LESSON 11 *June 4–10
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 37; Matt. 20:26, 27; Acts 7:9; Genesis 38; Genesis 39; Gen. 40:1–41:36.
Memory Text: “Then they said to one another, ‘Look, this dreamer is coming!’ ” (Genesis 37:19, NKJV).
The story of Joseph (Genesis 37–50) covers the last section of the book of Genesis, from his first dreams in
Canaan (Gen. 37:1–11) to his death in Egypt (Gen. 50:26). In fact, Joseph occupies more space in the book of
Genesis than does any other patriarch. Although Joseph is just one of Jacob’s sons, he is presented in Genesis
as a great patriarch, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
As we will see, too, the life of Joseph highlights two important theological truths: first, God fulfills His
promises; second, God can turn evil into good.
In this week’s study, we will focus on the early life of Joseph. He is Jacob’s favorite son, who is ironically
nicknamed ba‘al hakhalomot, the “dreamer” (Gen. 37:19), which means literally “master of dreams,” implying that
he is an expert of dreams. This title fits him very well, because he not only receives, understands, and interprets
prophetic dreams, but he also fulfills them in his life, as well.
In these chapters, we will see, again, that God’s providence is affirmed, despite the evil and wickedness of the
human heart.
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 11.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, June 4
Lesson 11 - Joseph, Master of Dreams
Joseph illustrates Christ. Jesus came to His own, but His own received Him not. He was rejected and despised,
because His acts were righteous, and His consistent, self-denying life was a continual rebuke upon those who
professed piety, but whose lives were corrupt. Joseph’s integrity and virtue were fiercely assailed, and she who
would lead him astray could not prevail, therefore her hatred was strong against the virtue and integrity which
she could not corrupt, and she testified falsely against him. The innocent suffered because of his righteousness. He
was cast into prison because of his virtue. Joseph was sold to his enemies by his own brethren for a small sum of
money. The Son of God was sold to His bitterest enemies by one of His own disciples. Jesus was meek and holy.
His was a life of unexampled self-denial, goodness, and holiness. He was not guilty of any wrong. Yet false
witnesses were hired to testify against Him. He was hated because He had been a faithful reprover of sin and
corruption. Joseph’s brethren stripped him of his coat of many colors. The executioners of Jesus cast lots for His
seamless coat.—Ellen G. White Comments, in
The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1096.
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is
earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The
deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship
without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may
give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile
lands.—The Great Controversy, p. 622.
Our heavenly Father does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. He has His purpose in the
whirlwind and in the storm, in the fire and in the flood. The Lord permits calamities to come to His people to save
them from greater dangers. He desires everyone to examine his own heart closely and carefully, and then draw
near to God, that God may draw near to him.
Our life is in the hands of God. He sees dangers threatening us that we cannot see. He is the giver of all our
blessings; the provider of all our mercies; the orderer of all our experiences. He sees the perils that we cannot see.
He may permit to come upon His people that which fills their hearts with sadness, because He sees that they need
to make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. He knows our frame, and remembers
that we are dust. Even the very hairs of our head are numbered. . . . Trials come to us all to lead us to investigate
our hearts, to see if they are purified from all that defiles. Constantly the Lord is working to our present and
eternal good.—In Heavenly Places, p. 265.
SUNDAY June 5
Family Troubles
Jacob has, at last, settled in the land. While Isaac was only “a stranger,” the text also says that Jacob “dwelt in
the land” (Gen. 37:1). Yet, it was then, as he was settling into the land, that the troubles began, this time from
inside the family. The controversy does not concern the possession of the land or the use of a well; it is, mainly,
spiritual.
Read Genesis 37:1–11. What family dynamic predisposed Joseph’s brothers to hate him so much?
* Your notes will not be saved!
From the very beginning, we understand that Joseph, the son of Jacob’s old age (Gen. 37:3), enjoyed a special
relationship with his father, who “loved him more than all his brothers” (Gen. 37:4, NKJV). Jacob even went so far
as to make Joseph “a tunic of many colors” (Gen. 37:3, NKJV), a prince’s garment (2 Sam. 13:18), an indication of
Jacob’s secret intention to elevate Joseph, Rachel’s first son, to the status of firstborn.
