Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 45-minute lesson plan to fill out the class “Cities of the Bible: The City of Dothan,” that covers the lesson objective, “Learn the major stories of the Old Testament.” (Christian Life and Faith: Bible Knowledge: General Bible Knowledge-1d)

Read “Cities of the Bible: The City of Dothan.”

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 1:
Read Genesis 37:13–17.

Locate the city of Dothan on a map of Old Testament Israel.

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 2:
Read Genesis 37:3–11.

Discuss together what the causes might have been for Joseph’s brothers being jealous of him.

Discuss together what Joseph could have done differently concerning the dreams he had.

Explore what steps the brothers might have taken to overcome their understandable jealousy in this difficult situation:

• They could have ignored Joseph when he began to boast.
• They might have talked with their father directly about why they felt jealous, telling him how they felt he loved the youngest sons more than them.
• They might have also told their father how they were hurt by Joseph boasting.
• It’s possible they took these steps but their father wasn’t able to stop Joseph from bragging. If so, the brothers could have focused more on being thankful for good things in their personal lives and not as much on these difficult issues. Though this would not have solved the problem, it would have made it easier to bear.

Read Genesis 37:12–36.

Point out how originally the brothers had not planned to sell Joseph, and how the oldest brother, Reuben, protected Joseph by having him put in the pit instead of being killed as the others were planning to do.

Discuss how due to the brothers not having dealt with their jealousy of Joseph, they now acted out on it. Explain why it’s important to talk about negative experiences or conflicts with a parent, counselor, or teacher who can help to work out a solution or even just to express a conflict with a responsible individual who can help one navigate difficult situations and emotions. By talking with someone responsible, it allows one to get input on possible steps to take to rectify the situation or look for ways to deal with hurt or misunderstanding.

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 3:

Read 2 Kings 6:8–23 or “Elisha’s Secret Army.”

Recall together the following points from the story:

• three miraculous occurrences,
• one act of mercy,
• the conclusion.

Talk about God’s mighty power that is available for us to call on for help, and how even if we don’t see specifics that show us it is God’s intervention, we know that He’s at work giving us the assistance we need, just as He was there for Elisha and the people of Dothan.

Talk about the power of the mercy shown to the members of the Syrian army.

REVIEW PARAGRAPH 4:

View a picture of Tell Dothan in recent times, found here. (You can follow this link to other pictures of Tell Dothan.)

Additional material:

• “How God Blessed Joseph”