Joseph – Chapters 37-50
I. Nothing negative written about Joseph
II. Favored son leads to jealousy and negative actions by his brothers
III. Sold as slave into Egypt – humiliation and exaltation!
IV. Famine leads brothers to Egypt where Joseph is their rescuer.
V. Joseph is picture (type) or shadow of Christ
a. Both were beloved by their fathers — Genesis 37: 3; Matthew 3: 17.
b. Both were shepherds — Genesis 37: 2; John 10: 11– 14.
c. Both were severely tempted — Genesis 39: 7; Matthew 4: 1.
d. Both were taken to Egypt — Genesis 37: 26; Matthew 2: 14– 15.
e. Both were sold for the price of a slave — Genesis 37: 28; Matthew 26: 15.
f. Both were highly exalted after suffering — Genesis 41: 41; Philippians 2: 9– 10. And many more, but this gives you the idea of a type or an example in the Old Testament of a reality in the New Testament.
VI. Prophecy and blessing for the tribes of Israel

Chapter 37
Joseph the tattletale
Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph
Joseph’s dreams – brothers offended; parents offended
Joseph goes to check on his brothers
Brothers initial plot: kill Joseph
Reuben plots rescue
Midianite traders pass by – brothers sell Joseph
Brothers deceive Jacob
Chapter 38
Judah has 3 sons – Er, Onan, Shelah
Er had a wife, Tamar
Er was wicked – God killed him
Onan would not do his duty as brother-in-law – God killed him
Judah promised Shelah to Tamar
Judah & Tamar
Twins are born to Tamar – Perez and Zerah
Chapter 39
Joseph is bought by Potiphar
Joseph is highly successful – raised up to be overseer of the household
Potiphar’s wife
Joseph put in prison
Joseph put in charge of all the prisoners
Chapter 40
Cupbearer’s & Baker’s dreams
Joseph interprets dreams
Interpretations fulfilled
Chapter 41
Pharaoh’s dreams – no interpreter found
Cupbearer recommends Joseph
Joseph interprets the dream – the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about
Joseph put in as second in command of all Egypt
Seven years of plenty – 20% stored
Joseph has 2 sons – Manasseh & Ephraim
Famine begins – Joseph starts food distribution
Chapter 42
“Why do you look at one another?” – Jacob sends sons to Egypt to buy food
Joseph recognizes his brothers and accuses them of being spies
Joseph demands that Benjamin be brought to Egypt
Joseph has their money returned in their grain sacks
Chapter 43
Jacob delays sending the brothers back. Doesn’t want to send Benjamin
Jacob finally sends them with Benjamin and with a present
Joseph arranges a dinner with his brothers. Gives Benjamin 5 times as much as his brothers.
Joseph had trouble controlling his emotions