This week, we will continue our reading of Genesis, covering chapters 43-47. This section picks up with Joseph’s testing of his brothers and ends with Jacob and his family settled down in Egypt.


Discussion Questions:

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

• Why did Joseph cry when he saw his brothers, especially Benjamin? (Gen. 43:30)

• What might have caused the change in Judah between the time Joseph was sold and he thought Benjamin might be lost? (Gen. 37:26-27, 44:32-34)

• What assurance did Joseph give his terrified brothers? (Gen. 45:3-5)

• What assurance did God give Jacob before he left Canaan for Egypt? (Gen. 46:1-4)

• Why might Jacob have wanted to be buried in the family tomb rather than Egypt? (Gen. 47:29-31)




Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• What is Genesis 38:8 about? Why is Judah having his son marry his dead brother’s wife? – This practice is later codified in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. The intent is to prevent a family line from dying out. In a sense, I live on through my son, grandson, and so on. But if I have no son, then my line comes to an end when I die.

• Why was the Lord helping Joseph to prosper? (Gen. 39:2-4) – God had plans for Joseph, and God’s activity in his life was helping to promote him to the place where he could facilitate his families migration to Egypt.

• 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? – God can still speak to people through dreams today. But it is probably rare for those of us with access to a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit. If we do have a dream we suspect might be from God, it should never contradict God’s revelation in the Scripture.

• How did Joseph end up in charge of Egypt? (Gen. 41:41) – His ability to interpret the Pharaoh’s dreams, and then give good advice concerning mitigation of the coming famine convinced Pharaoh that Joseph was divinely inspired and so a good candidate for the position.

• 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) - It is hard to know. And your answers may vary. But I suspect I might not have been as patient and gracious as Joseph.


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