Why did his brethren hate him?

Because his father loved him more than all the rest, and because he related to them dreams which portended his future superiority.

Relate his dreams?

In the first, he dreamed that he and his brethren were binding sheaves in a field, and that his sheaf arose, and, as it were, stood, whilst theirs bowed down before it; in the second, he dreamed that he saw the sun, moon, and eleven stars worshipping him. His brothers interpret these dreams to mean that they would be subject to him, for which they envied him.

How did his brethren treat him when sent by his father to them whilst at a considerable distance with the flocks?

They determined to kill him, thinking it a favourable opportunity to make his dreams come to nothing, but on the interposition of Reuben, threw him into a pit, and a little after, when Reuben was absent, sold him to Ismaelite merchants, who were travelling to Egypt.

How old was Joseph at this time?

About sixteen.

How did Joseph's brethren conceal their treatment of him from their father?

They dipped his coat in the blood of a kid, and sent it to him, thus leading him to suppose that Joseph was devoured by some wild beast.

What befell him there?

He was cast into prison on a false accusation.
What occurred whilst he was in prison?

The chief butler and chief baker having been likewise imprisoned had each a dream, and applied for its interpretation to Joseph. He foretold that the baker would be put to death, and the butler restored to favour. He intreated the butler to remember him when so restored. This he promised, but forgot.

What caused Joseph's release from prison?

About two years after the chief butler's release, Pharaoh had mysterious dreams, and anxiously sought their interpretation of his wise men, but they were unable to satisfy him. The butler then remembered Joseph, and mentioned to the king what had occurred to him in prison; on which Joseph was immediately sent for, and interpreted the dreams with such wisdom that Pharaoh gave him his own ring, and appointed him governor over all Egypt.

Relate Pharaoh's dreams, and the interpretation of them?

He dreamed that he stood on the bank of the river, out of which came up seven very beautiful and fat kine, after which, seven others ill-favoured and lean came up and devoured the former. Again Pharaoh dreamed that he saw seven full and fair ears of corn come up upon one stalk, and then seven others that were thin and blasted, which devoured all the beauty of the former. Joseph said, God hath shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do, the seven beautiful kine, and the seven full ears are seven years of plenty, and the seven lean kine, and the seven thin ears that were blasted, are seven years of famine to come, which will be so great that the plenty of the former years will be forgotten; the fulfilment of the thing is at hand as denoted by one dream succeeding the other to the same effect.

What advice did Joseph give Pharaoh?

To appoint a wise governor over the land, who would gather into barns a fifth of the produce of the land during the years of plenty, as a provision against the famine that would ensue.

C

Who was the governor appointed by Pharaoh?

Joseph himself, whose appointment met with general approbation.

A.M. 2228 to 2242.] Lesson Twelfth. [A.C.1772 to 1758.

How old was Joseph when he was appointed governor of Egypt?

Thirty years: at the same time at Pharaoh's desire he married Asenath, daughter to Potiphar, priest of Heliopolis.

What were the names of Joseph's two sons?

Ephraim and Manasses, who were born during the years of plenty.

Did the famine extend to other countries as well as to Egypt?

Yes, Canaan also felt the effects of it. All were obliged to have recourse to Joseph in Egypt. Amongst the rest, his ten elder brothers, who were sent by their father to buy corn.

How did Joseph act when he saw his brethren bowing down before him?

Seeing that they did not recognise him, he pretended to think them spies, that he might the more easily make inquiries for his father and young brother Benjamin.

To secure the pleasure of seeing the latter, he kept Simeon as a hostage, and declared that they should not see himself again unless they brought Benjamin; yet he had their sacks filled with corn, and the money put back into each.

Was Israel willing to let Benjamin go back with his brethren?

No, he at first decidedly refused, and it was only the dread of perishing of famine with all his family, that made him at length yield, and intrust the boy to the care of Juda, who promised to be responsible for him.

How did Joseph receive his brethren when they returned with Benjamin ?

He made a feast for them, and, to their surprise, helped them according to seniority, but gave the largest share to Benjamin.

What directions did Joseph give the steward of his house when his brethren were about to return?

To fill each one's sack with corn, and to put the money as before into the top of each, and his silver cup in addition into the sack of the youngest.

How did Joseph act when they had gone a little distance on their journey?

He sent the steward after them to accuse them of having stolen his cup.

What did they do?

Shocked at such an accusation, and conscious of their innocence, they desired him to search, declaring that he with whom it would be found should die, and the rest serve as bondmen: the cup being found in Benjamin's sack they rent their garments, returned to the town, fell prostrate before Joseph, and acknowledged themselves his bondmen; but he said, "Not so, he alone with whom the cup was found shall be my bondman: go you away free to your father." Juda, encouraged by this clemency, earnestly entreated that Benjamin might be permitted to return to his father, and that he would be allowed to serve as bondman in his stead, and so eloquently and pathetically urged his petition, that Joseph could no longer defer making himself known.

What did Joseph say when he saw the consternation of his brethren on discovering that the mighty Governor of

Egypt was the brother whom they had sold for twenty pieces of silver?

Come nearer to me, be not afraid, nor troubled at selling me into these countries, for God sent me before you into Egypt for your preservation; not by your counsel was I sent hither but by the will of God, who hath made me as it were a father to Pharaoh, and lord of his whole house, and governor in all the land of Egypt: tell my father of all my glory, and of all you have seen, and make haste and bring him to me, for five years of famine yet remain; and I will feed him, and all that belongs to him." Then falling on the neck of his brother Benjamin he wept, and kissed all his brethren.

How did Pharaoh act when told that Joseph's brethren had come?

He desired Joseph to send for his father and kindred, promising them the riches of Egypt; and to facilitate their travelling he desired him to send waggons for the women and children.

How did Israel receive the intelligence that his son Joseph still lived?

At first he did not believe it, but when he saw the waggons and presents which were sent, he rejoiced, and eager to see his son, immediately prepared for his journey.

Lesson Thirteenth.

A M. 2242 to 2308.]

[A.C. 1758 to 1692.

JACOB'S JOURNEY TO EGYPT.-DEATH OF JOSEPH.

What vision had Israel on the way?

66

After sacrificing at Bersabee [the well of the oath*] God called him and said, I am the most mighty God of thy father; fear not, go down into Egypt, for I will make a great nation of thee there. I will go down with thee

*So called because Abraham who dug it, made a league with Abimelech at it, confirmed with an oath, and there paid him for a right to the well.