You saved our lives (Gen 47q)

You saved our lives

Gen 47:11-27.

²⁵ "You have saved our lives," they said. "May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh."

1.       1.[11-12]  Where did Joseph settle his father and brothers? What did he provide them with?

2.       [13-17] What was the extent of famine? (13) How did Joseph manage the famine? What was the result? (14) When money was gone, what did the people face? What was Joseph's suggestion for solution? What was the result? (17)

3.       3.[18-22] How long could they survive after selling live stocks? What were left for them to buy food? (18b) If Joseph would not buy these, what was the danger? What were they willing to do to save their lives? (19b) What was the end result? (20-21) Who's land Joseph did not buy? (22) In what way were they similar to or different from ordinary Egyptians?

4.       [23-26] What became the binding rule for the nation? (24) Why? (23) What was dominant feeling of Egyptians as they were passing through the famine? (25) What new law did Joseph establish on the land?  What was the difference between this and the Law of Moses? (ref. Num 1:26; Gen 28:22) Why? (Discuss this by comparing the setting and initiator of these two laws)

5.       [27] How did Israelites do through this famine and afterward? (cf. 11-12) How were their lives different from Egyptians? Why?

6.       Discuss the will of God who sent seven years of abundance and seven years of famine, Joseph's role in surviving of the people of the land, and God's purpose in raising Joseph.