Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger... But Joseph's character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner's cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah. {CC 77.2}

Memory Text

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. Gen. 41:14

This week's SS Lesson will disclose the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams, and how he tests his brothers and forgive them for all the things that they have done unto him. It also includes the process of God's intervention in our lives as it was experienced by Joseph and his brethren.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Joseph's Rise to Power {Joseph. prince of Egypt} - Gen. 41:37-57

Monday: Joseph Confronts His Brothers {Joseph puts his brothers to the Test} The Test of Repentance - Gen 42

Tuesday: Joseph and Benjamin {The Test of Jealousy} - Gen. 43

Wednesday: The Divination Cup {The Definitive Test} - Gen. 44

Thursday: I am Joseph Your Brother {God Turns Evil into Good} - Gen. 45

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: Joseph's Rise to Power {Joseph. prince of Egypt} - Gen. 41:37-57

And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’” (Genesis 41:38)

From Dungeon to Palace

From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree upon the mountaintop, so those who have maintained their integrity in humble life may be dragged down to the pit by the temptations that assail worldly success and honor. But Joseph's character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner's cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah. {CC 77.2}

From Slave to Saviour

Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, became a savior to his father's family; yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his brothers. So the crucifixion of Christ by His enemies made Him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and Ruler over the whole world: but the crime of His murderers was just as heinous as though God's providential hand had not controlled events for His own glory and the good of man. {CC 79.3}

His Dream is Being Fulfilled

The famine extended to the land of Canaan and was severely felt in that part of the country where Jacob dwelt. Hearing of the abundant provision made by the king of Egypt, ten of Jacob's sons journeyed thither to purchase grain. On their arrival they were directed to the king's deputy, and with other applicants they came to present themselves before the ruler of the land. And they "bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth." "Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him." His Hebrew name had been exchanged for the one bestowed upon him by the king, and there was little resemblance between the prime minister of Egypt and the stripling whom they had sold to the Ishmaelites. {PP 224.3}

Consider the Following

Besides interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph also proposed a plan for Egypt to be ready for the seven years of famine that had been prophesized (Genesis 41:32-36).

Pharaoh acknowledged that God had given Joseph wisdom. He appointed Joseph as vizier of Egypt and gave him a wife (Genesis 41:39-44).

During the seven years of abundance, “Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea” (Genesis 41:49). He was also blessed with two sons: Manasseh [“forgetting”] and Ephraim [“fruitful”].

God had turned something evil (being a slave) into something good (becoming the prince of Egypt).

Monday: Joseph Confronts His Brothers {Joseph puts his brothers to the Test} The Test of Repentance - Gen. 42

“Then they said to one another, ‘We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.’” (Genesis 42:21)

Act of Adoration for Joseph

Joseph saw his brothers stooping and making obeisance, his dreams came to his mind, and the scenes of the past rose vividly before him. His keen eye, surveying the group, discovered that Benjamin was not among them. Had he also fallen a victim to the treacherous cruelty of those savage men? He determined to learn the truth. "Ye are spies," he said sternly; "to see the nakedness of the land ye are come." {PP 224.3}

Joseph's Proposition Accepted to Bring Benjamin

Already his father and the families with him might be suffering for food. "This do, and live," he said; "for I fear God; if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: but bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die." This proposition they agreed to accept, though expressing little hope that their father would let Benjamin return with them. Joseph had communicated with them through an interpreter, and having no thought that the governor understood them, they conversed freely with one another in his presence. They accused themselves in regard to their treatment of Joseph: "We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us." Reuben, who had formed the plan for delivering him at Dothan, added, "Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required." Joseph, listening, could not control his emotions, and he went out and wept. On his return he commanded that Simeon be bound before them and again committed to prison. In the cruel treatment of their brother, Simeon had been the instigator and chief actor, and it was for this reason that the choice fell upon him. {PP 225.4}

Consider the Following

When the years of famine began, Joseph opened the barns and supplied both Egyptians and foreigners (Genesis 41:56-57). Jacob sent his sons to Egypt—except Benjamin—to buy wheat (Genesis 42:1-4).

Joseph recognized his brothers and decided to test them (Genesis 42:8-9, 17). The test was effective. Since they didn’t know that Joseph could understand them (Genesis 42:23), they talked between them freely.

Tuesday: Joseph and Benjamin {The Test of Jealousy} - Gen. 43

“Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.” (Genesis 43:34)

The Youngest Brother Given Five Times Favor than Others

Having recovered his self-possession, he returned, and all proceeded to the feast. By the laws of caste the Egyptians were forbidden to eat with people of any other nation. The sons of Jacob had therefore a table by themselves, while the governor, on account of his high rank, ate by himself, and the Egyptians also had separate tables. When all were seated the brothers were surprised to see that they were arranged in exact order, according to their ages. Joseph "sent messes unto them from before him;" but Benjamin's was five times as much as any of theirs. By this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascertain if the youngest brother was regarded with the envy and hatred that had been manifested toward himself. Still supposing that Joseph did not understand their language, the brothers freely conversed with one another; thus he had a good opportunity to learn their real feelings. Still he desired to test them further, and before their departure he ordered that his own drinking cup of silver should be concealed in the sack of the youngest. {PP 228.2}

Consider the Following

Joseph kept Simeon in prison, and let the others return to Canaan if they committed to come back with Benjamin (Genesis 42:19-20, 24).

