Читать книгу Heroes of Israel - Theodore Gerald Soares - Страница 33

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52. The story of Joseph is remarkably beautiful and interesting. It is more fully told than many of the other stories, and we seem to know Joseph better than almost any of the older Bible characters. His life was full of startling adventure and shows how a strong, noble young hero can meet danger.

53 (§18). Joseph was the youngest but one of Jacob's sons. The others were grown up, and many statements show that they were not very good men. How did Jacob feel toward Joseph? He gave him a long garment with sleeves, which was a mark of distinction. The ordinary working garments were short and had no sleeves. How did Joseph's brothers feel toward him? What do you think of favoritism in families? Can a father feel the same toward good sons and bad sons?

54 (§18). In old times they thought much of dreams and believed they had important meanings. Tell Joseph's two dreams. What were they supposed to mean? Do boys often dream of their future?

55 (§19). Why do men with large flocks need to move from place to place? Locate Hebron on the map. Then note how far the shepherds had wandered to Shechem, which is a very rich pasturage. Then notice Dothan, 15 miles farther north, where the pasturage is still richer. About how far was Dothan from Hebron? (Use the scale on the map to measure.) Tell how Joseph found his brothers.

56 (§19). Tell the story of the plot. What had prepared these men for the crime they committed? (See I John 3:15.) It is a fearful thing to keep hatred in the heart. Shut the book and think for a moment whether you really hate anyone. Tell what they did with Joseph. How does one sin lead to another? What did they tell Jacob? Notice how sorry the old man was and how they showed their sorrow in those days.

57 (§20). What happened to Joseph when he reached Egypt? What is the position of a slave?

58 (§20). Notice how Joseph, although he was sold into slavery, determined to do his duty to his master. Some people will only do their best when they are well paid. How was faithfulness rewarded in this case?

59 (§21). This story is full of strange surprises. Just as Joseph was enjoying his place as overseer, a new enemy arose. His master's wife made false charges against him. She was a wicked woman and wanted Joseph to be put out of the way. Her husband believed her. What did he do with Joseph?

60 (§21). Joseph might well be discouraged, but even in prison he was determined to do his best. Whose favor did he gain? In our prisons they call the good prisoners "trusties." The jailer soon found that Joseph was a "trusty," and gave him charge of all the other prisoners.