Genesis 46 Commentary
And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer–sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.
And Jacob rose up from Beer–sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.
And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:
His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.
And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.
And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padan–aram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three.
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.
The sons of Rachel Jacob’s wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On bare unto him.
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.
And the sons of Dan; Hushim.
And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
These are the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls were seven.
All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were threescore and six;
And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.
And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Genesis 46 recounts a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and his family, marking their transition from Canaan to Egypt. This chapter, rich in both historical detail and spiritual significance, can be divided into three key sections: God's reassurance to Jacob at Beersheba, a detailed census of Jacob's descendants, and the emotional reunion between Jacob and Joseph. This move to Egypt, orchestrated by God's providence through Joseph's rise to power, sets the stage for the Israelite nation's sojourn and eventual exodus. Let's delve deeper into each section to glean insights and applications for our lives today.
God's Reassurance at Beersheba (Genesis 46:1-7)
Driven by famine in Canaan and the beckoning promise of reunion with Joseph, Jacob gathers his family and possessions to journey to Egypt. However, before fully committing to this significant move, Jacob stops at Beersheba, a place steeped in history and covenant promises (Genesis 21:31-33; 26:23-25). Here, he offers sacrifices to God, seeking divine guidance and confirmation. This act reveals Jacob's underlying anxieties: would leaving the Promised Land jeopardize God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself?
God answers Jacob's unspoken fears in a powerful vision, addressing him by his divinely given name, Israel (Genesis 35:10). God commands him not to fear going down to Egypt, assuring him, "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you up again, and Joseph will close your eyes" (Genesis 46:4). This reassurance is multifaceted: God will accompany them, they will become a great nation even in Egypt (fulfilling part of the Abrahamic covenant, Genesis 12:2), God will ultimately bring them back to the promised land at the appointed time, and Joseph, his beloved son, will be with him at his death.
This encounter highlights a crucial principle: even in the midst of changing circumstances and geographical shifts, God's presence and promises remain steadfast. Just as God reassured Jacob, He reassures us today. When facing daunting transitions or uncertain futures, we can seek God in prayer and find comfort in His unwavering faithfulness. God's promise to be with Jacob for the journey (Genesis 46:4) is a reminder that we never walk alone.
A Detailed Census of Jacob's Descendants (Genesis 46:8-27)
Following God's reassurance, Genesis provides a meticulous list of Jacob's descendants who journeyed with him to Egypt. This genealogical record, organized by Jacob's sons and their respective families, emphasizes the rapid growth of Jacob's lineage. The text names sixty-six descendants who entered with Jacob into Egypt. Including Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph's two sons already in Egypt, the total number of Israelites reached seventy (Genesis 46:27).
The number seventy holds symbolic significance in Hebrew culture, often associated with completion and fullness. Some scholars suggest that to reach this symbolic number, certain descendants (like some of Benjamin's children) may have been counted "early," representing the entire second generation after Jacob. This attention to detail underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).
This section serves as a powerful testament to God's providential hand in shaping the nation of Israel. From a relatively small family, God was orchestrating the growth of a people who would ultimately fulfill His redemptive purposes. It reminds us that God sees and cares about the details of our lives, and He is working behind the scenes to bring His plans to fruition.
The Emotional Reunion with Joseph (Genesis 46:28-34)
After years of separation and presumed death, Jacob finally reunites with his son Joseph in the region of Goshen in Egypt. Joseph, having prepared the way, meets his father in his chariot. The reunion is deeply emotional, marked by embraces and prolonged weeping (Genesis 46:29). Jacob, overwhelmed with joy, declares, "Now I am ready to die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive" (Genesis 46:30). This reunion once again confirmed to Jacob that God’s promises were good and dependable, even when circumstances had seemed to threaten them.
Joseph then takes practical steps to ensure his family's well-being in Egypt. He instructs his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, advising them to emphasize their occupation as shepherds. Joseph knew that "every shepherd is detestable to the Egyptians" (Genesis 46:34). While the reason for this aversion is not explicitly stated, Joseph strategically uses this prejudice to secure a separate settlement for his family in Goshen, allowing them to maintain their cultural identity and avoid complete assimilation into Egyptian society. This shrewd maneuver demonstrates Joseph's wisdom and his commitment to protecting his family's unique heritage. This might have been Joseph's way of ensuring that his people would be tolerated, but not fully absorbed, into the pagan Egyptian society.
This section highlights the power of reconciliation and the importance of family. Joseph's forgiveness and provision for his family exemplify Christ-like love. It also underscores the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating cultural differences while remaining true to one's values. Joseph’s actions demonstrate how to interact with the world without being consumed by it, a relevant challenge for believers today. Joseph gave his family a brief lesson in cross-cultural communication, helping them know how to interact with Pharaoh. Specifically, he encouraged them to emphasize not only that they were shepherds—since all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians—but also that they had raised livestock from their youth (Genesis 46:34). Joseph hoped to acquire for his family the land near Goshen, which was suitable for raising sheep and cattle.
In conclusion, Genesis 46 is a chapter filled with divine reassurance, familial love, and strategic planning. It reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of family reconciliation, and the need for wisdom in navigating cultural complexities. As we reflect on Jacob's journey to Egypt, may we be encouraged to trust in God's unwavering presence, cherish our family relationships, and seek His guidance in all our endeavors.
And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer–sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.
And Jacob rose up from Beer–sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.
