Genesis 42-45 | Bible Study Questions

JUBIN THOMSON | 28 AUGUST 2025

OBSERVATION

What does it say?

    1. What did Jacob ask his sons to do? (Genesis 42:1-5)
    2. What was Joseph's rank in Egypt? (Genesis 42:6)
    3. What did Joseph order to be done to his brothers? How did they react? (Genesis 42:25-28)
    4. How did Jacob respond to the proposal put forward by Joseph? (Genesis 42:29-38)
    5. Why did Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt? (Genesis 43:1-2)
    6. How did Judah convince Jacob to send Benjamin with them (Genesis 43:3-15)
    7. What did Jacob pray for? (Genesis 43:14)
    8. What was the immediate response of the brothers when the cup was discovered in Benjamin's sack?(Genesis 44:13-14)
    9. What is the core argument of Judah's speech?(Genesis 44:16-32)
    10. What does Judah offer to do at the end of his speech? (Genesis 44:33-34)
    11. What was the reaction of his brothers when Joseph revealed himself? (Genesis 45:3)
    12. How did Joseph reassure his brothers? (Genesis 44:5-8)
    13. What instructions did Joseph give for his family (Genesis 45:9-13)
    14. How did Joseph reconcile with his brothers? (Genesis 45:14-15)
    15. What was Pharaoh's reaction when he came to know the news about Joseph? (Genesis 45:16-20)
    16. What was Jacob’s reaction when he heard the news about Joseph? (Genesis 45:24-28)

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

    1. Why couldn't Joseph's brothers recognize him? (Genesis 42:8)
    2. What does Joseph’s weeping reveal about him? (Genesis 42:24)
    3. Why were the brothers amazed with the seating arrangement when food was served? (Genesis 43:33)
    4. Why did Joseph test his brothers? Did Joseph's brothers show any signs of repentance following their past betrayal?
    5. What do these passages reveal about Joseph's Character? 

APPLICATION

What will I do?

    1. What biblical principles do we learn from Gen 42-45 [For Ex. Fear of God, God tests us, Guilt of sin, wages of sin (Gen 42::22)]
    2. Are the sins of our past characterising our lives and our choices today? Have we repented of our past sins?
    3. How is our attitude when we are being tested and going through hardships?
    4. How should we learn to trust in God’s providence even when we go through testing in life?
    5. Are we quick to forgive those who have wronged us in the past?

     

Letter to the Saints

Biographical Blessings: Spurgeon’s Prayer
Does Church Membership Matter?
Biographical Blessings: Brown’s Conversion
What Should Happen In Our Worship Gatherings?