Lesson 39

Genesis 38–39

Prepare to Learn

Prepare your mind and heart to be taught by the Holy Ghost. You will be ready to learn when your mind is alert and when your attention is focused on the lesson. Show your willingness to be taught by the Spirit.

Begin your study with prayer.

What does it mean to be virtuous?

Listen to Sister Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women General President, as she explains how we can have virtue and what we must do to protect it.

Consequences

Read the following scenarios, and consider the consequences.

1. A friend tells you that it is okay to engage in sexual behaviors together because you love and trust each other.

2. A friend keeps trying to get you to view pornographic material.

3. A friend of the opposite gender invites you into his or her bedroom so you can be alone to talk.

1. Refer to one of the preceding scenarios as you answer the following questions:

• What could you do in this situation, and what might the short-term consequences be?

• What might the long-term consequences be?

Judah and Joseph

As you study Genesis 38 and 39, you will learn about two brothers—Judah and Joseph—who made very different choices when they were in tempting situations.

Consider as you read what lessons you can learn from the choices of these two brothers.

Levirate Marriage

In Genesis 38:1–14 we find that after Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, one of his older brothers, Judah, married a Canaanite woman. Judah and his wife had three sons together. The oldest son married a woman named Tamar, but he died before they had children. According to the customary law at that time, a widow who had no children could marry her husband’s next oldest brother. This man, if asked by the widow, was obligated to marry her and have children on behalf of his deceased brother. This practice is known as a “Levirate marriage” (see the definition in the Bible Dictionary).

Judah promised Tamar that his son Shelah could be her husband when he was grown. However, when Shelah was old enough, Judah did not keep his promise to Tamar. Tamar then resorted to deception in order to bear children by Judah, who had the responsibility to provide a husband and children for her.

Read Genesis 38:15–18, looking for choices that Tamar and Judah made.

Quiz 1

1. According to verse 15, Tamar tricked Judah into thinking she was

   1. a widow.

   2. a harlot.

   3. a beggar.

2. Tamar’s choice to pretend to be a harlot so she could become pregnant by Judah violated the law of chastity. Tamar also knew her actions were punishable by death. In verse 18, what did Tamar obtain from Judah?

   1. Two goats

   2. A dress and a veil

   3. A signet, bracelets, and a staff

Three Months Later

In Genesis 38:19–23 we discover that Judah sent his friend with a kid (a young goat) to pay the harlot and retrieve his signet, bracelets, and staff, but his friend could not find her. At this point, Judah still did not realize that the woman he believed was a harlot was actually his daughter-in-law, Tamar.

Read Genesis 38:24–26 to find out what happened three months later.

Keep in mind what you have learned from Judah’s actions as you continue through the lesson.

Joseph in Egypt

In Genesis 39:1 we learn that Joseph was sold by the Ishmaelites to an Egyptian named Potiphar.

Read Genesis 39:2–6, looking for how the Lord blessed Joseph in this situation.

What words and phrases stand out to you, and why?

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Genesis 39:7 explains that when Potiphar’s wife saw Joseph she told him, “Lie with me,” which was a command to have sexual relations.

Read Genesis 39:8–9, looking for how Joseph responded to Potiphar’s wife. According to the Joseph Smith Translation, “wotteth not” in verse 8 means “knoweth not.” Genesis 39:9 is a doctrinal mastery passage. You may want to mark doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so you will be able to locate them more easily.

Quiz 2

1. According to verse 8, how did Joseph respond to Potiphar’s wife?

   1. He refused.

   2. He agreed.

   3. He ignored her.

2. From what you read in verse 9, what were Joseph’s reasons for refusing?

   1. He was afraid Potiphar would find out.

   2. He wanted to be true to God and not sin.

   3. He did not like Potiphar’s wife.

The Strength to Resist

One principle we can learn from Joseph’s example is that our devotion to God gives us strength to resist temptation.

2. Please answer one or both of the following questions:

• What do you think we can do to develop strong devotion to God like Joseph had?

• How has your devotion to God helped you resist temptation? (Do not share experiences that are too personal or private.)

Joseph’s Response

In Genesis 39:10 we read that Joseph faced temptation from Potiphar’s wife “day by day,” but he did not give in.

Read Genesis 39:11–12, looking for what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife became more demanding.

What principle can we identify from Joseph’s example about what to do when we find ourselves in tempting situations?

The Importance of Avoiding Tempting Situations

One principle that we can identify from Genesis 39:11–12 is that if we remove ourselves from tempting situations, then we will have greater ability to resist temptation. One way to resist tempting situations is to do all we can to avoid those situations.

Read the following statement. Look for counsel that you may need to apply more fully in your life.

“Never do anything that could lead to sexual transgression. Treat others with respect, not as objects used to satisfy lustful and selfish desires. Before marriage, do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not do anything else that arouses sexual feelings. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body. Pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit so that you can be clean and virtuous. …

“Avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home or activities where there is a lack of adult supervision. Do not participate in discussions or any media that arouse sexual feelings. Do not participate in any type of pornography. The Spirit can help you know when you are at risk and give you the strength to remove yourself from the situation. Have faith in and be obedient to the righteous counsel of your parents and leaders” (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 36).

What are some specific ways you can apply what you learned and avoid compromising situations that may threaten your virtue?

Difficult Consequences

Have you ever experienced painful or difficult consequences for choosing to do what is right?

In Genesis 39:13–18 we learn that Potiphar’s wife lied and accused Joseph of seeking to have inappropriate relations with her.

Read Genesis 39:19–20, looking for what happened to Joseph as a result of the lies Potiphar’s wife told about him.

Joseph in Prison

Read Genesis 39:21–23, looking for ways Joseph was blessed while in prison. You may want to mark the words or phrases that you find.

What principle can we learn from Joseph’s experience?

Joseph’s Example

A principle that we can learn from Joseph’s example is that if we do what is right, then the Lord will be with us and help us.

When have you felt the Lord help you as you chose to do the right thing?

Truths Identified

The following truths were identified in this lesson:

• Our devotion to God gives us strength to resist temptation.

• If we remove ourselves from tempting situations, then we will have greater ability to resist temptation.

• If we do what is right, then the Lord will be with us and help us.

As you learned in this lesson, Judah and Joseph responded to sexual temptation in different ways. In contrast to Judah, Joseph resisted temptation and was blessed because of it. Think about the temptations you may face. How can you follow the example of Joseph and resist temptation so the Lord can bless you?

Answer Key

Quiz 1: (1) b; (2) c

Quiz 2: (1) a; (2) b