And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:
His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.
And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.
And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.
And the sons of Zebulun; Sered, and Elon, and Jahleel.
These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padan–aram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three.
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli.
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bare unto Jacob, even sixteen souls.
The sons of Rachel Jacob’s wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On bare unto him.
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.
And the sons of Dan; Hushim.
And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
These are the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls were seven.
All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were threescore and six;
And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.
And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Genesis 46 recounts a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and his family, marking their transition from Canaan to Egypt. This chapter, rich in both historical detail and spiritual significance, can be divided into three key sections: God's reassurance to Jacob at Beersheba, a detailed census of Jacob's descendants, and the emotional reunion between Jacob and Joseph. This move to Egypt, orchestrated by God's providence through Joseph's rise to power, sets the stage for the Israelite nation's sojourn and eventual exodus. Let's delve deeper into each section to glean insights and applications for our lives today.
God's Reassurance at Beersheba (Genesis 46:1-7)
Driven by famine in Canaan and the beckoning promise of reunion with Joseph, Jacob gathers his family and possessions to journey to Egypt. However, before fully committing to this significant move, Jacob stops at Beersheba, a place steeped in history and covenant promises (Genesis 21:31-33; 26:23-25). Here, he offers sacrifices to God, seeking divine guidance and confirmation. This act reveals Jacob's underlying anxieties: would leaving the Promised Land jeopardize God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself?
God answers Jacob's unspoken fears in a powerful vision, addressing him by his divinely given name, Israel (Genesis 35:10). God commands him not to fear going down to Egypt, assuring him, "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you up again, and Joseph will close your eyes" (Genesis 46:4). This reassurance is multifaceted: God will accompany them, they will become a great nation even in Egypt (fulfilling part of the Abrahamic covenant, Genesis 12:2), God will ultimately bring them back to the promised land at the appointed time, and Joseph, his beloved son, will be with him at his death.
This encounter highlights a crucial principle: even in the midst of changing circumstances and geographical shifts, God's presence and promises remain steadfast. Just as God reassured Jacob, He reassures us today. When facing daunting transitions or uncertain futures, we can seek God in prayer and find comfort in His unwavering faithfulness. God's promise to be with Jacob for the journey (Genesis 46:4) is a reminder that we never walk alone.
A Detailed Census of Jacob's Descendants (Genesis 46:8-27)
Following God's reassurance, Genesis provides a meticulous list of Jacob's descendants who journeyed with him to Egypt. This genealogical record, organized by Jacob's sons and their respective families, emphasizes the rapid growth of Jacob's lineage. The text names sixty-six descendants who entered with Jacob into Egypt. Including Jacob himself, Joseph, and Joseph's two sons already in Egypt, the total number of Israelites reached seventy (Genesis 46:27).
The number seventy holds symbolic significance in Hebrew culture, often associated with completion and fullness. Some scholars suggest that to reach this symbolic number, certain descendants (like some of Benjamin's children) may have been counted "early," representing the entire second generation after Jacob. This attention to detail underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5).
This section serves as a powerful testament to God's providential hand in shaping the nation of Israel. From a relatively small family, God was orchestrating the growth of a people who would ultimately fulfill His redemptive purposes. It reminds us that God sees and cares about the details of our lives, and He is working behind the scenes to bring His plans to fruition.
The Emotional Reunion with Joseph (Genesis 46:28-34)
After years of separation and presumed death, Jacob finally reunites with his son Joseph in the region of Goshen in Egypt. Joseph, having prepared the way, meets his father in his chariot. The reunion is deeply emotional, marked by embraces and prolonged weeping (Genesis 46:29). Jacob, overwhelmed with joy, declares, "Now I am ready to die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive" (Genesis 46:30). This reunion once again confirmed to Jacob that God’s promises were good and dependable, even when circumstances had seemed to threaten them.
Joseph then takes practical steps to ensure his family's well-being in Egypt. He instructs his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, advising them to emphasize their occupation as shepherds. Joseph knew that "every shepherd is detestable to the Egyptians" (Genesis 46:34). While the reason for this aversion is not explicitly stated, Joseph strategically uses this prejudice to secure a separate settlement for his family in Goshen, allowing them to maintain their cultural identity and avoid complete assimilation into Egyptian society. This shrewd maneuver demonstrates Joseph's wisdom and his commitment to protecting his family's unique heritage. This might have been Joseph's way of ensuring that his people would be tolerated, but not fully absorbed, into the pagan Egyptian society.
This section highlights the power of reconciliation and the importance of family. Joseph's forgiveness and provision for his family exemplify Christ-like love. It also underscores the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating cultural differences while remaining true to one's values. Joseph’s actions demonstrate how to interact with the world without being consumed by it, a relevant challenge for believers today. Joseph gave his family a brief lesson in cross-cultural communication, helping them know how to interact with Pharaoh. Specifically, he encouraged them to emphasize not only that they were shepherds—since all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians—but also that they had raised livestock from their youth (Genesis 46:34). Joseph hoped to acquire for his family the land near Goshen, which was suitable for raising sheep and cattle.
In conclusion, Genesis 46 is a chapter filled with divine reassurance, familial love, and strategic planning. It reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of family reconciliation, and the need for wisdom in navigating cultural complexities. As we reflect on Jacob's journey to Egypt, may we be encouraged to trust in God's unwavering presence, cherish our family relationships, and seek His guidance in all our endeavors.