at the end (of 2 years)...

The reading three weeks ago (I really gotta get on the ball here)
was Genesis 41:1-44:17.

Here is a summary:


Chapter 41:
After two years, Pharaoh has his dreams.
Pharaoh calls the people, the butler remebers Joseph.
Joseph attributes the interpretation to God, interprets the dream, and makes suggestions.
-
Pharaoh makes Joseph overseer of Egypt, names him Zaphnathpaaneah, gives him a wife, Asenath, Joseph is 30years old.
Joseph has two sons before the famine, Manasseh and Ephraim.
The famine starts, and the all countries go to Egypt to see Joseph to buy corn.


Chapter 42:
Jacob directs 10 sons to go get food, Benjamin is kept at home for safety.
Joseph recognizes them, and he accuses them of being spies.
The brothers reveal their family structure, but Joseph puts them in a ward for 3 days regardless.
Joseph holds Simeon captive until they bring their youngest to Egypt.
The brothers sense all this is because of their treatment of Joseph.
-
Joseph has the money put back in their bags.
The brothers find the money at an inn on their way back, they freak.
The brothers report to Jacob, Jacob mourns for his sons Joseph and Simeon, and insists that Benjamin not go.


Chapter 43:
After the food is gone, Israel is torn in sending out Benjamin.
Judah vouches for Benjamin's safety, and Israel surrenders to what must happen and he expresses his dependence on God.
-
The brothers arrive in Egypt, Joseph sees Benjamin, and has a feast prepared.
Simeon is released, they are fed, ordered in their birthright.
Benjamin is blessed by Joseph, and his portion is 5 times more than the others.
They all drank and were merry.


Chapter 44:
Joseph has his silver cup placed in Benjamin's bag, along with each one's money back in their bags.
The brothers are sent back, and a messenger intercepts them with accusation of the silver cup.
They deny any wrong doing, and proclaim the one that has the cup to die.
Benjamin has the cup, and they are beside themselves.
Judah insists he be taken in place of Benjamin, but Joseph refuses.



After years of being in oblivion, Joseph is finally restored from prison, and the dream he had years ago is starting to be fulfilled.

All through this reading, Jacob/Israel the father is going through anguish. I have heard from several Bible teachers that when Jacob is walking in faith, he is mentioned as Israel. The different usages of the names in these passages are very prominent, and I think it would be a worthwhile investment in time to meditate on the various places they are mentioned here.

As for Joseph, the passages end in a cliff hanger, and we'll see soon of how it ends, and how

God is good.


--