Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 37; Matt. 20:26, 27;
Acts 7:9; Genesis 38; Genesis 39; Gen. 40:1–41:36.
Memory Text: “Then they said to one another, ‘Look, this dreamer
is coming!’ ” (Genesis 37:19, NKJV).
The story of Joseph (Genesis 37–50) covers the last section of the
book of Genesis, from his first dreams in Canaan (Gen. 37:1–11)
to his death in Egypt (Gen. 50:26). In fact, Joseph occupies more
space in the book of Genesis than does any other patriarch. Although
Joseph is just one of Jacob’s sons, he is presented in Genesis as a great
patriarch, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
As we will see, too, the life of Joseph highlights two important theo-
logical truths: first, God fulfills His promises; second, God can turn
evil into good.
In this week’s study, we will focus on the early life of Joseph. He is
Jacob’s favorite son, who is ironically nicknamed ba‘al hakhalomot,
the “dreamer” (Gen. 37:19), which means literally “master of dreams,”
implying that he is an expert of dreams. This title fits him very well,
because he not only receives, understands, and interprets prophetic
dreams, but he also fulfills them in his life, as well.
In these chapters, we will see, again, that God’s providence is
affirmed, despite the evil and wickedness of the human heart.
