
1. What was your reaction to the baker's prophetic dream?
2. What was your reaction when the cup-bearer forgot Joseph?
3. Application
1. What do you think might be going on in Joseph's mind at the end of the chapter?
2. Think about others who have experienced serious life adversities repeatedly. What are some common mindsets, life outlooks, and perspectives for such people?
3. What do you think is Joseph's understanding of dreams and God at this point in time?
4. If you were Joseph's counselor or life coach, how would you counsel or coach him?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 40 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 41. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• God has the interpretations of prophetic dreams (according to Joseph)
• Dream imagery may correspond to upcoming events
• Joseph as a forgotten man

Genesis 41

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 41.

Discussion

1. Initial Reactions: What is your reaction to 
2. Emergency Savings: How do you approach savings in case of future downturns?
3. Manasseh & Ephraim: What do you think about Joseph's names for his children?
4. The Future: What do you think Joseph's future looks like?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 41 into the full picture of Genesis, and transitions the group into Genesis 42. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• God's power over abundance & famine
• God's decisiveness represented by two parallel dreams
• Principle of saving for times of trouble
• Joseph's long-awaited administrative promotion (Compare with principle from Matthew 25:20)
• Naming of children after important life experiences (Manasseh & Ephraim)
• Forgetting of troubles (meaning of the name 'Manasseh')
• Fruitfulness after suffering (meaning of the name 'Ephraim')

Genesis 42

Read: Choose a reader to read Genesis 42.

Discussion

1. First Impressions
1. What stood out to you in the reading of Genesis 42?
2. What was your reaction towards Joseph's pretend-acting?
3. What do you think about Jacob's complaint: "Everything is against me!"
2. Regrets: 
1. What insight do the brothers' regret over their mistreatment of Joseph give us into their moral character?
2. Why do you think that Joseph cried?
3. Honest Men: 
1. What do you think about Joseph's test to determine whether the brothers were 'honest men'?
2. Why do you think that Joseph would place silver back into his brothers' sacks?

Transition: The leader ties Genesis 42 into the full picture of Genesis, and helps the group anticipate what may be coming in the next study. Suggested themes and foreshadows include:

• Testing of honesty
• Idea of [divine] punishment (Joseph's brothers viewed their situation as punishment for their mistreatment of Joseph)
• Framing of Joseph's brothers (putting silver in their sacks)
• Dying in sorrow (if Jacob should lose Benjamin)

Closing

Looking Forward: [INSERT TEXT]

1. [TOPIC 1]: [INSERT TEXT]
2. [TOPIC 2]: [INSERT TEXT]
3. [TOPIC 3]: [INSERT TEXT]
4. [TOPIC #N]: [INSERT TEXT]