It is vital that we spend time in God’s Word.

But it’s not always easy.

We read a chapter and we don’t know what to get out of it or even how to start to understand it.

I thought I could try to help you get a little something out of what you are reading by providing you with some questions to ask as you look at the text.  Good questions are a good start to understanding. Sometimes there will be more questions, sometimes less.

You can do this!

So, get a notebook, a pen, your Bible, and if you would like some help, take some time to answer the questions, and you may be surprised by all God teaches you.

Genesis 48

1. Joseph comes to visit his father on his death bed. What name does the author use for his father here? Why might that be significant?
2. What two things does Jacob say God did in verse 3?
3. What does he say God promised in verse 4?
4. What words are used here that are also used in the beginning of the Bible's story? Why do you think he might use the same terms that are in the beginning of the Bible's story? What is that doing?
5. What unusual thing does Jacob then do?
6. Joseph then brings his sons to Jacob. What does the author say about Jacob's vision? Why is that ironic?
7. When Jacob goes to bless the boys, what does he do that makes Joseph upset? Why is this not surprising for those of us who have been following along in the biblical story so far? What does this tell us about God?
8. Who specifically does Jacob ask to bless the boy? What interesting and somewhat confusing insight does that give you into the nature of God?
9.  What encouragement does Jacob give Joseph at the end?
10. How might knowing all this have been helpful and important for the people to whom Moses was originally speaking?