When Joseph saw Benjamin, his feelings erupted (Genesis 43:30). He talked to him affectionately (Genesis 43:29) and treated him especially, as their father had treated him (Genesis 43:34; 37:3).

This time, Joseph’s brothers weren’t jealous of Benjamin but “were merry with him.” Something has changed in them. They were no longer worried about favoritism.

Wednesday: The Divination Cup {The Definitive Test} - Gen. 44

“Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.” (Genesis 44:33)

Benjamin's Sack with the Silver Cup

To the steward's accusation the travelers answered, "Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: behold, the money, which we found in our sack's mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen." {PP 229.2}

"Now also let it be according unto your words," said the steward; "he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless." {PP 229.3}

The search began immediately. "They speedily took down every man his sack to the ground," and the steward examined each, beginning with Reuben's, and taking them in order down to that of the youngest. In Benjamin's sack the cup was found. {PP 229.4}

The Last Test for Joseph's Brothers

The brothers rent their garments in token of utter wretchedness, and slowly returned to the city. By their own promise Benjamin was doomed to a life of slavery. They followed the steward to the palace, and finding the governor yet there, they prostrated themselves before him. "What deed is this that ye have done?" he said. "Wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?" Joseph designed to draw from them an acknowledgment of their sin. He had never claimed the power of divination, but was willing to have them believe that he could read the secrets of their lives. {PP 229.5}

Consider the Following

The last test consisted of accusing Benjamin of stealing Joseph’s silver cup (Genesis 44:2-4, 12). Would they abandon their little brother like they had abandoned him?

Judah’s speech is really moving. First, he acknowledged his sins: “God has found out the iniquity of your servants” (Genesis 44:16).

He remembered the pain of his father when he lost Joseph. He empathized with him and didn’t want to see him suffering again (Genesis 44:20, 30-31).

Finally, he offered himself to take Benjamin’s place (Genesis 44:33), like the ram that took Isaac’s place (Genesis 22:13).

Thursday: I am Joseph Your Brother {God Turns Evil into Good} - Gen. 45

“But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)

Joseph's Revelation and Declaration

Joseph was satisfied. He had seen in his brothers the fruits of true repentance. Upon hearing Judah's noble offer he gave orders that all but these men should withdraw; then, weeping aloud, he cried, "I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?" {PP 230.3}

His brothers stood motionless, dumb with fear and amazement. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had envied and would have murdered, and finally sold as a slave! All their ill treatment of him passed before them. They remembered how they had despised his dreams and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams; and now that they were completely in his power he would, no doubt, avenge the wrong that he had suffered. {PP 230.4}

Seeing their confusion, he said kindly, "Come near to me, I pray you;" and as they came near, he continued, "I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." Feeling that they had already suffered enough for their cruelty toward him, he nobly sought to banish their fears and lessen the bitterness of their self-reproach. {PP 230.5}

Consider the Following

His brothers had passed the test. Now Joseph was ready to reveal his identity to them (Genesis 45:3-4).

Joseph wasn’t seeking revenge. He had understood that God had turned evil into good.

He talked about “preserving life.” He assured his brothers that it was God who had sent him to Egypt (Genesis 45:5-7).

He made all the arrangements for his family to move to Egypt. Everything was finally all right. God’s providence had been manifested in a powerful way.

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Joseph took five of his brothers to present to Pharaoh and receive from him the grant of land for their future home. Gratitude to his prime minister would have led the monarch to honor them with appointments to offices of state; but Joseph, true to the worship of Jehovah, sought to save his brothers from the temptations to which they would be exposed at a heathen court; therefore he counseled them, when questioned by the king, to tell him frankly their occupation. The sons of Jacob followed this counsel, being careful also to state that they had come to sojourn in the land, not to become permanent dwellers there, thus reserving the right to depart if they chose. The king assigned them a home, as offered, in "the best of the land," the country of Goshen. {PP 233.2}

Questions to Ponder

1. How did God orchestrate Joseph's life to be successful? Have you experienced a similar God's intervention in your life?

2. What lessons can we draw from this that God's character will be revealed in us? And How?

3. Why is so important to accept God's promises even amidst impossibility? To what extent can we bear disappointment on these matters?

4. Why does Joseph seem to see only Benjamin and he calls him, "my son"? What's the lesson from this instance?

5. What was Joseph's purpose in placing the silver cup in Benjamin's sack, and not in others?

6. What kind of love does Joseph demonstrate in the passage above, {PP 233.2} and to what extent had his forgiveness felt by his brothers?

7. What principles can we get from Judah's demonstration of wanting to be the substitute for Benjamin's place?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“God overruled events, however, so that the knowledge of Himself should be given to the people of Egypt. Both in the house of Potiphar and in the prison Joseph received an education and training that, with the fear of God, prepared him for his high position as prime minister of the nation. From the palace of the Pharaohs his influence was felt throughout the land, and the knowledge of God spread far and wide.” E. G. W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, cp. 29, p. 332)

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