Bible Reading & Commentary for the Week July 20 – July 25, 2020

LynnBible Reading Guide

Monday, July 20, Genesis 37

  1. 27 — What led Joseph’s brothers to sell their brother to the Ishmaelites and into Egyptian slavery? It was instigated by Jacob and Joseph. Read vv. 1-11.  Had Joseph’s brothers been growing in faith and in love, they would have forgiven Joseph.  How important it is that we live in daily repentance and grow in the grace and knowledge of God’s Word.

Vv. 25-28 — The Ishmaelites may have been in charge of the caravan.  The Midianites possibly were sons of Abraham.  Cf. chap. 25:1, 2, 12.  Gilead was in southeast Israel.  Balm was an oil or gum that had healing properties. In Hymn No. 564, “There is a Balm in Gilead,”balm refers to

to Jesus, who heals us of our sins.

 

Tuesday, July 21, Genesis 38

Vv. 15-19 — Both Judah and Judah’s daughter-in-law were guilty of breaking the 6th commandment.  In spite of this immoral act, her son, Perez, became a descendant in the family tree of Jesus. (Matt. 1:3)  It reminds us of what Jesus later said during His ministry, “I am come to seek and to save the lost,” (Luke 19:10) and “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)  Sing and pray together Hymn 112, “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.”

 

Wednesday, July 22, Genesis 39

Vv. 9-10 — Underline “How, then, could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”  How we remain faithful to the Lord, especially if we have to face the same sin pressure Joseph did, is answered in Eph. 6:10-18.  Putting on our Gospel armor, God will give us the strength to do the same as Joseph did and flee from sin.

 

Thursday, July 23, Genesis 40, 41

Chap. 40:20-22 — What a grizzly way to celebrate a birthday!!  In contrast, how do you celebrate your birthday?  Some Christians on their birthday, give a dollar to the Lord for each year of life God granted them.  If we designated that gift for the spreading of the

Gospel, in doing that, we’d be giving life instead of taking life, as Pharaoh did.

Chap. 41:15-16 — Take note that Joseph gave all credit to God for the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams.  He’s much different now than he was in his earlier life.  His faith has grown.  Previously, it was Joseph telling his father and brothers, “Look what I’m going to be and do!”  Now Joseph’s words and actions give all glory to God.

Chapter 41:39-40 — It was God who moved Pharaoh to make this move and choose Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt.  In the end, all of this turned out to be a great blessing for Joseph and his family.  Think of Hymn 429, “What God Ordains is Always Good.”

 

Friday, July 24, Genesis 42

  1. 21 — Sin is no happiness maker. As Joseph’s brothers admitted, you can hurt others deeply by the sins you commit against them and you reap what you sow. Read also Gal. 6:7- 8.

Vv. 22-24 — If Joseph hated his brothers previously for what they did to him, that hate no longer existed in his heart.  Repentance is sincere sorrow over sin and trust in God’s forgiveness.  That certainly is evident now in Joseph’s actions, especially when you compare that with his previous dealings with his brothers.  Why Simeon and not Reuben was taken may have been because Reuben tried to save him (chap. 37:21, 22).  Simeon’s nature was cruel (chap. 34:25).

 

Saturday, July 25, Genesis 43

Vv. 1, 2, 15 — This is the second time the brothers go to buy food in Egypt.

  1. 32 — The powerful Egyptian caste system and social custom meant that Joseph could not eat with his brothers. Shepherds were most despised.
  2. 34 — This was a good test to see if the brothers had the same feelings toward Benjamin that they had once had against Joseph. Did they pass that test?