The Cupbearer and the Baker, Genesis 40

Posted on July 8, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

The reward for service is often delayed, but it will always come.”

***

“Good morning. What’s with the sad faces?” Joseph set a tray of food before the king’s cupbearer and baker. The only other time he had seen both of them this upset was after they had been thrown into this dungeon. While he was being unjustly punished because Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of rape, they were partners in something that greatly offended the king.

The cupbearer grit his teeth while clawing at his bald head. “We had dreams. But no one can tell us what they mean.”

Joseph gently lifted his chin as he spoke to him at eye level. “Don’t interpretations come from God? What did you dream?”

The head cupbearer told Joseph his dream: “In my dream there was a vine before me with three branches on it: It budded, blossomed, and the clusters ripened into grapes. I was holding Pharaoh’s cup; I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and gave the cup to Pharaoh.”

Joseph’s eyes lit up. “The three branches are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will get you out of here and put you back to your old work—you’ll be giving Pharaoh his cup just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. Please remember me when things are going well with you again—tell Pharaoh about me and get me out of this place. I was kidnapped from the Hebrews’ land. And since I’ve been here, I’ve done nothing to deserve being put in this prison.”

The head baker perked up after hearing Joseph’s interpretation. “Listen to my dream: I saw three wicker baskets on my head; the top basket had various pastries from the bakery. Birds were picking at them from the basket on my head.”

Joseph looked down. Why did the truth have to sting sometimes? “This is the meaning: The three baskets are three days; within three days Pharaoh will take off your head, impale you on a post, and the birds will pick your bones clean.”

Two days passed uneventfully. But on the third day, Pharaoh threw himself a birthday party and invited all his servants. He placed the cupbearer and baker up front in seats of honor.

“Cheers!” Pharaoh bellowed. “I officially restore my head cupbearer.” He extended his hand toward him.

“And for my baker . . . may he be disgraced as he has disgraced me!” He signaled his soldiers. They immediately seized the baker and impaled him on a post, exactly how Joseph had said.

But though the cupbearer was exonerated, he didn’t give Joseph another thought.

***

You may read Genesis 40 here: Gateway Bible.

Reflect

God used Joseph’s hardships to prepare him for the future position He had for him.

Even though Joseph would have to wait 12-13 years before being released from a crime he didn’t commit, God’s presence and blessing continued to be with him. As the warden entrusted all of the prisoners to Joseph’s charge, Joseph used his position to serve them.

Has God placed you in a position where He wants to use you to serve those around you?

When the subject of dreams came up, Joseph directed everyone’s attention to God and used it as a powerful witness. He sets a great example of being bold as he effectively witnessed. His example challenges us to recognize opportunities to relate God to another person’s experience.

It wasn’t Joseph’s knowledge of dreams that helped him interpret their meaning, but rather his knowledge and relationship with God. Joseph was always careful to give God the credit instead of taking the honor upon himself.

In what situations can we be like Joseph and give God the glory due Him?

Although the cupbearer had Joseph to thank for his freedom, it would be two more years before he remembered Joseph. But Joseph’s faith ran deep. He trusted God to work things out. Are you in a situation that seems hopeless? Hold on! God knows. He may be preparing you for a greater work, as He did with Joseph.

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife, Genesis 39

Posted on July 1, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Apitus sipped wine from her golden goblet as she peered out her lattice window. This Hebrew slave is perplexing as the Nile. Strong and alluring . . . an impenetrable current. She rubbed her bare feet against the soft rug recalling his bright smile.

Surely Re the sun-god sent you to me, Joseph.

Potiphar’s promotion of Joseph to household overseer came to her as no surprise. Never had she witnessed anyone go about his duties with such vigor and enthusiasm. Everything the man touches flourishes . . . . But why couldn’t she succeed in getting the Hebrew to touch her?

While most men were attracted to her green eyes and full figure, Joseph seemed more obsessed with learning the Egyptian language and recording statistics.

Besides his good looks, Joseph’s polite manners at first drew her to him. But she couldn’t seem to break through his stiff formalism. How many years had he been in charge of their household? How many times had she expressed her desire for him, only to be given the same mumbo-jumbo about sinning against his God?

With Joseph in charge, the only thing Potiphar concerns himself with anymore—apart from accolades—is the spread on his plate! No wonder these spacious rooms dressed in white marble have long lost their charm. Even the interior courtyards and live entertainment could no longer fill the emptiness gnawing in her soul.

