Genesis 46:3

"I am God," He said, "the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.

Study Bible

I am God
This declaration, "I am God," is a profound affirmation of the divine identity and authority. In Hebrew, the word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God emphasizes His sovereignty and creative power. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship that God has with His people, a relationship that is based on His unchanging nature and eternal promises.

the God of your father
This phrase connects Jacob to the patriarchal lineage, specifically to Abraham and Isaac. The Hebrew word for "father" here is "ab," which can refer to a direct father or an ancestor. This connection underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations. It reassures Jacob that the same God who was faithful to his forefathers will be faithful to him. This continuity is a cornerstone of the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Do not be afraid
The command "Do not be afraid" is a common biblical exhortation, often given when God is about to do something significant. In Hebrew, "yare" means to fear or be afraid. This command is not just a call to courage but a reassurance of God's presence and protection. It acknowledges the natural human response to fear in the face of uncertainty but redirects that fear towards trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan.

to go down to Egypt
The phrase "to go down to Egypt" is significant both geographically and theologically. Egypt, in Hebrew "Mitzrayim," was a place of refuge but also a place of potential danger and temptation. Historically, Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, often seen as a place of both opportunity and threat. For Jacob, going down to Egypt meant leaving the Promised Land, which could have been seen as a step away from God's promises. However, God's directive assures Jacob that this move is part of His divine plan.

for I will make you into a great nation there
This promise echoes the Abrahamic covenant found in Genesis 12:2, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation. The Hebrew word for "nation" is "goy," which can refer to a people or a nation. The assurance that this will happen "there," in Egypt, highlights God's sovereignty in using unexpected circumstances to fulfill His promises. It is a reminder that God's plans often transcend human understanding and that He can bring about His purposes in any place and through any situation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The speaker in this verse, affirming His identity and authority as the God of Jacob's father, Isaac, and grandfather, Abraham.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The recipient of God's message, who is being reassured as he prepares to move his family to Egypt.

3. Egypt
The destination where Jacob and his family are headed, a place of future growth and eventual enslavement for the Israelites.

4. The Great Nation
Refers to the promise that Jacob's descendants will become a populous and influential people, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham.

5. The Covenant
The ongoing fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make their descendants a great nation.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Promises
Just as God reassured Jacob, believers today can trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain or daunting.

God's Sovereignty in Unfamiliar Places
God can use unexpected or challenging situations (like moving to Egypt) to fulfill His purposes. Believers should remain open to God's leading, even when it leads to unfamiliar territory.

Fear and Faith
God addresses Jacob's fear directly, encouraging him to move forward in faith. This teaches us that God understands our fears and provides assurance to help us overcome them.

Generational Faithfulness
The reference to "the God of your father" emphasizes the importance of passing down faith and trust in God through generations.

God's Timing
The promise of becoming a great nation was not immediate but required patience and trust in God's perfect timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's reassurance to Jacob in Genesis 46:3 reflect His character and promises throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting God in unfamiliar or challenging situations in our own lives?

3. How does the promise of becoming a "great nation" in Egypt connect to the broader account of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

4. What fears might we face today that require us to rely on God's reassurance and promises, similar to Jacob's situation?

5. How can we ensure that our faith and trust in God are passed down to future generations, as seen in the relationship between Jacob and his forefathers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:2
God's initial promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, showing the continuity of God's covenant.

Exodus 1:7
Describes the fulfillment of this promise as the Israelites multiply greatly in Egypt.

Isaiah 41:10
Offers reassurance of God's presence and support, similar to the reassurance given to Jacob.

Hebrews 11:9-10
Highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, in God's promises despite not seeing their complete fulfillment in their lifetimes.