Monday January 14

Genesis 43-44; Proverbs 6; Matthew 12

Genesis 43: On their return to Egypt how were the brothers treated? why was Joseph so happy that he wept after seeing Benjamin? why did Joseph and the Egyptians not eat with the Israelites?

Genesis 44: Which brother mande an impassioned plea and why? (Consider Genesis 43:3 and 43:9)

Proverbs 6:  What are the instructions concerning debt? What are seven things that the Lord hates.  (try to anser in your own words!)

Matthew 12:  What does Jesus instruct about the Sabbath?  What is lawful to do on the Sabbath?  What does this say to you about what you should do on the Sabbath? By what will we be justified and condemned? What is the sign of Jonah?

Journal Prompt: Do you (I) honor the Sabbath?

Answers:

Genesis 43: The brothers were brought into Joseph’s house and treated well. Joseph had to leave them, because he didn’t want them to see him weep.  He served them a feast (although he didn’t eat with them, because it would have been considered an abomination for an Egyptian to eat with Hebrews.

A few more notes: Joseph was 17 when he was sold into slavery – his brothers were probably in their late twenties. Judah left his brothers and married a Canaanite, Shua – had three sons – Judah arranged for his firstborn to marry Tamar – God killed the first born and the second born. So 20 more years at least must have passed – then they had to wait for Shelah to grow up so be of marrying age – another 10 years?  That puts Judah at 25+20 + 10; So Judah is probably 55 years old.  (Joseph would be 45)

Joseph was 30 when he was put in charge of Pharaoh’s affairs – and so 37 when the brothers cam to buy grain.  So the brothers had to be 44-48

Genesis 44: Judah made the impoverished plea because he promised his father he would ensure Benjamin’s safety.

Proverbs 6:  Debt should be avoided at all cost and if you find yourself in debt you should do whatever you can to get out of it.  The seven things that the Lord hates are people who are 1)arrogant 2)liars 3)murderers 4)someone who schemes evil things 5)people who are quick to do evil things 6) a slanderer 7)someone who creates discord among brothers.

Matthew 12:  Jesus instructs that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and that the Lord desires mercy – He says it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.  We should honor the Sabbath but not turn it into a law – we should use the time wisely to rest, reflect, pray and take joy in the blessings that we have in Jesus – and to help those in need.  We will be justified and condemned by our words.