Torah: Genesis 41:1–44:17
PROPHETS: 1 Kings 3:15–4:1
APOSTOLIC WRITINGS: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25

The devotional below is designed to help you dive deeper into God’s heart by exploring Torah as the gateway into transformational Bible reading.

SUNDAY

Torah 1 and 2

Torah 1: 
Joseph Ascends from Prison
Genesis 41:1–14

Joseph was only 17 years old when his brothers sold him into slavery after he shared his dreams of grandeur (cf. Genesis 37:2). He then spent 11 years serving in Potiphar’s house and the jailhouse before interpreting the dreams of fellow inmates (Chapter 40).

41:1–13
Joseph had to spend 2 more years in prison, however, before God brings to pass the circumstances that finally free him (41:1a; cf. 41:46). Pharaoh’s uninterpretable dreams (vv. 1b–8, cows & heads of grain) cause the cupbearer to remember Joseph who had interpreted his dreams years earlier (vv. 9–13). Joseph still has his own youthful dreams that have remained unfulfilled (cf. 37:5–9, family bowing down to him). Do you have “youthful dreams” that are still unfulfilled?

41:14
Providentially, Pharaoh brings Joseph up from prison to interpret his dream (v. 14).

Torah 2:
Joseph Serves in Dependence UPon God
Genesis 41:15–38

41:15–16
When Pharaoh asks for help (v. 15), what does Joseph’s response reveal about his heart (v. 16; cf. vv. 25, 28)? Compare his previous responses to dreams at age 17 (cf. 37:6–10, youthful pride with no reference to God) and at age 28 (cf. 40:12a, 18a, self-dependence with a cursory reference to God, v. 8b). How has God been “breaking him” during these thirteen years away from home to make him a more dependent and thus useful vessel? How has God “broken” you for Kingdom usefulness?

41:17–32
When Pharaoh shares both of his dreams (vv. 17–24), Joseph interprets the “two” as echad (“one”, vv. 25–31; cf. Deuteronomy 6:4). Joseph interprets the practical implications of the “two” dreams as bearing “one” meaning (v. 32). What are some of the theological implications of a true unity in the face of a revealed multiplicity?

41:33–38

Based on God’s revelation and for the sake of Egypt’s salvation, Joseph makes recommendations (vv. 33–36) that Pharaoh quickly heeds (vv. 37–38). Verse 38 is the first biblical reference of “Ruach Elohim” (“Spirit of God”) being on/in someone. This description fits someone that Pharaoh is looking for.

Application

What did Moses want (Numbers 11:29), Joel foretell (Joel 2:28–29 [3:1-2 Heb]), and Peter describe (Acts 2), that reflects God’s desire for all His people? In what way does this describe you?

MONDAY

Torah 3 and 4

Torah 3: 
God Has Tested Joseph 
Genesis 41:39–52

41:39–46
Pharaoh’s question in the preceding verse appears rhetorical, knowing what he is about to do. He gives Joseph all power (vv. 39–44), a new name and wife (v. 45) and sends him out across the land of Egypt (v. 46).

41:47–52
During the 7 years of plenty, Joseph gathers grain (vv. 47–49) and has two sons (vv. 50–52). 
 

Torah 4:
Joseph Tests His Brothers
Genesis 41:53–42:18

41:53–42:2
After these years of plenty, the 7 years of famine draw Egypt (41:53–56), and in fact all nations (v. 57) to Joseph for sustenance by way of grain provisions. These events merely set the context for the “nation-in-embryo” in need of an “incubator” (42:1–2). Egypt will serve as the incubator in which God will harvest one nation to reach all nations.

42:3–5
Initially, Jacob withholds his youngest beloved son and sends the other ten down to Egypt to buy grain.

42:5–18
During the brothers’ 1st encounter in Egypt, Joseph tests his brothers (vv. 5–17) but still fears God (v. 18; cf. Acts 7:9–12). How much do you think he is motivated by concern for his father and full-brother back home? What do you think Joseph is looking for in his brothers? 

TUESDAY

torah 5 and 6

Torah 5: 
Roundtrip from Egypt to PRomised Land
Genesis 42:19–43:15

42:19–20
The brothers have their 2nd encounter after spending a few days in jail. Joseph instructs them to go provide for their starving family but one brother must stay as “collateral” (42:19–20).

42:21–22
While still not recognizing Joseph, the brothers do begin to recognize God’s justice for their unrepentant sin (v. 21). First-born Reuben says, “I told you so” (v. 22; cf. 37:21–22, 29).

42:23–24
Understanding his brothers’ Hebrew conversation, Joseph is moved to tears and binds up second-born Simeon as the one who must stay (vv. 23–24). Why doesn’t Joseph bind Reuben as the first-born representative head of the family? Could it be that he is moved by learning that Reuben had originally tried to save him from his brothers’ murderous intentions (cf. 37:21–22, 29)?

42:25–36
Joseph sends his brothers out full (vv. 25–26) for their weeklong journey home. On the way home, they discover the unaccounted for money and perhaps begin to look to God to understand their circumstances (vv. 27–28).

42:29–43:11
Upon arrival home, they give Jacob a report (vv. 29–34) who becomes grieved at the prospect of losing his other beloved son, Benjamin (vv. 35–36). When Reuben steps up to insure Benjamin’s safety (v. 37), Jacob refuses (v. 38) until the jaws of famine clamp down once again (43:1–2). This time, after giving a detailed defense to Jacob about their interrogation (vv. 3–7), Judah steps up to insure Benjamin’s safety (vv. 8–10). Pressured by famine and persuaded by Judah, Jacob sends them back to Egypt prepared to pay for everything (vv. 11–15).   
 

Torah 6: 
Feasting during Famine 
Genesis 43:16–29

43:16–25
In Egypt, preparations are made for Joseph to dine with his brothers who misunderstand and misinterpret their circumstances (vv. 16–25).

43:26–29
When Joseph arrives and greets them, he quickly turns his attention to Jacob and Benjamin (vv. 26–29). If you were Joseph, what would you be feeling toward your brothers?

application

Is there anyone in your life with whom you need to reconcile? How can you pursue biblical reconciliation with them that will honor the Lord?