We end our study of Genesis with Joseph being the governor of Egypt. A very bad famine was in the land. Thanks to Joseph’s proper interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, the government of Egypt has set aside stores to get through the famine. Israel heard there was corn in Egypt so he sent his sons to go there and buy some. When they arrived they had to deal with Joseph. Joseph recognized him but they did not recognize him. He wanted to make their lives difficult so he accused them of being spies. He said they had come to Egypt to spy out the land. Before accusing them he asked them about their family. They told him they were from a family of twelve men. All of the men except Benjamin and Jacob were in Egypt with them. At this point Joseph made his accusation. The brothers denied that this was so. They said they were simply a family trying to find food to survive the famine. Joseph told them once more that he thought they were spies. However he would give them the opportunity to prove they were not spies. He would keep one of the brothers in a prison while the others went to Canaan to bring back Benjamin. The brothers were heart broken because they knew Israel would not want to let Benjamin go. They returned home and told Israel what had taken place. When the corn ran out Israel had no choice but to send Benjamin with them. When they arrived in Egypt and bought their grain, Joseph hid an item of value in Benjamin’s bag. Then he ordered Benjamin searched and accused him of stealing it. He told the brothers that he wanted them to bring Israel to Egypt. Only then would he release Benjamin. The brothers went back to Canaan and brought Israel back with them. Joseph then told them who he was. Israel and his family stayed with Joseph in Egypt. Joseph lived to be a ripe old age. When he was ready to die he instructed that his bones be taken to Canaan for burial along with his father’s.

I hope you have enjoyed this course on the book of Genesis. I have tremendously enjoyed writing it.

EXAM QUESTIONS

  1. _________________ was _______________ of Egypt.
  2. As ________________ he had _____________ enough

    3. corn to supply Egypt and the ____________ area with food.

  3. There was a great _____________ in the ______________.
  4. ___________________ accused his _______________ of

being ____________ come to ________ out the ___________.

5. ___________________’s brothers did not ______________

him. He did _________________ them.

6. ___________________ put ______________ in prison until

the brothers returned to __________ with ________________.

7. ______________ was at last reunited with his family.