Potiphar, “captain of the guard,” what a laugh! But Joseph . . . now he defines a true man.

***

The next two days found Potiphar out on business errands. Apitus would seize the moment while the servants busied themselves outside.

She let her long dark hair drape around her shoulders while approaching Joseph at his writing desk. Although he looked uncomfortable, her eyes bore down on him.

“Joseph, sleep with me,” she whispered.

“Wh-what?” He pretended not to hear as he went back to his note taking.

How could he act so childlike? “You heard me . . . . Come to bed with me!”

This time he looked up and met her gaze. “How could I do such a thing?” He slapped down his reed pen. His face turned crimson. “Your husband has entrusted everything to me, everything that is, except for you!”

Who does this slave think he is treating me this way?! She grabbed his cloak. But Joseph bolted out of his seat and ran outside.

“Rape! Someone grab this slave! He tried to rape me!” she screamed through a calm, thin smile. She held out a piece of his torn cloak while several burly servants tackled Joseph outside on the stone pathway.

You will pay for rejecting me, Joseph!

***

You may read Genesis 39 here: Gateway Bible.

Reflect

(raininggrace.tumblr.com)

While Joseph refused the advances of Potiphar’s wife, he finally ran from her. Sometimes just avoiding a temptation isn’t enough. Like Joseph, we must turn and run. Joseph reminds us that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults, but rather an act of disobedience against God Himself.

Although Joseph was demoted and thrown into the prison below Potiphar’s house, he didn’t allow himself to become enslaved to his circumstances. Instead, he recognized God’s presence and blessing. Rather than complaining and becoming bitter, Joseph made the most of every situation.

This chapter starts and ends with God’s blessing on Joseph. As Potiphar entrusted Joseph as overseer over his entire household, the warden also places all the prisoners under Joseph’s charge. Once again, “the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did,” (vs. 23).

Judah and Tamar, Genesis 38

Posted on June 24, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death.” -Genesis 38:6-7

Genesis 38 tells of Joseph’s brother, Judah, moving away from home and settling in Canaan where he marries and raises his children to adulthood among a people his family deems unclean.

This chapter provides enough drama to start a TV series. How about a spin on Housewives? Hmm . . . I can see it now: Tent Husbands.

You may read Genesis 38 here: Bible Gateway.

When Judah’s firstborn, Er, errors through persistent wicked living, God takes his life. Since Tamar is now a childless widow, Judah follows the levirate marriage custom as described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. He tells his second born, Onan, to fulfill his duty and sleep with her so she might have a son to carry on her late husband’s inheritance.

For the highest value in this culture is to carry on the bloodline.

Onan has no problems sleeping with Tamar, but he purposely denies Er an heir. What benefit would that be to him anyway? (vs. 9)

Needless to say, God isn’t happy with Onan. “For what he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight.” So He also kills Onan, (vs. 10).

As the saga continues, Judah tells Tamar to live under his tent and he will give her his third son in marriage when he is older.

However, the marriage ceremony never happens.

In the meanwhile—after a long time—Judah’s wife dies. After the grieving process, Judah sets out to shear sheep in Timnah.

The plot thickens. With the realization that Judah lied about giving her his third son in marriage, Tamar devises a plan to provide legal heirs.

Since shepherds aren’t sheepish at sheep-shearing time. And abundant sexual temptation abounds, she disguises herself as a prostitute and places herself in Judah’s path.

Judah takes the bait. So Tamar agrees to have sex with him in exchange for a few of his personal items: his seal, cord, and staff.

Conclusion

When Judah learns that Tamar, the so-called prostitute, is pregnant he sidesteps the usual punishment of stoning her (Deuteronomy 22:20-24; John 8:4-5). Instead, he demands that she be burned. (Burning was reserved only for a priest’s daughter found guilty of prostitution in the Mosaic Law, Leviticus 28:9.)

But as Tamar is brought out, she sends a message to Judah: “I am pregnant by the man who owns these. . . . See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are,” (vs. 25).

Guilty! Judah confesses his wrong in denying Tamar his third son and lets her off the hook.

Judah and Tamar have twin sons, Perez and Zerah. Perez becomes the ancestor of David (Ruth 4:18-22). And David becomes the ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). Wow!

