Institute
Lesson 8: Genesis 37–50

“Lesson 8: Genesis 37–50,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, Religion 301–2 (1994), 15–16

“Genesis 37–50,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, 15–16

8

Genesis 37–50

Scripture Content Outline

Supplementary Study Sources

  1. Genesis 37; 39–40. The Power of Preparation and Personal Righteousness Was Manifest in Joseph’s Life

    1. Joseph was blessed for his personal righteousness (see Genesis 37:1–11).

    2. Joseph’s disobedient brothers sought his life and sold him into slavery (see Genesis 37:12–36; 39:1).

    3. In Egypt Joseph withstood the temptations of Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:2–20).

    4. He had spiritual freedom and received revelations while in bondage (see Genesis 39:21–23; 40).

Religion 301 student manual, 8-1 through 8-5; 8-9 through 8-11; 8-28.

Genesis 45:5. Who sold Joseph into bondage? (see also Alma 10:3; Acts 7:9).

Alma 46:23–27. Why is it significant that the remnant of Joseph’s coat was preserved?

MF, pp. 70–72. How was Joseph able to resist the temptations of Potiphar’s wife?

N. Eldon Tanner, in CR, Apr. 1979, p. 63. How was Joseph protected by the “armor of God”?

Marion G. Romney, in CR, Apr. 1978, pp. 59–60. How did Joseph’s integrity preserve the house of Israel?

L. Tom Perry, in CR, Apr. 1978, pp. 78–79. How did Joseph’s trust in God bring great blessings to him?

  1. Genesis 38. Judah’s Lineage Was Preserved Despite His Wickedness

    1. Judah had three sons by a Canaanite woman (see Genesis 38:1–5).

    2. A chosen lineage was preserved (see Genesis 38:6–11, 27–30; JST, Genesis 38:8–9).

    3. Judah committed adultery and acknowledged his failure to obey the levirate law (see Genesis 38:12–26).

Religion 301 student manual, 8-6 through 8-8.

Ruth 4:18–22; Luke 3:31–33. Who descended from the chosen lineage of Judah? (see also Genesis 38:29).

Deuteronomy 25:5–10. What is levirate marriage? (see also Bible dictionary, s.v. “levirate marriage”; Religion 301 student manual, 20–22).

  1. Genesis 41:1–47:12. Joseph Was a Savior to Israel

    1. A blessing resulted from revelation: Joseph was made a ruler in Egypt (see Genesis 41:1–45).

    2. During years of plenty, Joseph prepared Egypt for famine (see Genesis 41:46–57).

    3. Joseph tested the other sons of Jacob and preserved them (see Genesis 42–45).

    4. Joseph established Jacob and his family (Israel) in Egypt (see Genesis 46:1–47:12).

Religion 301 student manual, 8-12 through 8-20.

Acts 7:10–15. How did Joseph’s righteousness preserve the house of Israel?

  1. Genesis 47:13–26. During the Famine, Joseph Preserved the People and Strengthened the Pharaoh’s Sovereignty

    1. The stored foods were administered without the dole (see Genesis 47:13–17).

    2. The people voluntarily sold themselves and their lands to the pharaoh for food (see Genesis 47:18–22).

    3. Joseph provided seed for the people and taxed them one-fifth of their increase (see Genesis 47:22–26).

Genesis 47:23–25. Joseph’s unwillingness to dole out food preserved the personal integrity of the Egyptians and the principle of working for what they received.

D&C 56:17. What poor people does the Lord condemn?

Marion G. Romney, in CR, Apr. 1976, pp. 165–69. Working to earn what we receive is necessary to self-respect.

  1. Genesis 48:1–49:28. Israel Gave Patriarchal Blessings to His Posterity

    1. The birthright was conferred upon Ephraim (see Genesis 48).

    2. The promise of the scepter was given to Judah (see Genesis 49:8–12).

    3. Joseph received the birthright blessing (see Genesis 49:22–26).

    4. Other sons were given prophetic blessings (see Genesis 49:1–7, 13–21, 27–28).

Religion 301 student manual, 8-21 through 8-27; 8-29.

