Theory question 101
The PatriarchsSection A (Themes from the Old Testament)
(a) Highlight the problems encountered by Joseph with his brothers. (b) Indicate how Joseph and his brothers were reconciled. (c) What three lessons can be learnt from the relationship between Joseph and his family?
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(a) Jacob loved Joseph more than his brothers and made him a long robe; they hated him (Genesis 37:3-4).
Joseph brought an ill report of them to his father (Genesis 37:2).
His dreams of sheaves and stars bowing to him made them hate him more (Genesis 37:5-11).
At Dothan they plotted to kill him; Reuben had him thrown into a pit (Genesis 37:18-24).
They sold him to Ishmaelites for twenty shekels and deceived Jacob with his blood-stained robe (Genesis 37:25-33).
(b) In the famine the brothers came to Egypt for grain and bowed before Joseph, not recognising him (Genesis 42:1-8).
He tested them, kept Simeon and demanded Benjamin (Genesis 42–44).
Judah offered himself as a slave in Benjamin's place (Genesis 44:18-34).
Joseph wept and revealed himself: "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt" (Genesis 45:1-4).
He told them not to be distressed, for God sent him ahead to preserve life (Genesis 45:5-8).
He kissed them, sent for Jacob and settled them in Goshen (Genesis 45:9-15; 47:6).
After Jacob died he reassured them: "you meant evil… God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:15-21).
(c) Any three: parents should avoid favouritism; jealousy leads to evil; forgiveness restores families; God can turn evil into good; repentance and change of heart; care for one's family.
Answer (a), (b) and (c) from Genesis 37–50.