Reflect

This story seems to be open-minded about prostitution, but it is condemned as a serious sin throughout Scripture. If there is a moral in this story, it is that loyalty to family is extremely important.

Immersed in a culture where prostitutes were common, the question of sexual morality never seems to enter Judah’s mind.

While Judah was driven by lust, Tamar was driven to be the matriarch of Judah’s oldest family line. Layman’s Bible Commentary observes: “There is evidence that among ancient Assyrian and Hittite peoples, part of the levirate responsibility could pass to the father of the widow’s husband, if there were no brothers to fulfill it. Thus Tamar was, in one sense, claiming what was due her. She had tricked Judah into fulfilling the levirate responsibility and now would bear his children.”

Neither Judah nor Tamar, however, were justified in their actions.

Although Judah concealed the very sin he thought Tamar committed, fury fueled him as he demanded her death. When we become angry over a sin we see in others, maybe we should ask ourselves: “Am I struggling in this same area?”

Next week we will read how Joseph’s integrity stands in striking contrast to Judah’s immorality. Have a wonderful weekend!

Joseph Sold Into Slavery, Genesis 37

Posted on June 17, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Here comes that dreamer! . . . . Let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams!” –Genesis 37:19-20

While chapter 36 depicts Esau’s descendants as mighty kings and chieftains, Jacob’s descendants continue to struggle. Fast forward 400 years from Jacob’s day and Israel is enslaved under Egypt’s harsh rule until they escape under Moses’ leadership. And while Edom—an established nation—has power to refuse their “brother” Israel passage through their land, Israel still has no claim in land ownership.

The last 14 chapters of Genesis (37-50) primarily focuses on Joseph, the obvious favorite son of Jacob (and firstborn of Rachel). In fact, the story of Joseph comprises one fourth of the entire book of Genesis. However, a few references of Jacob’s other 11 sons are also mentioned.

You may read Genesis 37 here: Bible Gateway.

Seventeen year-old Joseph probably held his head high and maybe walked with a strut. Not only did he have insight into God’s plans for his future, but he also was Jacob’s favorite as signified by the richly ornamented robe given to him. This only further fueled the fire of rivalry with his 10 older brothers. For they were constantly reminded that they didn’t measure up in their father’s eyes. Not like golden boy, Joseph.

If that weren’t bad enough, Joseph told his brothers of his dreams.

Joseph’s Dreams

Joseph’s dreams always come in pairs, (perhaps for confirmation). His first dream involves sheaves. These symbolize his future role in overseeing the grain distribution in Egypt. The second dream involves the sun, moon, and 11 stars bowing down to him. The fulfillment of these dreams happen 23 years later when all 11 brothers submit to Joseph at least five different times (46:6-7; 43:26, 28; 44:14-16; 50:18).

Maybe Joseph shared his dreams in faith. However, the boys didn’t take the dreams lightly. And they hate him all the more.

Joseph’s Brothers Conspire

Joseph is sent to check on his brothers who were tending flocks. Shechem was about 50 miles north of Hebron. . . . Bought as a piece of merchandise, Joseph would probably be chained and forced to walk the 30-day trek across the desert while being treated like baggage. Egypt would be a major culture shock for this young shepherd nomad. Although he would see gorgeous homes, grand pyramids, and witness the world’s most advanced civilization, he would also be thrust into a dark culture of countless gods.

In their jealousy, Joseph’s brothers conspire to kill Joseph. (This probably involves Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher whom Joseph gives a bad report in verse 2.) But Reuben the first-born advocates for Joseph: “Why kill him? Let’s just throw him into a well!” (What a thoughtful guy!)

Although his plan was to rescue Joseph, Reuben’s concern appears to be more about himself if his brother is killed, rather than concerned for Joseph’s fate (vs. 29-30).

Judah also persuades the guys not to kill Joseph. Instead, why not make some money and let someone else do the dirty work?

So after ripping off Joseph’s robe and throwing him into a dry well, they drag him back out and sell him to some traveling Ishmaelite merchants. (Nice brothers!)

But God is in control of Joseph’s life.

Joseph ends up being sold to one of Pharoah’s officials, Potiphar, captain of the guard. And where most would fail, Joseph survives. When we continue his saga, we’ll see that with his knowledge of God—sculpted by pain—Joseph adds quiet wisdom to his confidence.

