We read more about how the land of Egypt survived the seven-year famine thanks to God’s revelation to Yosef (Joseph) and his stewardship of Pharaoh’s land. Later, Ya’akov (Jacob) gives Yosef his double portion of the blessing vicariously through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Thought questions from the recorded discussion
Is this the first reference to adoption in the TaNaKh (Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketavim (Writings))?
How did Ya’akov know that the younger brother would be greater than the older?
Do we know which five brothers met Pharaoh?
Why did Pharaoh give Goshen to Yosef’s family?
How bad was this famine? Which year were they in the famine?
What did Ya’akov mean when he told Pharaoh that he was a pilgrim/sojourner on the earth?
What did Ya’akov mean when he said his years were “few”? Why did Ya’akov call his years “bad”? How did Ya’akov bless Pharaoh?
What was the “land of Rameses”?
Did Ya’akov and his brothers have to pay for their provision in the land of Egypt?
How was the economy of Egypt affected over the course of the 7 year famine?
What segments of the Egyptian society were protected from the effects of the famine?
Did Ya’akov inherit the land of Canaan?
How did Israel bless the sons of Yosef?
What is the difference between the names Ya’akov and Israel?
How old were Ephraim and Manasseh were at this time? How could Israel tell which son was which? Why did he switch his hands? What did Israel see?
What did he “take with his sword” to give to Yosef?
Why did Israel need to adopt Ephraim and Manasseh?
Reader: Joshua Brady. Speaker: Richard Agee.