Observation

This question was popular among candidates. Candidate who understood the demands of the question did not have problem answering it as they performed greatly in it especially in the B part. They were able to outline the leadership qualities of Joseph with ease which made him secure his freedom from prison.

Weaknesses on the part of candidates in the A part is attributed to the wasting of time by candidates who gave unnecessary preamble and introduction to this question and in most cases, they wrote about the encounter of Joseph with Portiphar’s wife and the circumstances of how Joseph ended in prison rather than limiting their focus on how he was set free. Below are the expected points the candidates should have started writing their points from.

Events which led the Israelites coming to live in Egypt. (Gen 37:1)
1. Joseph was falsely charged with attempting to rape Portiphar’s wife and cast into prison.
2. Pharaoh had a terrible dream which could not be interpreted by any of his men.
3. The chief butler recommended Joseph to Pharaoh for the interpretation of his dreams.
4. The butler explained that Joseph interpreted his dream while in prison with him and the baker and it was fulfilled.
5. Joseph successfully interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams to mean abundance and famine.
6. As a result Pharaoh appointed Joseph to oversee storage and distribution of food throughout Egypt.
7. When severe famine hit the middle East, Jacob sent his sons to go and buy grains from Egypt.
8. Although the brothers did not recognise Joseph, he recognised them.
9. Joseph who could not control his emotions wept bitterly before the brothers
10. At a later time, he revealed himself to them and they were remorseful.
11. He assured them of how prominent he had become in the land of Egypt.
12. Joseph asked of his father and encouraged his brothers not to be distressed.
13. He added that even though they meant it for evil, God had sent him ahead to preserve life.
14. Joseph therefore requested that his brothers, his father, the entire family and properties migrate, live in the land of Goshen.

Ways in which their settlement in Egypt affected their lives 
1. This episode made the Israelites escape from severe famine.
2. After the death of Joseph the Israelites were made slaves
3. The Israelites became sojourners, always on the move
4. Through hard life leaders emerged from them such as Moses, Aaron and Joshua
5. They became the chosen people of God and saw many miraculous deeds of God.
6. They enjoyed all courtesies and became an integral part of the Egyptian society.
7. They became a source of cheap unpaid forced labour to the Egyptians.