The future will, indeed, confirm Jacob’s wishes because Joseph eventually will receive the rights of the
firstborn (1 Chron. 5:2). No wonder, then, that Joseph’s brothers hated him so much and could not even engage in
peaceful conversations with him (Gen. 37:4).
Furthermore, Joseph would bring bad reports to his father about any reprehensible behavior from his brothers
(Gen. 37:2). No one likes a snitch.
So, when Joseph shared his dreams, suggesting that God would put him in a higher position and that they, his
brothers, would bow before him, they hated him even more. The genuine prophetic character of the dreams was
even ratified by the fact that they are repeated (see Gen. 41:32). Although Jacob openly rebuked his son (Gen.
37:10), he kept this incident in his mind, meditating on its meaning and waiting for its fulfillment (Gen. 37:11). The
implication is that, perhaps, deep down he thought there might be something to these dreams after all. He was
right, however much he couldn’t know it at the time.
Read Matthew 20:26, 27. What crucial principle is revealed here, and how can we learn to manifest in
our own lives what it teaches?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, June 5
Family Troubles
The sin of Jacob, and the train of events to which it led, had not failed to exert an influence for evil—an
influence that revealed its bitter fruit in the character and life of his sons. As these sons arrived at manhood they
developed serious faults. The results of polygamy were manifest in the household. This terrible evil tends to dry
up the very springs of love, and its influence weakens the most sacred ties. The jealousy of the several mothers
had embittered the family relation, the children had grown up contentious and impatient of control, and the
father’s life was darkened with anxiety and grief.
There was one, however, of a widely different character—the elder son of Rachel, Joseph, whose rare personal
beauty seemed but to reflect an inward beauty of mind and heart. . . . His mother being dead, his affections clung
the more closely to the father, and Jacob’s heart was bound up in this child of his old age. He “loved Joseph more
than all his children.”
But even this affection was to become a cause of trouble and sorrow. Jacob unwisely manifested his
preference for Joseph, and this excited the jealousy of his other
sons.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 209.
Joseph listened to his father’s instructions, and feared the Lord. He was more obedient to his father’s
righteous teachings than any of his brethren. He treasured his instructions, and with integrity of heart, loved to
obey God. He was grieved at the wrong conduct of some of his brethren, and meekly entreated them to pursue a
righteous course, and leave off their wicked acts. This only imbittered them against him. His hatred of sin was
such that he could not endure to see his brethren sinning against God. He laid the matter before his father, hoping
that his authority might reform them. This exposure of their wrongs enraged his brethren against him. They had
observed their father’s strong love for Joseph, and were envious at him. Their envy grew into hatred, and finally
to murder.—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 138.
No human being is to seat himself on the highest seat, accepting the praise of others, and forgetting that his
treasures belong to God. God’s blessing is promised to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, but
nothing is so offensive as to hunger and thirst after the praise of men. . . .
Were it not for God’s gracious gifts and blessings, we should be bankrupt for eternity. Then let no one sound
his own praises, feeding upon his supposed wisdom. If his talents were of his own manufacture, there would be
some consistency in self-praise. But man has nothing of his own. Let us not reveal our lack of true wisdom by
exalting self. Let us bow low in humility at the feet of Him who has entrusted to us our talents. Let us use and
improve these talents, handing principle and interest back to the
Giver.—This Day With God, p. 200.
MONDAY June 6
The Attack on Joseph
However horrible the events that were to follow, they’re not hard to comprehend. To be in that close
proximity to, and even to be related to, someone whom you hated would inevitably lead, sooner or later, only to
trouble.
And it did.
Read Genesis 37:12–36. What does this teach us about how dangerous and evil unregenerate hearts
can be and what they can lead any one of us to do?
The brothers hate Joseph because they are jealous of God’s favor (Acts 7:9), a favor that will be confirmed at
each step in the next course of events. When Joseph has lost his way, a man finds him and guides him (Gen. 37:15).
