Genesis 39-41

Chapter 39

Chapter 39 continues from chapter 37 and describes Joseph’s life in Egypt. Joseph is sold into the house of Potiphar, the captain of the guard in Egypt, but because the Lord is with him, he becomes the overseer of Potiphar’s household (verses 1–7). However, when Joseph refuses the advances of Potiphar’s wife, he is falsely accused and thrown into prison (verses 8–19). Even in such suffering, Joseph maintains his faith in God and lives faithfully, receiving God’s favor even in prison and being entrusted with the responsibility of managing the prisoners (verses 20–23).

Q1) What did Potiphar see in Joseph, and what did he do with him (verses 3, 6)?

Q2) After her seduction was rejected, what did Potiphar’s wife say to her husband and others (verses 14–18)?

Q3) What responsibility did the prison warden give to Joseph (verses 22–23)?

 

Chapter 40

In chapter 40, Joseph, who suffered because of dreams, encounters a new turning point through dreams that will eventually lead him to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. While in prison, Joseph meets two former officials who were imprisoned with him (verses 1–4). When they each have dreams and are troubled because they do not understand them, Joseph interprets their dreams. As he interprets their dreams, he asks them to remember him and show him kindness (verses 5–19). Although Joseph’s interpretations come true, the chief cupbearer forgets about him (verses 20–23).

Q1) Whom did Joseph meet and serve in prison (verses 2–4)?

Q2) To whom did Joseph say the interpretation of dreams belongs (verse 8)?

Q3) What happened to Joseph’s request to the restored chief cupbearer (verse 23)?

 

[Chapter 41]

Chapter 41 takes place two years after the chief cupbearer was released from prison and restored to his position. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, has dreams, but no one can interpret them. At that moment, the chief cupbearer remembers Joseph (verses 1–13). Joseph is brought before Pharaoh and, with the wisdom given by God, explains that Pharaoh’s dreams foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine throughout the land (verses 14–36). In response, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as governor to deal with the situation (verses 37–45). As governor, Joseph saves the people of the entire land from the great famine (verses 46–57).