Jacob could not easily allow the departure of Benjamin, his only son with Rachel who remained with him. He was afraid that he would lose him, as he already had lost Joseph (Genesis 43:6-8). It is only when there was no more food (Genesis 43:2) and when Judah pledged to guarantee the return of Benjamin (Genesis 43:9) that Jacob finally consented for a second visit to Egypt and allowed Benjamin to go with his brothers.

Read Genesis 43:1-34. What effect had Benjamin’s presence on the course of events?

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Benjamin’s presence dominated the events. When all the brothers stand before Joseph, Benjamin is the only person whom Joseph sees (Genesis 43:16). Benjamin is the only one who is called “brother” (Genesis 43:29, NKJV). While Benjamin is called by name, all the other brothers are not identified; they are simply referred to as “men” (Genesis 43:16).

Joseph calls Benjamin “my son,” as a reassuring expression of special affection (Genesis 43:29; compare with Genesis 22:8). Joseph’s blessing refers to “grace” (Genesis 43:29), reminiscent of his begging for grace, which was not forthcoming (Genesis 42:21). Joseph returns to Benjamin the grace that he did not receive from his other brothers.

While Joseph’s brothers fear that they will be cast in prison because of the money that was returned, Joseph prepares a banquet for them because of Benjamin’s presence. It is as if Benjamin had a redeeming effect on the whole situation. When all the brothers are seated according to their ages and respecting the rules of honor, it is Benjamin, the youngest, who is served five times more than all the other brothers (Genesis 43:33-34). And yet, this favoritism does not bother them, unlike when Joseph was his father’s favorite many years ago, which led to their terrible actions toward both their half brother and their own father (Genesis 37:3-4).

“By this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascertain if the youngest brother was regarded with the envy and hatred that had been manifested toward himself. Still supposing that Joseph did not understand their language, the brothers freely conversed with one another; thus he had a good opportunity to learn their real feelings. Still he desired to test them further, and before their departure he ordered that his own drinking cup of silver should be concealed in the sack of the youngest.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, Pages 228, 229.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The book of Genesis offers us so many vast topics from which to choose a theme hymn. As we are starting at the very beginning, I would like to give praise to our Creator of heaven and earth in singing
Hymn 320 – Lord of Creation and 
Hymn 2 – All Creatures of Our God and King. The stories that follow creation will lean back towards our amazing God and what He has done for each of us in creation.

Our story for this quarter continues with Joseph “now leader of Egypt” just as we say daily 
He Leadeth Me – Hymn 537, there is no doubt that Joseph knew of God’s leading. Sabbath afternoon introduces us to the grace for which the brothers were to plead from the leader, just as we do today, and see 
Amazing Grace – Hymn 108 and 
Marvelous Grace – Hymn 109 all because we ask 
Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive – Hymn 299.

We see 
The Spirit of the Lord Revealed – Hymn 261 as Pharoah sees “Joseph, who is qualified as ‘discerning and wise’ (Gen 41:39)”. We may then continue to pray 
Hover O’er Me, Holy Spirit – Hymn 260.

Reuben thought that Joseph’s shed blood was now required of the brothers (Gen 42:22) but we are excited to know there is 
Power in The Blood – Hymn 294 (Monday).

It is noted on Tuesday that “Benjamin has a redeeming effect” just as our Lord Jesus has for us showing 
The Wonders of Redeeming Love – Hymn 179.

As the wonderful story of Joseph continues we find “Joseph then declares: ‘God sent me’ (Gen 45:5)”. He surely was 
Sent Forth By God’s Blessing – Hymn 407 to help in the saving of the whole family. The carts provided by Joseph for his family to be transported back to Egypt was “enough for him (Jacob) to come alive again” to go forth to Egypt and meet Joseph once again. And, today we know for certain that 
Christ is Alive! – Hymn 182.

God’s abundant blessings this quarter as we study through the first book of the Bible which our gracious God has given. May we be faithful and all say “Come, Lord Jesus, come – very soon” so we are able to go to our new home in Heaven, as 
We Have This Hope – Hymn 214.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing, but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: Joseph’s brothers live the whole experience of Divine Judgment, yet despite their unjustifiable acts of evil, contains a message of forgiveness for them.
June 18, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 41:39-57.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What is God’s place in the success of Joseph?
3. Personal Application: What are ways that others should be able to see from the kind of lives we live, the reality of our God? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt, falsely accused of sexual assault, thrown in prison; and yet he was faithful to God and obedient and helpful to Potipher, the jailer, and to Pharoah; he enemies. Would we ever see that kind of faithfulness and righteousness in our day?’” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Genesis 42:20-23.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What happens here and how does it reveal the providence of God?
3. Personal Application: How can we make up for what we have done that we are sorry for? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why do we need to ask God for and accept His promises of forgiveness through Jesus? Why all this trickery? How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Genesis Genesis 44:1-9, 32-34..

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why did Joseph put the cup in Benjamin’s sack, and not one of the other brothers?
3. Personal Application: How powerful is guilt in our lives? How can we learn to forgive ourselves, no matter how unworthy we are? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why did Judah offer himself to be a substitute for Benjamin? How does this kind of love explain the theory of salvation?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 45:1-9

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Joseph tested his brothers. How does God test us?
3. Personal Application: How do we learn to be gracious to those whose evil toward us doesn’t turn out so well? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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