When Joseph’s brothers plot to kill him, Reuben intervenes and suggests that he be thrown into a pit instead (Gen.
37:20–22).
It’s hard to imagine the kind of hatred expressed here, especially for someone of their own household. How
could these young men have done something so cruel? Did they not think, even for a few moments, about how
this would impact their own father? Whatever resentment they might have had toward their father because he
favored Joseph, to do this to one of his children was, truly, despicable. What a powerful manifestation of just how
evil human beings can be.
“But some of them [the brothers] were ill at ease; they did not feel the satisfaction they had anticipated from
their revenge. Soon a company of travelers was seen approaching. It was a caravan of Ishmaelites from beyond
Jordan, on their way to Egypt with spices and other merchandise. Judah now proposed to sell their brother to
these heathen traders instead of leaving him to die. While he would be effectually put out of their way, they
would remain clear of his blood.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 211.
After they cast him into the pit, planning to kill him later, a caravan passes, and Judah proposes to his
brothers to sell Joseph to them (Gen. 37:26, 27). After Joseph is sold to the Midianites (Gen. 37:28), the Midianites
sell him to someone in Egypt (Gen. 37:36), thus anticipating his future glory.
Why is it so important to seek God’s power in order to change bad traits of character before they can manifest themselves in acts that,
at one point in your life, you would never have imagined yourself doing?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, June 6
The Attack on Joseph
Twice God’s covenant and His statutes had been rejected by the world. Both the people before the Flood and
the descendants of Noah cast off the divine authority. Then God entered into covenant with Abraham, and took to
Himself a people to become the depositaries of His law. To seduce and destroy this people, Satan began at once to
lay his snares. The children of Jacob were tempted to contract marriages with the heathen and to worship their
idols.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 332.
[Joseph’s] brothers rudely repulsed him. He told them his errand, but they answered him not. Joseph was
alarmed at their angry looks. Fear took the place of joy, and he instinctively shrank with dread from their
presence. They then took hold of him violently. They taunted him with the admonitions he had given them in the
past, accused him of relating his dreams to exalt himself above them in the mind of their father, that he might love
him more than themselves.—Ellen G. White Comments, in
The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1096.
A good character must be built up brick by brick. Those characteristics which will enable the youth to labor
successfully in God’s cause must be obtained by the diligent exercise of their faculties, by improving every
advantage Providence gives them, and by connecting with the Source of all wisdom. They must be satisfied with
no low standard. The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models for them to follow; and in the life of the
Saviour they have a perfect pattern.
All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The
Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He was given to God, a consecrated
offering, and the Lord made him a channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel,
the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O
God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.” Psalm
71:17.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 537.
TUESDAY June 7
Judah and Tamar
The story of Tamar is not out of place here. This incident follows chronologically the sale of Joseph in Egypt
(Gen. 38:1), and it is consistent with the fact that Judah has just left his brothers, which points to his disagreement
with them. In addition, the text shares a number of common words and motifs with the preceding chapter, and it
carries the same theological lesson: an evil act will be turned into a positive event linked to salvation.
Read Genesis 38. Compare Judah’s behavior with that of the Canaanite Tamar. Who of the two is
more righteous, and why?
Judah finds a Canaanite wife (Gen. 38:2) with whom he has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Judah gives the
Canaanite Tamar as wife to Er, his firstborn, in order to ensure proper genealogy. When Er and Onan are killed by
God because of their wickedness, Judah promises his last son, Shelah, to Tamar.
When, after some time, Judah seems to have forgotten his promise, as he goes to comfort himself after the
death of his wife, Tamar decides to play the prostitute in order to force him to fulfill his promise. Because Judah
has no cash to pay the prostitute, whom he does not recognize, he promises to send her, later, a goat from his
flock.
Tamar requires that, in the meantime, he give her his signet and cord and his staff as an immediate guarantee
of payment. Tamar will get pregnant from this unique encounter. When, later, accused of playing the harlot, she
will show to the accuser, Judah, his signet and cord and his staff. Judah understands and apologizes.
