How would you feel if you were called to appear before the leader of your country and give him advice? What would you be thinking and what would you say? What would you do if you became a leader of your country, second only to the president, king, queen, or prime minister? As you read Genesis 41, see what Joseph did in these situations and compare his actions to what you would do.
Understanding the Scriptures
Genesis 41
| Well favoured (vv. 2, 4, 18) | Strong, healthy | |
| Kine (vv. 2–4, 18–20, 26–27) | Cows | |
| Fatfleshed (v. 2) | Fat, healthy | |
| Ill favoured (vv. 3–4, 19–21, 26–27) | Weak, sickly | |
| Lean fleshed (vv. 3–4, 19) | Skinny, not healthy | |
| Brink (v. 3) | Edge, bank | |
| Rank (vv. 5, 7) | Ripe | |
| Blasted (vv. 6, 23, 27) | Dried | |
| Devoured (vv. 7, 24) | Ate | |
| Raiment (v. 14) | Clothing | |
| Hastily (v. 14) | Quickly | |
| Withered (v. 23) | Weakened, dried up and hardened | |
| Declare (v. 24) | Explain | |
| Consume the land (v. 30) | Use up all the food the land can produce, the land cannot produce enough | |
| Grievous (v. 31) | Terrible | |
| Established (v. 32) | Done | |
| Discreet (vv. 33, 39) | With good judgment | |
| Plenteous years (v. 34) | Years with much food | |
| Store (v. 36) | Storage, to save | |
| Against (v. 36) | To prepare for | |
| Forasmuch as (v. 39) | Because | |
| In the throne (v. 40) | As the king | |
| Arrayed (v. 42) | Dressed | |
| Vestures (v. 42) | Clothing | |
| Laid up (v. 48) | Stored | |
| Left (v. 49) | Quit | |
| Toil (v. 51) | Labor | |
| Fruitful (v. 52) | Prosperous | |
| Dearth (v. 54) | Famine | |
| Famished (v. 55) | Starving | |
| Waxed sore (v. 56) | Became terrible |
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Genesis 41.
Describe or Draw
Describe or draw a picture of Pharaoh’s two dreams and tell what they meant, according to Joseph.
Finish These Sentences in Your Own Words
-
1.
After Pharaoh told Joseph his dream, Joseph …
-
2.
Joseph suggested …
-
3.
Pharaoh made Joseph …
-
4.
Joseph had two sons …
What Do You Suppose He Was Thinking?
-
1.
Describe what you believe Joseph might have been thinking and feeling about his life at the end of chapter 41 considering the ways the Lord blessed him since the time he was with his family in Canaan.
-
2.
What advice do you think Joseph would give to others about their trials?
-
3.
How would things be different if Joseph had given in to Potiphar’s wife?
Pharaoh Made Joseph Ruler of All Egypt,
by Joe Maniscalco; courtesy of Pacific Press Publishing Association
