Character Profiles
Who is Tamar, and what is her significance in Judah's story?
Tamar is Judah's daughter-in-law. She is significant because she ensures the continuation of Judah's line by disguising herself and deceiving him.
What gift does Jacob give to Joseph that causes tension among his brothers?
Jacob gives Joseph a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as a "coat of many colors," which symbolizes his favoritism.
Describe the situation that leads to Judah's encounter with Tamar.
After the death of his sons, Judah does not fulfill his promise to Tamar to give her his youngest son in marriage. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and encounters Judah, leading to her becoming pregnant with twins.
Who said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good”? Explain its context.
Joseph says this to his brothers, highlighting how their evil actions led to his rise and ultimately saved many lives during the famine.
Identify a significant foreshadowing moment in Joseph's story.
Joseph's dreams of ruling over his family foreshadow his future position of power in Egypt and the eventual reconciliation with his brothers.
Describe the relationship between Joseph and his brothers before his rise to power in Egypt.
Joseph's brothers are jealous of him because he is their father's favorite and has prophetic dreams indicating he will rule over them. This jealousy leads them to sell him into slavery.
What are the two dreams Joseph has, and what do they signify?
In the first dream, Joseph sees his sheaf of grain rise and the sheaves of his brothers bowing to it. In the second dream, he sees the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him, indicating that he will hold a position of authority over his family
What lie is told about Joseph that lands him back in prison?
Potiphar's wife lies and says that Joseph tried to "lay" with her.
Who said "She is more righteous than I since I did not give her my son Shelah."
Judah
What narrative techniques does the author use to build suspense in Joseph's story?
Dramatic Irony, Foreshadowing, Conflict/Suspense
What role does Pharaoh play in Joseph's life and rise to power?
Pharaoh plays a crucial role by recognizing Joseph's ability to interpret dreams. After Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams about the coming famine, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt.
How do Joseph's brothers initially react to his dreams and his coat?
His brothers are jealous and angry, interpreting his dreams as him suggesting he will rule over them, which fuels their resentment toward him.
His robe
Who said "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me."
Potiphar's wife
How does the use of irony appear in Joseph’s rise to power?
The irony lies in the fact that Joseph's brothers intended to harm him by selling him into slavery, yet this very act leads to Joseph's rise to power, allowing him to save them later.
Who is Benjamin, and how does he relate to Joseph’s story?
Benjamin is Joseph's younger brother and the only other son of Jacob and Rachel. He is important because Joseph's affection for him becomes a pivotal point in the story when the brothers return to Egypt.
What do the brothers do to Joseph when they conspire against him?
The brothers initially plan to kill Joseph but ultimately decide to throw him into a cistern instead. They later sell him to Midianite traders who are passing by.
What are the dreams Joseph interprets for Pharaoh, and why are they important?
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams of seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean cows and seven healthy ears of grain being consumed by seven thin ears. These dreams predict seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
Who said "Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you."
Reuben
Give an example of symbolism in the story of Joseph.
The colorful coat Joseph receives from his father symbolizes Jacob's favoritism and sets the stage for the brothers' jealousy and conflict.
Who is Reuben
They give him Joseph's robe that has been ripped and dipped in blood. This relates to the story of Jacob using his brother's clothes to deceive his own father Isaac.
What is the first test Joseph gives his brothers when they come to Egypt?
Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies and demands they bring Benjamin to prove their honesty.
Who said "You are spies and have come to see the nakedness of the land."?
Joseph
Give an example of situational irony in these chapters
Judah and Tamar or Joseph revealing himself to his brothers