The conclusion of this sordid story is the birth of Perez, meaning “breaking through,” who, like Jacob, is born
second, and becomes first, and is named in salvation history as the ancestor of David (Ruth 4:18–22), and
ultimately of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:3). As for Tamar, she is the first of the four women—followed by Rahab (Matt.
1:5), Ruth (Matt. 1:5, 6), and the wife of Uriah (Matt. 1:6)—who genealogically preceded Mary, the mother of Jesus
(Matt. 1:16).
One lesson we can take from this story: just as God saved Tamar through His grace, transforming evil into
good, so will He save His people through the cross of Jesus. And in the case of Joseph, He will turn his troubles
into the salvation of Jacob and his sons.
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, June 7
Judah and Tamar
None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father
could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing
less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father’s love to lost
humanity. . . .
. . . He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken.
Jesus is “not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11); He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother,
bearing our human form before the Father’s throne, and through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed
—the Son of man. And all this that man might be uplifted from the ruin and degradation of sin that he might
reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness.
The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to die for us,
should give us exalted conceptions of what we may become through Christ. . . . “Behold, what manner of love the
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. What a value this places
upon man! Through transgression the sons of man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning
sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature, Christ elevates
humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the
name “sons of God.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 14, 15.
It was taught by the Jews that before God’s love is extended to the sinner, he must first repent. In their view,
repentance is a work by which men earn the favor of Heaven. And it was this thought that led the Pharisees to
exclaim in astonishment and anger, “This man receiveth sinners.” According to their ideas He should permit none
to approach Him but those who had repented. But in the parable of the lost sheep, Christ teaches that salvation
does not come through our seeking after God but through God’s seeking after us. “There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way.” Romans 3:11, 12. We do
not repent in order that God may love us, but He reveals to us His love in order that we may
repent.—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 189.
Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian
character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the
suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom
and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall
receive.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 564.
WEDNESDAY June 8
Joseph, a Slave in Egypt
We now pick up the flow of Joseph’s stories, which have been “interrupted” by the Tamar incident. Joseph is
now working as a slave for the “captain of the guard,” who is in charge of the prison for royal officials (Gen. 40:3,
4; Gen. 41:10–12).
Read Genesis 39. In light of the example of Joseph’s working as a manager under Potiphar, what are
the factors that led to such success?
Almost immediately, Joseph was characterized as a man of success (Gen. 39:2, 3). He was so good, and his
master so trusted him that “all that he had he put into his hand,” and Potiphar even made him “overseer over his
house” (Gen 39:4).
Joseph’s success, however, does not corrupt him. When Potiphar’s wife notices him and wants to sleep with
him, Joseph unambiguously refuses and prefers to lose his job and his security rather than “ ‘do this great
wickedness, and sin against God’ ” (Gen. 39:9). The woman, humiliated by Joseph’s refusal, reports falsely to her
servants and to her husband that Joseph wanted to rape her. As a result, Joseph is cast into prison.
Joseph experiences here what we all have experienced: the sense of abandonment by God, though, even in
this difficult time, “the LORD was with Joseph” (Gen. 39:21).
Eventually, the Lord acts, and it has an impact on Joseph’s relationship with the officer of the prison. Here,
too, as in his master’s house, the Lord blesses Joseph. He obviously is a gifted man, and despite even worse
circumstances now (after all, before, he was still a slave!), he seeks to make the best of it. Whatever his gifts,
however, the text makes it clear that, in the end, it was only God who brought him success. “The keeper of the
prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and
whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper” (Gen. 39:23, NKJV). How important that all who are gifted, all who are
“successful,” remember where it all comes from!
Read Genesis 39:7–12. How did Joseph resist the advances of Potiphar’s wife? Why did Joseph
specifically say that to do what she asked would be a sin against God? What understanding does he
show of the nature of sin and what it is?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, June 8
Joseph, a Slave in Egypt
Joseph regarded his being sold into Egypt as the greatest calamity that could have befallen him; but he saw
the necessity of trusting in God as he had never done when protected by his father’s love. Joseph brought God
with him into Egypt, and the fact was made apparent by his cheerful demeanor amid his sorrow. As the ark of
God brought rest and prosperity to Israel, so did this God-loving, God-fearing youth bring a blessing to Egypt.