Meanwhile, Jacob (though blessed by God) meets up with his previous trail of deceit. But this time his sons deceive him into thinking that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. In his grief, he refuses any comfort.

Reflect

Favoritism seems to be a theme in Jacob’s family history. Isaac favored Esau. Rebekah preferred Jacob. Jacob desired Rachel. And in Jacob’s old age, Joseph is the apple of his eye.

Favoritism breeds rivalry and division. Feelings about a child may be difficult to change. But as parents and grandparents, we can change our actions of giving special treatment to one over another.

The time to deal with jealousy is when we find ourselves keeping score with what others have.

Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy over a robe and anger over a couple of dreams grew into a blinding monstrous rage. Worried about carrying the guilt of Joseph’s death, they chose the lesser of two evils by selling him as a slave instead. Although they avoided murder, their action was still wrong.

When faced with problem solving, let’s first ask, “Is this right?”

Have a great weekend!

Esau’s Descendants, Genesis 36

Posted on June 10, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Oholibamah. Try saying that 10 times fast! Who was Oholibamah? She was one of two Hittite women that Esau—Jacob’s twin brother—married according to Genesis 36.

Even though intermarriage with the Canaanites was strictly forbidden by his family, Esau defies his parents’ religious principles when he marries two idolatrous Hittites. Isaac and Rebekah are miserable with this arrangement (26:35). So Esau decides to add a third wife. But this time he’d marry Basemath, an Ishmael descendant (28:9).

You may read the list of Esau’s descendants here: Bible Gateway.

The Edomites’ territory featured both desolate desert and rugged mountains. Major roads allowed travelers access to the rich natural resources in this area. The city later called Petra—an ancient world marvel—was believed to be carved into Edom’s rock walls

Although the theme of infertility plagued Abraham’s line, it doesn’t seem an issue in Esau’s line. Esau’s descendants, however, would eventually vanish at God’s hand due to their hostile treatment toward their brothers, Israel, Jacob’s descendants.

Due to insufficient pasture and water for both brother’s herds, Esau moves his family south and east of the Dead Sea. This division of territory between Esau and Jacob sounds a lot like Abraham and Lot’s episode (13:1-13). However, Esau may have also moved with the acceptance that Canaan (the promised land) is to be passed on to Jacob.

The name Esau means “red.” Esau becomes known as Edom from his foolish decision to trade his birthright and father’s blessing for some red stew. So, the Edomites are his descendants.

Interesting Edomite Tidbits

Esau’s sons—who walk away from God—appear wise in worldly ways and reign as kings in Edom before any king reigns in Israel. And while Esau’s descendants become rulers, Jacob’s sons remain lowly shepherds for generations (47:3).
As Esau and Jacob grew up fighting, both of their descendants followed suit. Israel, (Jacob’s descendants), looked down on the Edomites because of their intermarriage with the Canaanites. God, however, commanded the Israelites during the exodus to give their “brothers,” special treatment despite the Edomites defiance and hostility (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).
Like their father, the Edomites were fierce and rugged. As warriors who prided themselves in their self-sufficiency, they mistakenly thought their rock cliffs were impregnable.
Edom—Israel’s neighbors and relatives—constantly harassed the Jews. They later looted Jerusalem and rejoiced at the misfortunes of Israel and Judah. God spoke strong words of judgment against them through the Old Testament prophet Obadiah in a dirge of doom format. You may read it here: Obadiah. (It’s only one chapter and the shortest book in the Old Testament!)
When Obadiah prophesied, Judah may have seemed less likely to survive than Edom. But—exactly as God foretold—the Edomite nation vanished. They were routed by Judas Maccabeus in 164 B.C. and were completely nonexistent by the first century A.D.

Reflect

Edom sets an example to all people and nations who live in hostility to God. Just as God will judge Edom for her evil actions toward His people, He will also destroy proud and wicked people.

As I wrap this up, a hail storm accompanied with loud thunder and lightning sweeps over our house. Thankfully I’m inside, safe from the hurling chunks of ice. What a great visual reminder of God’s protection for His children!

One day, God will judge and punish all who harm His people. I can’t think of a more terrifying scenario than being caught out in the storm of God’s wrath.

Those who rebel against God and take advantage of others’ misfortunes will someday answer to God.

Those who have trusted Christ for forgiveness and are faithful to Him, however, have hope for the future. Let’s be mindful of those around us and be willing to help in their time of need.

Enjoy your weekend!