The Hand of God (Joseph) Bible Study Lessons

Before we start our session, it is important that we do a short summary of Joseph’s life. He was the son of Jacob and Rachel. She was sterile and the Lord gave her the petition of her heart which was to have a child. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son and his brothers were jealous of him. They sold him into slavery and then lied to their father, telling him that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. Joseph was innocent yet found himself in Egypt as a servant in Potiphar’s house.

Potiphar was the captain of the bodyguard of Pharaoh’s army. Joseph was his personal servant and was entrusted with all of his property. Although a slave, Joseph was now in a prominent position and a man of influence.

Joseph was a good looking man. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. Joseph flees. Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of trying to rape her. He is thrown into jail. What injustice! However, Joseph was not alone. God was with him. Let’s examine the three facets of God’s presence with Joseph.

First, the Lord was with Joseph. Yes, Joseph was a victim of family abuse, false accusations by Potiphar’s wife and now in prison. But in the midst of it all, God was with Joseph. He may have been in jail but he was not alone. The Living God who is judge overall creation was with Joseph.

Second, the Lord extended kindness to Joseph. Have you ever noticed that there are people who are in great trouble but still remain calm? I am sure that this was the case with Joseph. It was God’s favor and kindness that helped Joseph to overcome. He could have complained and played the victim however, nowhere in Scripture do we see this attitude. God’s hand was with Joseph so he could survive the most challenging of situations.

Last, the Lord gave Joseph favor. This incidence was the lowest point of his life. Yet the God who was with him gave him favor before the chief jailer. There were two fellow prisoners who needed to hear from God and Joseph was the person who interpreted their dreams.

In closing, the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord extended kindness to Joseph. And the Lord gave Joseph favor. The final result was that Joseph saved the lives of his family members when the great famine came.

Let’s trust God in the middle of whatever circumstances we find ourselves. He is our strength and confidence in the time of trouble.

Leona Venditti and Nicolas Venditti, Daily Treasures from the Word of God (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012).