This week, we will continue our reading of Genesis, covering chapters 38-42. This section starts with a story about Judah and then returns to Joseph, covering his rise from slave to Egypt’s second-in-command. This section ends with Joseph confronting his brothers, this time with the tables reversed.



Discussion Questions:

As you read this week, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.

• What is Genesis 38:8 about? Why is Judah having his son marry his dead brother’s wife?

• Why was the Lord helping Joseph to prosper? (Gen. 39:2-4)

• Dreams are an important part of Joseph’s story. God spoke to Joseph, his fellow prisoners (Gen. 40:9-11), and the Pharaoh through dreams. Does God still speak to us through dreams? If so, how do we know they are from God and what they might mean? Note, this webpage may help you to answer this question: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/muslims-dream-jesus/ 

• How did Joseph end up in charge of Egypt? (Gen. 41:41)

• If you had been Joseph, how would you have responded when your murderous brothers presented themselves to you, not knowing who you were? (Gen. 42:6-9)





Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• What might have happened to cause Esau’s unexpected greeting? (Gen. 33:4) – It could be that he had prospered enough that he no longer felt anger. He might have believed that Jacob had suffered enough. And it might be that God had changed his heart.

• Were Dinah’s brothers justified in taking such extreme vengeance against the city of her rapist? (34:25-29) If not, what would be a more appropriate response? – There is no way to justify what they did. A more appropriate response would have been to somehow punish only the one who was guilty of the rape.

• What purpose could a memorial stone serve? (Gen. 35:14) Have you ever set one up? – It is a visual reminder of a significant person or event. My memorial stone is a virtual one, the altar where I committed my life to the Lord and found my desires and plans for life transformed. I have often looked to that to affirm my relationship with God.

• Why did Esau move away from Canaan rather than Jacob? (Gen. 36:6-8) – The reason given in the text is that the land could not support them both. And Isaac’s blessing, along with God’s covenant with Jacob, gave him the land.

• Why were Joseph’s brothers so antagonistic toward him? (Gen. 37:17-18) – He was Jacob’s favorite, he was a tattle-tale, and his dreams elevated him above his brothers.




Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 


• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos 

• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps

• A Clay Jar Devotionals