Who was Joseph?
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Main Question for today...
Is Joseph who we think he is?
The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.
As we look at the character of Joseph in the Old Testament today, consider how your perspectives of Joseph changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his exploits.
Opening thought
Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Joseph before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Joseph was and tell me his story." What would you say?
Some of his exploits include...
He was favored by his father and given a decorative coat -- Gen. 37:3
He had dreams from the Lord -- Gen. 37:5-11
He was sold into slavery -- Gen. 37:12-28
He was falsely accused and imprisoned -- Gen. 39:7-23
He interpreted dreams for Pharaoh -- Gen. 40:1-23
He became second in command -- Gen. 41:1-45
He saved his family and the nations from a famine -- Gen. 45:1-15 + 16-28
Joseph's story is a powerful narrative of resilience, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God in using difficult circumstances for a greater purpose. But Joseph is not all that we think.
Joseph Practiced Divination
Read Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 15:23; 2 Kings 17:17; and Jer. 14:14
What do these passages tell us about divination and how God feels about it?
Read Gen. 44:1-5
What does this passage say about the silver cup that belonged to Joseph?
Why would Joseph own such an object in the first place?
Why does the story place so much emphasis on this cup?
What does this mean for Joseph as a follower of Yahweh?
Listen along to the discussion for more talking points on the impact a divination cup has on the story and the character of Joseph.
Joseph married the daughter of an Egyptian Priest of a false god named On
Read Gen. 24:3 and Exod. 34:16
What do these passages say about the chosen people of God marrying outside of the people of Israel?
Read Gen. 41:45
Asenath means "She belongs to Neith." Neith was an Egyptian goddess.
What does this say about Joseph and his willingness to associate himself with non-Israelite people (his wife) and pagan gods (Neith)?
Even though Torah was not written yet, does that make these actions ok? Are Joseph's actions excusable? Why or why not?
Did God only find divination and allegiances to false gods detestable after the Torah was written? Why or why not?
Joseph agreed to enslave the Egyptians
Read Gen. 47:19-23
What did this transaction look like between Joseph and the Egyptian people?
Who initiated this transaction and why?
Is it ok that Joseph agreed to this?
Does the circumstances justify this transaction?
Read Gen 47:24-25
What do you notice about this transaction?
Who initiated/included this piece of the transaction?
What does this say about Joseph's character in 1) accepting to enslave a people group in exchange for food and 2) adding in an additional stipulation that was not originally agreed upon?
Does hard times, like a famine, make it ok to promote slavery?
Context IS important, but does that make Joseph's actions justifiable? Why or why not?
Does the ends justify the means? Why or why not?
Consider this...
What do you think is important for us to understand seeing the not-so-squeaky-clean parts of Joseph's story?
What does this story say about flirting with sin?
If these events took place before the writing of the Torah, was Joseph bound by the principles behind Torah? Why or why not?
Where is God in this story?
What does this story teach us today?
Where do we see ourselves in this story?
What tangible actions can we take this week based on what we've just learned?