4. FROM A JAILBIRD TO A PRIMEMINISTER
Gen 41
BACKGROUND: Dreams and their interpreters were highly esteemed in ancient Egypt. The shepherds instead were not appreciated in this agricultural culture. Joseph was now 30 years of age and he didn’t try to hide the fact that he was a Hebrew shepherd by birth.
1-14
- What were Joseph’s two last years in prison probably like?
- What was so shocking about Pharaoh’s dreams that brought him so out of his mind?
- How long did it probably take for Joseph to get washed, dressed and barbered before he could be brought to the impatiently waiting Pharaoh?
- What kind of feelings and thoughts were probably tossing around in Joseph’s mind?
15-36
The melting of snow in the mountains of Ethiopia made the river Nile flood regularly every year which caused Egypt to suffer from famines very often.
- Compare the two versions of Pharaoh’s dreams with each other. Why wasn’t one version enough to give the necessary information?
- Imagine how Joseph looked like when standing in front of the Pharaoh’s throne. In which way was he probably different from the Egypt’s wise men that were crowding around the Pharaoh (24)?
- How would Joseph have spoken, if he had wanted to gain Pharaoh’s favor?
- What do Joseph’s words in verse 16 show about him and his faith?
- What had retained Joseph’s self-esteem during those thirteen long years of slavery and imprisonment?
- A fifth of the harvest in the years of abundance was to be stored up for bad days. Where did Joseph suddenly get that figure “a fifth” from?
- Which other things testify of Joseph’s intelligence?
37-46
The taming of horses was something new and it had begun only recently. Therefore the horses were as highly valued as an expensive luxury car today.
- Egypt had hundreds of gods. Why is it that the Pharaoh didn’t mention any of them by name in this situation (38-39)?
- Which things made the Pharaoh take the risk and leave his whole kingdom to the hands of a totally unknown foreigner?
- What prevented Joseph from becoming too proud of the honor he had received for himself?
- What does is it show about Joseph that he married the wife that the Pharaoh chose for him (45)?
- What does is it show about Joseph that he never looked for another wife for himself?
- Asenath was the daughter Ra-god’s priest, from On that the Greeks call Heliopolis today. (Take a look at the map). What things changed in Asenath’s life after she became Joseph’s wife (45)?
- What kind of Prime Minister Joseph could have become, if he had ascended to power right after leaving his father’s tent, without slavery and imprisonment?
- What was Pothipar’s and his wife’s reaction towards the new Prime Minister probably like?
47-57
The grain is kept preserved well in Egypt, because the air there is dry. Through the names of the sons we get to have a glimpse straight into Joseph’s heart.
- When did Joseph realize that all the tragedies in his life were part of God’s plan for his life after all?
- What does the name Manasseh show us about his father’s life (51)? (Do you think this verse means that Joseph had really forgotten his father and his home? Give reasons for your answer.)
- What does the name Ephraim tell us about his father’s walk in faith (52)?
- If you think back about your life, which verse describes it better: 51 or 52?
Summarizing question:
- Where can you find Jesus in this chapter?
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