Genesis 46:1
So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
So Israel set out
The name "Israel" here refers to Jacob, who was given this name after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" signifies a transition from his personal identity to his role as the patriarch of the nation of Israel. The phrase "set out" indicates a decisive action, a journey of faith and obedience. This journey is not just physical but spiritual, as Jacob is moving towards the fulfillment of God's promises. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) often implies a purposeful departure, suggesting Jacob's trust in God's plan.

with all that he had
This phrase underscores the totality of Jacob's commitment. He is not leaving anything behind, symbolizing his complete trust in God's promise to make him a great nation in Egypt. Historically, this reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs, who moved with their entire households and possessions. It also signifies a relinquishing of his past life in Canaan, embracing the unknown future God has prepared.

and when he reached Beersheba
Beersheba holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was a place where both Abraham and Isaac had encounters with God (Genesis 21:33, 26:23-25). The name "Beersheba" means "Well of the Oath," reminding Jacob of God's covenantal promises. By stopping here, Jacob is connecting with his heritage and reaffirming his faith in God's promises. Archaeologically, Beersheba was a major settlement, indicating its strategic and spiritual significance.

he offered sacrifices
The act of offering sacrifices is a profound expression of worship and devotion. In the Hebrew context, sacrifices were a means of communion with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance. Jacob's sacrifices at Beersheba symbolize his gratitude, dependence, and desire for divine direction as he embarks on this critical journey. This act also reflects the patriarchal tradition of building altars and worshiping God at significant moments.

to the God of his father Isaac
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of faith from one generation to the next. By invoking "the God of his father Isaac," Jacob is acknowledging the covenantal relationship established with his forefathers. It highlights the faithfulness of God across generations and Jacob's desire to align himself with the divine promises given to Abraham and Isaac. This invocation serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the Israelites, originally named Jacob, who is traveling to Egypt in response to his son Joseph's invitation.

2. Beersheba
A significant location in the southern part of Canaan, known for its historical and spiritual importance to the patriarchs, including Abraham and Isaac.

3. Sacrifices
Acts of worship and devotion to God, often involving the offering of animals, which were a central part of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

4. God of his father Isaac
Refers to the God of the covenant, emphasizing the continuity of faith and promise from one generation to the next.
Teaching Points
Faithful Obedience
Jacob's journey to Egypt demonstrates obedience to God's leading, even when it involves leaving the familiar. Believers are called to trust and follow God's direction in their lives.

Worship in Transition
Jacob's act of offering sacrifices at Beersheba highlights the importance of worship and seeking God's guidance during times of change and transition.

Generational Faithfulness
The reference to the God of Isaac underscores the importance of passing down faith and the knowledge of God to future generations.

Seeking God's Assurance
Before making significant decisions, believers should seek God's assurance and blessing, as Jacob did through his sacrifices.

Covenant Continuity
The journey to Egypt is part of God's larger plan to fulfill His covenant promises, reminding believers of God's faithfulness to His word.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does Beersheba hold in the lives of the patriarchs, and how does this influence Jacob's decision to offer sacrifices there?

2. How can we apply Jacob's example of seeking God's guidance through worship and sacrifice in our own decision-making processes?

3. In what ways does the continuity of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob encourage us in our faith journey today?

4. How does Jacob's obedience to God's leading challenge us to step out in faith, even when it involves leaving our comfort zones?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our faith and knowledge of God are passed down to future generations, as seen in the reference to the God of Isaac?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 21 and 26
Beersheba is a place where both Abraham and Isaac had significant encounters with God, establishing it as a place of divine promise and covenant.

Exodus 3
The continuity of God's covenant is seen when God identifies Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting the ongoing relationship with the patriarchs.

Hebrews 11
The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, is celebrated, showing their trust in God's promises even when the fulfillment was not immediately visible.
Emigrate, But not Without GodW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 46:1-7
God Speaking in the Visions of the NightR.A. Redford Genesis 46:1-7
Israel's Journey into EgyptH. T. Holmes.Genesis 46:1-7
The Family MigrationW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 46:1-7
The Migration of Jacob's House to EgyptT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:1-7
The Three MeetingsW. Roberts Genesis 46:1-4; 46:28-30; 47:7-10
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Isaac, Journey, Journeyeth, Offered, Offerings, Sacrifices, Sacrificeth, Traveled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:1

     5491   refugees
     7435   sacrifice, in OT

Genesis 46:1-3

     1245   God of the fathers

Genesis 46:1-4

     5095   Jacob, life

Genesis 46:1-7

     8131   guidance, results

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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