Egyptian Harvesting Wheat as Depicted on Thebe's Tomb Wall
from Jehovah the World of the Old Testament. Holzapfel, et al.
Class Member Study Guide: Lesson 12
Genesis 40
Genesis 41
Genesis 42
Genesis 43
Genesis 44
Genesis 45
Doctrine and Covenants 64:8-11
Doctrine and Covenants 122:5-9
Must Read Articles about Jacob's Son Joseph
This article is appeared in both the Ensign and Liahona. It is written by one of my former BYU Humanities department colleagues when I taught humanities as an adjunct faculty member. "Arthur Bassett could easily be characterized as a scholar’s scholar. He seems happiest with a musty old book in hand as he endlessly searches for new facts and new ways of looking at what we think we know."
Joseph, Example of Excellence
Arthur R. Bassett
Another moving conference talk about Joseph can be read or viewed here. The back story about two feuding neighbors before the story of Joseph is referenced is especially moving
Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love
David E. Sorensen
Joseph's Example
I have deeply touched by a group of young musicians. They live on the top of a landfill. Parents have created instruments from the recylcled trash they use to support themselves. I was stunned to see them playing the most exquisite classical music from oil drums and forks. It reminded me of one of the the lessons that we learn from Joseph's life, that not matter how hard things are to never give up. You can listen to their story here. landFillharmonic.
Joseph turned every experience and all circumstances, no matter how trying, into something good.
Joseph turned every experience and all circumstances, no matter how trying, into something good.
“This ability to turn
everything into something good appears to be a godly characteristic. Our
Heavenly Father always seems able to do this. Everything, no matter how dire,
becomes a victory to the Lord. Joseph, although a slave and wholly undeserving
of this fate, nevertheless remained faithful to the Lord and continued to live
the commandments and made something very good of his degrading circumstances.
People like this cannot be defeated, because they will not give up.” (Hartman Rector, Jr., “Live above the Law to Be Free,” Ensign, Jan. 1973,
p. 130.)
Joseph's Capture and Slave Journey to Egypt. Joseph's Brother Journey to Egypt
Nile Delta. Landsat Satellite.
from Jehovah the World of the Old Testament. Holzapfel, et al.
Egypt was on of the superpowers of the Ancient World. The economic base was agriculture.
The yearly flooding of the Nile brought water and rich black soil that
produced grains--barley being the main crop--and wide range of
vegetables and melons. Grapes were cultivated in oases, and papyrus was grown in the marshes. Livestock included cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Fish and fowls were also part of the Egyptian diet.
