"What is your occupation?" Pharaoh asked Joseph's brothers. "Your servants are shepherds," they replied, "both we and our fathers." “What is your occupation?”Pharaoh’s question follows Joseph’s careful presentation of five of his brothers before the royal court. Their answer would help establish their place in Egypt and support Joseph’s request that the family settle in Goshen, a region suitable for flocks and herds. Egyptian society regarded shepherds with contempt, yet Pharaoh’s favor toward Joseph extended to Joseph’s family. Gen 46:33-34 When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?… Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers. Joseph’s exaltation gave his brothers access to the ruler of Egypt, displaying God’s providence in preserving Jacob’s household during the famine. The brothers who once rejected Joseph now stood before Egypt’s king because Joseph governed the land. God’s earlier revelation through Joseph’s dreams continued to unfold as his family depended upon the brother they had sold. Gen 46:31-32 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household,… “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, The brothers answered honestly and humbly, acknowledging Pharaoh’s authority while identifying themselves as keepers of livestock. Shepherding belonged to the life of the patriarchs and suited the open pasturelands of Goshen. Their truthful answer preserved the distinction of Jacob’s family within Egypt rather than seeking acceptance through concealment or compromise. 1Sa 17:34-35 David replied, “Your servant has been tending… “both we and our fathers.” Their work connected them with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose lives were marked by dependence on God’s provision in the land He promised them. The family entered Egypt as shepherds, not as Egyptians, retaining the heritage through which God would form Israel into a distinct people. Gen 24:35 The LORD has greatly blessed my master… Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, who holds significant power and authority. In this context, he is interacting with Joseph's brothers. 2. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob, who have come to Egypt due to the famine in Canaan. They are seeking sustenance and a place to live. 3. Egypt The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his family seeks refuge during the famine. 4. Shepherds The occupation of Joseph's brothers, which is significant in the cultural and historical context of the time. Teaching Points Cultural Identity and FaithfulnessJoseph's brothers openly declare their occupation as shepherds, despite its low status in Egyptian society. This teaches us the importance of maintaining our identity and values, even when they are counter-cultural. God's Provision in Times of Need The brothers' journey to Egypt and their interaction with Pharaoh demonstrate God's provision and guidance during times of famine and hardship. We can trust God to provide for us in our times of need. Humility and Service The occupation of shepherding, often seen as humble and lowly, is embraced by Joseph's family. This reflects the biblical theme that God values humility and service over status and power. Intercultural Interactions The encounter between Joseph's family and Pharaoh highlights the challenges and opportunities in intercultural interactions. As Christians, we are called to navigate these interactions with wisdom and integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the occupation of shepherding, as mentioned in Genesis 47:3, reflect the values and identity of Joseph's family? How can we apply this to maintaining our Christian identity in a secular world?2. In what ways does the account of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt illustrate God's provision during difficult times? Can you think of a personal experience where you have seen God's provision? 3. How does the cultural perception of shepherds in Egypt compare to the biblical portrayal of shepherds? What does this teach us about God's values versus societal values? 4. How can we apply the humility and service demonstrated by Joseph's brothers in our own lives and communities today? 5. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's family's interaction with Pharaoh about engaging with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds? How can these lessons be applied in our current context? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 46:31-34Joseph instructs his brothers on how to present themselves to Pharaoh, emphasizing their occupation as shepherds, which is detestable to Egyptians. This highlights the cultural differences and potential challenges they face. Exodus 3:1 Moses, another key biblical figure, is also a shepherd, showing the continuity of this humble occupation among God's chosen leaders. Psalm 23:1 The Lord is described as a shepherd, illustrating the spiritual significance and positive connotations of shepherding in the biblical account.
People Egyptians, Jacob, Joseph, PharaohPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, RamesesTopics Brethren, Brothers, Business, Fathers, Feeders, Flock, Keepers, Occupation, Pharaoh, Replied, Servants, Sheep, Shepherds, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 47:3Library Two Retrospects of one Life'And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.'--GENESIS xlvii. 9. 'The God which fed me all my life long unto this day; the Angel which redeemed me from all evil.' --GENESIS xlviii. 15,16. These are two strangely different estimates of the same life to be taken by the same man. In the latter Jacob categorically contradicts everything that he had said in the former. 'Few and evil,' he said before Pharaoh. 'All my life long,' 'the Angel which redeemed me from … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Growth by Transplanting Seven Sanctified Thoughts and Mournful Sighs of a Sick Man Ready to Die. The Shortness and Misery of Life. A Cloud of Witnesses. Elucidations. A Believer's Privilege at Death Genesis Links Genesis 47:3 NIVGenesis 47:3 NLT Genesis 47:3 ESV Genesis 47:3 NASB Genesis 47:3 KJV Genesis 47:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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