Genesis 49:1-15 In this lesson we begin examining the third major faith event at the conclusion of Jacob's life, the blessing of his twelve sons. The passage is both prophetic and poetic. How should these aspects of the passage influence the way we understand the blessings? What caused Reuben to forfeit his preeminence in the family? Why did Jacob not want his family's glory to be associated with Simeon or Levi? In what way would the tribe of Issachar relinquish some of the blessings that were intended for it in the land of promise? How is that analogous to how we as Christians sometimes live? What animal is representative of the future of the tribe of Judah? Who or what is "Shiloh?" What does the reference to Judah tying his donkey to a grape vine represent? To what does all this talk about Judah ultimately point? (60 min)

Keywords Jacob, Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi

Genesis 45:1-18 (pt 1) In the first of two studies on this passage, we consider the remarkable event when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Joseph has apparently been surprised by Judah's astonishing plea, and a swell of emotions overwhelms him. His announcement of who he actually is, however, is not welcome news to his brothers. Or is it? How do his brothers respond, and why? Why does Joseph ask what he already knows? What two things does Joseph specifically mention that have heretofore not been openly spoken of. Why must he speak these things? How does Joseph's view of reality make forgiveness possible? How might this encounter be similar to when we will first see Christ? What is the significance of the mention of a remnant? How is the deliverance God accomplishes great? Where are you in your personal "story of Joseph?" (53 min)

Keywords Joseph, Judah, Reconciliation

Genesis 44:18-34 Today's lesson includes the longest speech in Genesis: Judah's passionate and eloquent plea to Joseph on his father's behalf. How are Judah's words directed by the Holy Spirit to Joseph's heart? What experiences has Judah encountered in his life that have prepared him for this important moment? Why does Judah refer to Benjamin as a "little child" and as a "lad?" What is the entirety of Judah's speech to Joseph directed at accomplishing? What remarkable character qualities do we see in this man who once sold a brother into slavery? What does this passage teach us about intercession? How is Judah a type of the true Son of Judah? (50 min.)

Keywords Judah, Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob

Genesis 44:1-17 We have now reached the watershed event in the story of Joseph. In this passage we learn of Joseph's plan to reveal the true attitude of his brothers. Do they speak merely words of repentance, or are they really changed? What is the significance of the three things Joseph instructs his house steward to speak to his brothers? What is all this talk about Joseph's "divining cup?" How does the response of the brothers reveal how effective Joseph has been in his plan? What do we learn about the brothers when they load their donkeys and return to the city? How does Joseph's plan recreate the situation his brothers confronted at Dotham twenty two years earlier? Why does he do this? What is the significance of Judah's offer that they all be Joseph's slaves? How does Joseph protect Benjamin? (58 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Judah, Divination, Cup

Genesis 43:1-15 Time is wasting. Jacob's intransigence about Benjamin has meant the family has already forgone two opportunities to secure more food from Egypt. Now Jacob wants his sons to go back, but still without dealing with the root problem. This time Judah steps up to deal with his father. How does Judah's leadership compare with Reuben's? What can we learn from this? What is it that finally breaks through Jacob's incapacity to act? What do we see in Judah's offer to his father? Is Jacob's surrender a response of more fatalistic despair, or is it actually a step towards faith? How do we know? What lesson does this hold for us about the life of faith? (58 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Reuben, Judah

Genesis 38:20-30 A substantial review of the previous study about Judah and Tamar (since we've had a two week break). We discover even more about Judah's spiritual decline. Why did Judah send Hirah to reclaim his pledge? Why was Judah so quick to relinquish his claim on his pledge? What was so significant about Judah's willingness to abandon his staff to a stranger and a prostitute? To whom does God entrust the protection of such an important token? What is the importance of Judah's statement about Tamar that she was "more righteous than I?" What is the great change that overtakes Judah upon the revelation that he is the father of Tamar's twins? How does this passage disclose the marvelous grace of God to both Judah and Tamar? (51 min.)

Keywords Judah, Tamar, Scepter

Genesis 38:1-19 This is another one of those very difficult passages in Genesis. Why does the author interrupt the story of Joseph to tell us about this seemingly unrelated incident with Judah? How does this passage reveal to us Judah's character. Why is that important? What was this whole thing about Onan fulfilling the "duty of a brother-in-law" by taking Tamar as a wife? What really was Onan's sin? What is this whole thing about levirate marriage all about? What did God think about it? What was Judah doing wrong with Tamar? How does this story fill us in on Israel's experience in Egypt? (53 min.)

Keywords Judah, Joseph, Tamar, Levirate Marriage

Genesis 37:12-36 The tragic story of the betrayal of Joseph by his own brothers. Two striking things about Joseph: his spirit of obedience and the distress of his soul. Why did Reuben act so heroically here? Consider all the overwhelming evil that occurs in this passage. If you could have prevented it all, would you have? Why didn't God? With all the evil that Joseph encounters, did God really love Joseph? If God is all powerful and all good, how could he allow such evil? Does such a God really exist? What awesome truth about God can we discover from all the evil in this world? (60 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Jacob, Judah, Evil