This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 7th July 2024.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

In the prior chapter famine had hit Egypt, and in this chapter we see that it had reached Canaan, where Joseph’s family were still living. And as this chapter progresses, we see Joseph’s dreams start to be fulfilled, with his brothers bowing before them. And while Joseph takes no revenge on them, he tests them to see what their character is now like, some 20 years since he last saw them.

Application questions

• Are you standing around waiting for others to act, when you could do so?
• Do you fear God? How does that affect your actions?
• Are you willing to let a matter of hurt drop?
• In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more?