Deuteronomy 33:13–17. The Lord gave promises through Moses to Joseph’s seed.

2 Nephi 3:4–21. What promises for the latter days were given to Joseph?

DS, 1:20–21. Who is Shiloh?

DS, 3:160–62. What are the laws and the rights of the patriarchal order?

DS, 3:250–54. What is the mission of Ephraim? (see also DS, 3:247–48).

GD, p. 181. What is the purpose of a patriarchal blessing?

James E. Faust, “Patriarchal Blessings,” in Speeches of the Year, 1980, pp. 54–55. Elder Faust discusses the nature of patriarchal blessings and how they should be used and understood.

John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, pp. 321–25. Elder Widtsoe answers the question: “What is the meaning of patriarchal blessings?”

  1. Genesis 47:27–31; 49:29–50:26. Jacob and Joseph Died

    1. Jacob died and was buried in Canaan, as Joseph had promised him (see Genesis 47:27–31; 49:29–50:13).

    2. Jacob’s family continued to live in Egypt (see Genesis 50:14–23).

    3. Joseph prophesied of the future of his posterity (see JST, Genesis 50:24–37).

    4. Joseph’s family made an oath to bury him near his father (see Genesis 50:24–26; JST, Genesis 50:38).

TPJS, pp. 294–95. Why were the places of their burial so sacred to Jacob and Joseph?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

Joseph: A Faithful, Righteous Servant (Sections A; C–D)

Joseph was a humble, obedient, faithful servant. The events of his youth and the response of his family to him were much like those of Nephi. Discuss the similarities between the lives of Joseph and Nephi:

  1. Their brothers were disobedient (see also Genesis 37:2; 1 Nephi 2:18; 7:6; 8:35–36).

  2. Their brothers sought their lives (see also Genesis 37:4, 8, 10, 18; 1 Nephi 3:28–29; 17:48).

  3. They were appointed by revelation as rulers and teachers over their brothers (see also Genesis 37:5–10; 1 Nephi 2:19–24).

Joseph was blessed because of his faithfulness and righteousness. The following are examples of his strength:

  1. Joseph was obedient to his father (see Genesis 37:13–14).

  2. Joseph was true to God, even though he was strongly tempted (see Genesis 39:9).

  3. “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, 21).

  4. Joseph received revelations and gave credit to God (see Genesis 40:8; 41:16).

Have students find and share other passages of scripture that illustrate Joseph’s strength and righteousness.

Joseph: Example of Moral Purity (Section A)

Probably the greatest example of moral purity in the Old Testament is Joseph. His story demonstrates the importance of preparing before the tests come and the power of purity born of testimony. Review the following questions in discussing Genesis 39:

  1. What enabled Joseph to earn the trust of Potiphar? (see Genesis 39:1–6).

  2. Why did Joseph refuse the temptations of Potiphar’s wife? (see Genesis 39:9).

  3. How did Joseph finally avoid the temptations? (see Genesis 39:12).

  4. Why was Joseph more free than others even while in prison? (see Genesis 39:21–23).

  5. What meanings do Joseph’s actions have for us?

Use the address by President Marion G. Romney in Conference Report, April 1978, pages 59–60, to summarize the standards we all should strive to maintain.

The Importance of Patriarchal and Father’s Blessings (Section E)

Chapter 48 of Genesis deals with the spiritual adoption of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as legal heirs with the other sons of Israel. A summary of the blessings of Jacob upon his sons is found in Genesis 49. Of particular importance are the special promises and blessings given to Judah and Joseph.

Elements of these blessings are typical of patriarchal and father’s blessings: lineage (birthright), promises, warnings, admonitions, special gifts.

Use transparencies 7 and 8 with the materials listed in the study sources to discuss the nature, purpose, and value of patriarchal blessings (see Faust, “Patriarchal Blessings,” pp. 54–55; Widtsoe, Evidences, pp. 321–25).