Genesis 38

Genesis 38:1-30

Genesis 37:1-36; Genesis 38:1-30; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:1-36 The Divisions of Joseph’ s History Joseph is one of the three men who were chosen vessels of God in connection with Israel’ s history. The other two were Moses and Paul. Joseph’ s history may be summed up under three main divisions: The chosen vessel in preparation (Genesis 37:1-36; Genesis 38:1-30; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:1-36); the chosen vessel in service (Genesis 41:37-57; Genesis 42:1-38; Genesis 43:1-34; Genesis 44:1-34; Genesis 45:1-28; Genesis 46:1-34; Genesis 47:1-31; Genesis 48:1-22; Genesis 49:1-33; Genesis 50:1-21); the dissolution of the chosen vessel (Genesis 50:20-26). Let us now look at these divisions somewhat in detail:

1. The Chosen Vessel in Preparation (Genesis 37:1-36; Genesis 38:1-30; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:1-36) Under this main division we have three general thoughts: Joseph as a son (Genesis 37:1-36); as a slave (Genesis 39:1-20); as a prisoner (Genesis 39:21-23; Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:1-36).