Genesis 46:29
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.
Joseph prepared his chariot
The phrase "Joseph prepared his chariot" indicates Joseph's readiness and eagerness to meet his father. The Hebrew root for "prepared" (כּוּן, kun) suggests establishing or making firm, reflecting Joseph's determination and the importance of this reunion. Chariots were symbols of power and status in ancient Egypt, highlighting Joseph's high position. This preparation signifies not only logistical readiness but also emotional and spiritual anticipation for a significant family reunion.

and went to Goshen
"Goshen" was a fertile region in Egypt, set apart for Joseph's family. Historically, Goshen is believed to be in the eastern part of the Nile Delta. This location was strategic, providing the Israelites with the resources needed for their survival and growth. The journey to Goshen symbolizes a transition from famine to provision, from separation to unity, and from despair to hope, reflecting God's providential care for His people.

to meet his father Israel
The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" emphasizes the covenantal identity of Joseph's father. "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el) means "God prevails," reminding readers of Jacob's transformation after wrestling with God. This meeting is not just a family reunion but a significant moment in the unfolding of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant through generations.

As soon as Joseph appeared before him
The immediacy in "as soon as Joseph appeared before him" conveys the urgency and intensity of the moment. The Hebrew verb for "appeared" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies seeing with understanding or insight. This encounter is not merely physical but deeply emotional and spiritual, as both father and son recognize God's hand in their lives and the fulfillment of divine promises.

he threw his arms around his father
The act of throwing his arms around his father is a powerful expression of love and reconciliation. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, such an embrace signifies acceptance, forgiveness, and restoration of relationships. This gesture reflects the deep bond between Joseph and Jacob, overcoming years of separation and sorrow.

and wept for a long time
"Wept for a long time" captures the depth of emotion in this reunion. The Hebrew word for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) often denotes a profound expression of grief or joy. Here, it signifies a release of years of pent-up emotions, a cathartic moment of healing and joy. This weeping is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring what was lost and a reminder of the emotional depth of human relationships under God's sovereign plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The son of Jacob (Israel) who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. His reunion with his father is a pivotal moment of reconciliation and fulfillment of God's promises.

2. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, who had believed his son was dead for many years. His journey to Egypt marks a significant moment in the history of the Israelites.

3. Goshen
The region in Egypt where Joseph's family settled. It was a fertile area suitable for their livestock, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people.

4. Chariot
Represents Joseph's status and authority in Egypt. His preparation of the chariot signifies the importance of the meeting with his father.

5. Weeping
The emotional response of Joseph upon reuniting with his father, highlighting the depth of love and the pain of past separation.
Teaching Points
Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Joseph's reunion with his father is a powerful example of reconciliation. Despite the years of separation and the wrongs done to him, Joseph embraces his family, demonstrating the importance of forgiveness and restoration in relationships.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
The journey of Joseph and his family to Egypt was part of God's larger plan to preserve the Israelites. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

Emotional Expression
Joseph's weeping shows that expressing emotions is a natural and healthy part of human relationships. It is important to allow ourselves to feel and express emotions, especially in moments of significant personal and spiritual importance.

Family Unity
The reunion of Joseph and Jacob underscores the value of family unity and the joy that comes from being together. It encourages us to prioritize and cherish our family relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's preparation of his chariot reflect his priorities and values in this moment of reunion with his father?

2. In what ways does the account of Joseph and his family in Egypt demonstrate God's providence and faithfulness to His promises?

3. How can we apply the principles of reconciliation and forgiveness seen in Joseph's actions to our own family relationships today?

4. What can we learn from Joseph's emotional response upon seeing his father, and how can we apply this to our understanding of expressing emotions in a healthy way?

5. How does the settlement of Joseph's family in Goshen connect to God's larger plan for the Israelites, and what does this teach us about trusting God's timing and provision in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
The beginning of Joseph's account, where his brothers sell him into slavery, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 46:29.

Genesis 45
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, leading to the eventual reunion with his father.

Exodus 1
The Israelites' time in Egypt, starting with their settlement in Goshen, which is a direct result of Joseph's actions.

Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son, which mirrors the themes of reconciliation and familial love seen in Joseph's reunion with Jacob.
Duty and Filial Piety CombinedJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 46:28-34
Jacob and JosephJ. G. Gray.Genesis 46:28-34
Kindness to ParentsOne Thousand New IllustrationsGenesis 46:28-34
Not Ashamed of ParentageJ. Trapp.Genesis 46:28-34
The Meeting of the Aged Jacob and His Lost Son JosephR.A. Redford Genesis 46:28-34
The Settlement of the Children of Israel in GoshenT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:28-34
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
Appeared, Appeareth, Arms, Carriage, Chariot, Falleth, Fell, Goshen, Got, Harnesseth, Joseph, Meet, Meeting, Neck, Prepared, Presented, Ready, Round, Threw, Weepeth, Weeping, Wept, Yoked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:29

     5126   arm
     5252   chariots
     5328   greeting
     8300   love, and the world

Genesis 46:29-30

     5095   Jacob, life

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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