Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all. Then Joseph sent for his father JacobJoseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to power in Egypt as second only to Pharaoh. This act of sending for his father Jacob signifies reconciliation and the fulfillment of God's providential plan. Joseph's actions reflect a type of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God. The narrative echoes Genesis 45:9-13, where Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and instructs them to bring Jacob to Egypt. This moment is pivotal in the history of Israel, as it sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus. Gen 45:9 Now return quickly to my father and tell him,… and all his relatives, The inclusion of all Jacob's relatives highlights the importance of family and community in God's covenantal promises. This move to Egypt was not just for survival during the famine but also a step in God's larger plan for the nation of Israel. The family of Jacob, also known as the Israelites, would grow into a great nation as promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:2. This gathering of the family prefigures the gathering of God's people in the New Testament, as seen in Ephesians 1:10, where all things are brought together in Christ. Gen 46:31-34 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household,… seventy-five in all. The number seventy-five is significant and has been a point of discussion among scholars. The Hebrew text of Genesis 46:27 and Exodus 1:5 mentions seventy, while the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, records seventy-five. This discrepancy is often attributed to the inclusion of Joseph's grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the Septuagint's count. The number symbolizes completeness and God's faithfulness in preserving His people. It also foreshadows the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:7, fulfilling God's promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Gen 46:27 And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA key figure in the Genesis account, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His account is one of redemption and God's providence. 2. Jacob Also known as Israel, Jacob is the patriarch of the Israelites. He is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel and plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's covenant promises. 3. Seventy-five Relatives This number refers to the family members of Jacob who moved to Egypt. The number is significant in the context of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph rose to power and where the Israelites would eventually become enslaved. It serves as a backdrop for God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises. 5. Stephen's Speech Acts 7 is part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel's history to illustrate God's faithfulness and the people's repeated disobedience. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProvidenceJoseph's account is a testament to God's control over history and His ability to bring good out of evil circumstances. Trust in God's plan, even when it seems unclear. Faithfulness in Adversity Joseph remained faithful to God despite his trials. Believers are encouraged to maintain their faith and integrity, trusting that God is working for their good. The Importance of Family and Legacy The movement of Jacob's family to Egypt underscores the importance of family in God's plan. Believers should value and nurture their family relationships as part of their spiritual legacy. God's Covenant Promises The account reminds us of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Christians are called to remember and rely on God's promises in their own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's invitation to his family to come to Egypt demonstrate God's providence in difficult situations?2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt? 3. How can Joseph's example of faithfulness in adversity inspire us in our own challenges today? 4. What role does family play in God's plan, and how can we apply this understanding to our own family relationships? 5. How does the account of Joseph and his family connect to the larger account of God's redemption plan throughout the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 46:27This verse provides the background for the number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants. Exodus 1:5 This passage recounts the growth of Jacob's family in Egypt, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus and God's deliverance of His people. Hebrews 11:21-22 These verses in the New Testament reflect on the faith of Jacob and Joseph, emphasizing their trust in God's promises despite their circumstances. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Family, Fifteen, Invited, Jacob, Joseph, Kindred, Numbering, Persons, Relatives, Seventy, Seventy-five, Souls, Summoned, ThreescoreDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:12-15Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:14 NIVActs 7:14 NLT Acts 7:14 ESV Acts 7:14 NASB Acts 7:14 KJV Acts 7:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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