Genesis 46:27

And with the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob's family who went to Egypt were seventy in all.

Study Bible

And along with Joseph’s two sons
This phrase highlights the inclusion of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in the count of Jacob's family. The Hebrew root for "sons" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which signifies not only biological offspring but also the continuation of a legacy. Joseph's sons, born in Egypt, symbolize the integration of Hebrew and Egyptian cultures, reflecting God's providence in preserving and expanding His chosen people even in foreign lands.

who were born to him in Egypt
The mention of Egypt is significant, as it was a place of both refuge and future bondage for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for Egypt, "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), often symbolizes a place of constraint or narrowness. Yet, it is here that God begins to fulfill His promise to Abraham of making his descendants a great nation. The birth of Joseph's sons in Egypt underscores God's sovereignty in using unexpected circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.

in all there were seventy members
The number seventy is symbolic in biblical literature, often representing completeness or perfection. In Hebrew, the number seventy is "שִׁבְעִים" (shiv'im), which can denote a sense of fullness. This number signifies the totality of Jacob's family, indicating the foundational structure of the nation of Israel. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.

of Jacob’s household
The term "household" in Hebrew is "בֵּית" (beit), which can mean house or family. This phrase emphasizes the unity and identity of Jacob's family as a single entity. It is a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and the patriarchs, where the family unit is central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

in Egypt
The repetition of "Egypt" at the end of the verse serves as a bookend, reminding the reader of the setting where God's people will grow and eventually face oppression. It foreshadows the coming Exodus, where God will demonstrate His power and faithfulness. Egypt, while a place of initial blessing, becomes a crucible for the Israelites, shaping their identity as God's chosen people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His presence in Egypt is pivotal for the survival of his family during the famine.

2. Jacob
Also known as Israel, he is the patriarch of the Israelite tribes. His journey to Egypt marks a significant moment in the history of the Israelites.

3. Joseph’s Two Sons
Manasseh and Ephraim, born to Joseph in Egypt, are included in the count of Jacob's household. They play a crucial role in the future tribal divisions of Israel.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob's family sought refuge during the famine. It becomes a place of both refuge and eventual bondage for the Israelites.

5. Seventy Members
The total number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt, symbolizing completeness and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Family and Nation Building
The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt was part of God's divine plan to preserve and grow the nation of Israel. Trust in God's sovereignty in your own family and life circumstances.

The Importance of Family Legacy
The inclusion of Joseph's sons in the count of Jacob's household underscores the importance of family legacy and the role of each generation in God's plan. Consider how you are contributing to your family's spiritual legacy.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite the trials Joseph faced, his faithfulness led to the preservation of his family. Reflect on how you can remain faithful to God in challenging times.

God's Promises Fulfilled
The number seventy symbolizes completeness and the fulfillment of God's promises. Trust that God will fulfill His promises in your life, even if the path is unexpected.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inclusion of Joseph's sons in the count of Jacob's household reflect the importance of family in God's plan?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt?

3. How does the growth of Jacob's family from seventy to a multitude encourage us about God's promises in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's faithfulness and how it impacted his family's future?

5. How can we contribute to our family's spiritual legacy, ensuring that future generations continue to walk in faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 1:5
This verse reiterates the number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt, emphasizing the growth of the Israelites from this small group.

Deuteronomy 10:22
Reflects on the growth of the Israelites from seventy persons to a multitude, showcasing God's faithfulness in multiplying His people.

Acts 7:14
Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin references the seventy-five members of Jacob's family, highlighting the importance of this migration in the history of Israel.