Genesis 46:6

They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt.

Study Bible

They also took their livestock
The phrase highlights the importance of livestock in the ancient Near Eastern culture, particularly for the Israelites. Livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance, reflecting God's provision and blessing. The Hebrew word for livestock, "mikneh," implies not just animals but a movable asset, indicating the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. This movement of livestock signifies a significant transition from the Promised Land to Egypt, foreshadowing the Israelites' future as shepherds in a foreign land.

and the possessions they had acquired
This phrase underscores the material wealth accumulated by Jacob and his family during their time in Canaan. The Hebrew word "rekush" for possessions suggests goods and property, indicating God's faithfulness in blessing Jacob materially. This wealth was not just for personal gain but served as a means to sustain the family during their sojourn in Egypt, a land of plenty but also of potential spiritual danger.

in the land of Canaan
Canaan is the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, a central theme in the biblical narrative. The mention of Canaan here serves as a reminder of God's covenant promises. Historically, Canaan was a land of diverse cultures and religions, posing challenges to maintaining faithfulness to Yahweh. The departure from Canaan to Egypt marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, setting the stage for future deliverance and fulfillment of God's promises.

and Jacob and all his offspring
This phrase emphasizes the unity and continuity of Jacob's family, the nascent nation of Israel. The Hebrew word "zera" for offspring signifies seed or descendants, highlighting the covenantal promise of numerous descendants. Jacob, also known as Israel, represents the patriarchal head, and his movement to Egypt with his entire family signifies a collective journey of faith and obedience to God's direction.

went to Egypt
Egypt, in the biblical narrative, often symbolizes both refuge and oppression. The Hebrew word "Mitzrayim" for Egypt is associated with a place of abundance but also of eventual bondage. This journey to Egypt is divinely orchestrated, as God had revealed to Abraham that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land. This move is a step in God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus and the formation of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is the central figure in this passage, leading his family to Egypt in obedience to God's direction.

2. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family resided before moving to Egypt. It represents the land of promise given to Abraham and his descendants.

3. Egypt
The destination where Jacob and his family are moving. Egypt will become a place of both refuge and eventual bondage for the Israelites.

4. Jacob's Offspring
Refers to Jacob's sons and their families, who are part of the migration to Egypt, marking the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn there.

5. Livestock and Possessions
These represent the material wealth and resources that Jacob's family accumulated in Canaan, which they took with them to Egypt.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Direction
Jacob's move to Egypt was in response to God's guidance. We should seek and follow God's direction in our lives, trusting His plan even when it leads us into unknown territories.

Faith in God's Promises
Despite leaving the promised land, Jacob trusted in God's promise to make his descendants a great nation. We are called to have faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Provision and Stewardship
Jacob took his possessions and livestock, indicating the importance of stewardship. We should manage our resources wisely, recognizing them as blessings from God.

Family and Legacy
Jacob's journey with his family highlights the importance of family unity and legacy. We should invest in our families, nurturing faith and values that will endure through generations.

God's Sovereign Plan
The move to Egypt was part of God's larger plan for Israel's future. We can trust that God is sovereign and His plans for us are for our ultimate good and His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's obedience to God's direction in moving to Egypt challenge us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith in God's promises when our current circumstances seem uncertain?

3. How can we practice good stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, as seen in Jacob's example?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our family legacy is rooted in faith and obedience to God?

5. How does understanding God's sovereign plan in Jacob's life encourage us to trust Him with our future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
God's promise to Abraham about making him a great nation, which begins to unfold as Jacob's family moves to Egypt.

Exodus 1
The eventual growth of Jacob's family into a great nation in Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus.

Hebrews 11
The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, who trusted God's promises even when moving to a foreign land.

Acts 7
Stephen's speech recounts the history of Israel, including Jacob's move to Egypt, as part of God's redemptive plan.