Bible in 365 Days

Genesis 38-40

Genesis 38

The sad and tragic story of Judah's corruption recorded here needs very little comment. It carries its own lessons of the frailty of human nature and of the far-reaching effects of sin.

However, placing it at this point in the history is suggestive and important. Following this revelation, we are observing the first movements of God in the process of regeneration amid the degeneration of the race. So far, we have been occupied almost exclusively with individuals. Gradually the larger outlook on the family and society emerges into view. The conditions which made possible Judah's sin, and the sin in itself, revealed the necessity for another new departure. A marked tendency toward the corruption of the chosen people by unhallowed intercourse with the people of the land was apparent. Had there been no divine over-ruling and had these people been left to themselves, the chosen seed would have inevitably been utterly corrupted and the purposes of God defeated.

While Judah was thus sinning, Joseph was already in Egypt, and so the segregation of the chosen people for a long period was already being prepared by keeping them separate from other people and by the rigid exclusiveness of the Egyptians.

Genesis 39

Here begins the story of Joseph in Egypt which is so full of interest. Through the malice of his brethren he had been sold into slavery and in such condition we now see him. Here, at the very beginning of the story of his life and work in Egypt, we learn the secret of all his wonderful success, "Jehovah was with him." and also that, "His master saw that Jehovah was with him."

In those two statements is revealed a man in circumstances which always have been calculated to degrade. He was a slave. Nevertheless, in these very circumstances he so lived as to demonstrate to his master that he was a man having communion with God. Potiphar's conviction resulted in Joseph's promotion.

While it is true that godly men must suffer persecution sooner or later, it is equally true that the life of simple godliness commands the respect and trust even of ungodly men.

Then follows the story of his temptation, a temptation subtle and fierce, presenting itself as it did in the person of one who was supposed to be infinitely Joseph's superior in social position. His quiet and heroic victory bears testimony to the strength of the man who lives with God habitually, even under circumstances of temptation, which are at once subtle and sudden and strong.

Once more his circumstances were changed, and he was a prisoner; and again it is declared, "Jehovah was with him"; and the fact was manifest with practically the same result of promotion to a position of trust. The chapter reveals the fidelity of God to a man who was loyal to Him. Whether in slavery or in prison, in prosperity or adversity, Jehovah was still with Joseph and he was triumphant.

Genesis 40

The works of God are ever characterized by simplicity. No study is more fascinating in the Divine Oracles or in human experience than the wonderful mosaic of the divine government. If it may be stated reverently, it would seem as though there are no forces or facts on which God does not lay His hand in quiet strength and majesty and make them tributary to the accomplishment of His purpose.

He now worked certainly through the uncertain method of dreams. Prisoners, and Pharaoh, as we shall presently see, were troubled in the night and through such troubling God proceeded in carrying out His designs. When the butler and the baker dreamed and told their dreams to Joseph, he is revealed as a man still dependent on God, declaring that the interpretation of dreams belongs to Him.

There is a human touch in Joseph's request to the butler, "Have me in thy remembrance." He was conscious of the limitation of his life and evidently sighed for liberty as does every healthy man.

There is another human touch, and as natural but sad, in the words, "the . . . butler . . . forgat him." It is good to remember that God did not forget him.