This was manifested in so marked a manner that Potiphar, in whose house he served, attributed all his blessings to
his purchased slave, and made him a son rather than a servant. It is God’s purpose that those who love and honor
His name shall be honored also themselves, and that the glory given to God through them shall be reflected upon
themselves.—Ellen G. White Comments, in
The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1096.
Joseph’s brethren flattered themselves that they were taking a sure course to prevent the fulfillment of
Joseph’s strange dreams. But the Lord controlled events, and caused the cruel course of Joseph’s brethren to bring
about the fulfillment of the dreams which they were laboring to
frustrate.—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 143.
When Joseph was tempted to deviate from the path of right, to transgress the law of God and prove untrue to
his master, he firmly resisted and gave evidence of the elevating power of the fear of God in his answer to his
master’s wife. . . . He would not be persuaded to deviate from the path of righteousness and trample upon God’s
law by any inducements or threats. . . .
Here is an example to all generations who should live upon the earth. Although they may be exposed to
temptations, yet they should ever realize that there is a defense at hand, and it will be their own fault if they are
not preserved. God will be a present help, and His Spirit a shield. Although surrounded with the severest
temptations, there is a source of strength to which they can apply and resist them.
How fierce was the assault upon Joseph’s morals. It came from one of influence, the most likely to lead astray.
Yet how promptly and firmly was it resisted. He suffered for his virtue and integrity, for she who would lead him
astray revenged herself upon the virtue she could not subvert, and by her influence caused him to be cast into
prison, by charging him with a foul wrong. Here Joseph suffered because he would not yield his integrity. He had
placed his reputation and interest in the hands of God. And although he was suffered to be afflicted for a time, to
prepare him to fill an important position, yet God safely guarded that reputation that was blackened by a wicked
accuser, and afterward, in His own good time, caused it to shine. God made even the prison the way to his
elevation. Virtue will in time bring its own reward. The shield which covered Joseph’s heart was the fear of God,
which caused him to be faithful and just to his master and true to
God.—The Story of Redemption, pp. 101–103.
THURSDAY June 9
The Dreams of Pharaoh
Read Genesis 40:1–41:36. How are the dreams of Pharaoh related to the dreams of the officers? What
is the significance of this parallel?
The providential character of the events continues. Over time, Joseph is put in charge of the prisoners, two of
whom happen to be former officers of Pharaoh, a butler and a baker (Gen. 41:9–11). They are both troubled by
dreams that they cannot understand, because “there is no interpreter” (Gen. 40:8). Joseph, then, interprets their
respective dreams.
In a parallel to the two officers’ dreams, Pharaoh also has two dreams, which no one can interpret (Gen. 41:1–
8). At that moment the butler providentially remembers Joseph and recommends him to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:9–13).
In a parallel to the other dreams, Pharaoh, like the officers, is troubled, and, like them, reveals his dreams
(Gen. 41:14–24), and Joseph interprets them. Like the officers’ dreams, Pharaoh’s dreams display parallels of
symbols: the two series of seven cows (fat and gaunt) just as the two series of heads of grain (plump and thin)
represent two series of years, one good and one bad. The seven cows parallel the seven heads of grain, repeating
the same message, an evidence of their divine origin, just like Joseph’s dreams (Gen. 41:32; compare with Gen. 37:9).
Though Joseph is the one who interpreted the dream for Pharaoh, Joseph makes certain that Pharaoh knows
that it was God, Elohim, who showed the king the things that He, God, was going to do (Gen. 41:25, 28). It seems,
too, that Pharaoh got the message because, when he decided to appoint someone to be over the land, his argument
was as follows:
“ ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over
my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word’ ” (Gen. 41:39, 40, NKJV).
