The Levitical sacrificial system had five separate and distinct offerings that could be made to the Lord. They mark a progression of closeness with the first offering mentioned being the closest to God and the last one being the first step in approaching God. This seemingly backwards approach is not unusual in the Bible. God usually begins from His perspective, not ours. He describes the furniture of the most holy place first and then proceeds to the holy place and the courtyard. He creates heaven and then earth (Genesis 1:1). Notice the following table with the offerings given in reverse order and their symbology explained.Table:>
This lesson describes the protective hand of God over the one who is to be the deliverer of the children of Israel from Egypt. God’s hand of providence is seen throughout this story. Just when it seems the darkest for the Israelites, God is already working out the way to bring them deliverance.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
From Genesis to Revelation, Satan has attempted to destroy the people of God and the godly seed. This chapter records one of many such attempts. Yet, God blesses His people despite the opposition of the enemy. And, He uses affliction to bring His people to even greater good.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The story is ending. The last of the founding patriarchs are dying. This is a story of burials and not of births. Yet, hope remains. It remains in the hearts. It remains in the last request of Joseph to carry his bones back to the land of Canaan when God visits His people.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob’s time is short. It will not be long before he departs this world. Before he passes, he calls for his sons to gather together that he might tell them the things that will befall them in the last days. Some of the sons receive good news, while others hear of loss and condemnation.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Although this lesson may seem anticlimactic, God is still fulfilling His blessings on Joseph and rewarding him for his faithfulness. Our final reward comes in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Yet, we can be sure that our God will make all things work out to the good of those who love Him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This lesson grandly illustrates God’s providential preservation of and provision for His people. The brothers’ act of hatred in selling Joseph into slavery becomes the way by which God preserves His people in famine (Genesis 45:4-8).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The famine is still sore in all the land and the sons of Jacob must return to Egypt. The last trip was very troublesome, and this trip will have its share of troubles as well.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Joseph has been exalted to the second place in the entire land of Egypt. Now all that needs to take place in order for the dreams of his youth to be fulfilled is for his brothers to come and bow down to him. God is working this out through the famine that is in the land. He is also preparing for the preservation of the children of Israel through the next 400 years. God’s providence is seen as strongly here as it is in the book of Esther. He is bringing all things together for His good.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The time that Joseph had sought for so long finally came. He is exalted in this chapter as second ruler of Egypt. “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom” (Psalm 105:17-22).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