How fascinating: thanks to God, Joseph goes from ruler over Potiphar’s house to ruler over the prison to ruler
over all of Egypt. What a powerful story about how, even amid what look like terrible circumstances, God’s
providences are revealed.
How can we learn to trust God and cling to His promises when events don’t appear providential at
all, and indeed, God seems silent?
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, June 9
The Dreams of Pharaoh
[A] divine hand was about to open the prison gates. The king of Egypt had in one night two dreams,
apparently pointing to the same event and seeming to foreshadow some great calamity. He could not determine
their significance, yet they continued to trouble his mind. The magicians and wise men of his realm could give no
interpretation. The king’s perplexity and distress increased, and terror spread throughout his palace. The general
agitation recalled to the chief butler’s mind the circumstances of his own dream; with it came the memory of
Joseph, and a pang of remorse for his forgetfulness and ingratitude. He at once informed the king how his own
dream and that of the chief baker had been interpreted by a Hebrew captive, and how the predictions had been
fulfilled.
It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men of his kingdom to consult an
alien and a slave, but he was ready to accept the lowliest service if his troubled mind might find relief. Joseph was
immediately sent for; he put off his prison attire. . . . He was then conducted to the presence of the king.
“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have
heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is
not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Joseph’s reply to the king reveals his humility and his
faith in God. He modestly disclaims the honor of possessing in himself superior wisdom. “It is not in me.” God
alone can explain these mysteries.—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 219, 220.
From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor,
yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. . . . But Joseph’s character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity.
The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner’s cell.
He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed
that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties
of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true
God.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222.
In Christian experience, the Lord permits trials of various kinds to call men and women to a higher order of
living and to a more sanctified service. Without these trials there would be a continual falling away from the
likeness of Christ, and men would become imbued with a spirit of . . . fanciful, human philosophy, which would
lead them to unite with Satan’s followers. . . .
. . . Men [and women] in positions of trust are to be instrumentalities in the hands of God for promoting His
glory.—Manuscript 85, August 22, 1906.
FRIDAY June 10
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Joseph in Egypt,” pp. 213–223, in Patriarchs and Prophets.
“In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their
homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great
changes of fortune. In his father’s home a tenderly cherished child; in the house of Potiphar a slave, then a
confidant and companion; a man of affairs, educated by study, observation, contact with men; in Pharaoh’s
dungeon a prisoner of state, condemned unjustly, without hope of vindication or prospect of release; called at a
great crisis to the leadership of the nation—what enabled him to preserve his integrity? . . .
“In his childhood, Joseph had been taught the love and fear of God. Often in his father’s tent, under the Syrian
stars, he had been told the story of the night vision at Bethel, of the ladder from heaven to earth, and the
descending and ascending angels, and of Him who from the throne above revealed Himself to Jacob. He had been
told the story of the conflict beside the Jabbok, when, renouncing cherished sins, Jacob stood conqueror, and
received the title of a prince with God.
“A shepherd boy, tending his father’s flocks, Joseph’s pure and simple life had favored the development of
both physical and mental power. By communion with God through nature and the study of the great truths
handed down as a sacred trust from father to son, he had gained strength of mind and firmness of principle.
“In the crisis of his life, when making that terrible journey from his childhood home in Canaan to the
bondage which awaited him in Egypt, looking for the last time on the hills that hid the tents of his kindred, Joseph
remembered his father’s God. He remembered the lessons of his childhood, and his soul thrilled with the resolve
to prove himself true—ever to act as became a subject of the King of heaven.”—Ellen G. White, Education, pp. 51, 52.
Discussion Questions:
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1. Compare Joseph with Daniel and Jesus. What are their common points? How do Joseph and Daniel, in their own ways, reveal
aspects of what Jesus would be like?
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2. In class, talk about the question at the end of Thursday’s study. How do we learn to trust God when things don’t turn out as well
for us as they did, eventually, for Joseph?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, June 10
For Further Reading
Sons and Daughters of God, “Joseph a Christian Gentleman,” p. 320;
The SDA Bible Commentary, “God Behind All His Promises,” vol. 7, p. 942.
