the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock." the land of Egypt is before you;Pharaoh placed the resources of Egypt at Joseph’s disposal for the care of Jacob and his household. During the severe famine, God provided a place of preservation for the family through Joseph’s exalted position. Egypt’s abundance became the means by which the covenant family survived, fulfilling God’s purpose to preserve the line through which He would bring the promised Redeemer. Deu 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess… settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. Pharaoh’s generosity honored Joseph and extended to all who belonged to him. The fertile northeastern delta offered pasture, water, and space for Jacob’s large household and flocks. What began as refuge from famine would become the setting in which Israel grew from a family into a people, according to God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land before returning to Canaan. Gen 45:18 Then bring your father and your families and return to me.… They may dwell in the land of Goshen. Goshen provided suitable grazing land and a measure of separation from Egypt’s urban centers and religious life. There Jacob’s descendants could continue as shepherds, preserve their family identity, and multiply under God’s protection. Their settlement in Goshen also prepared the way for the later events of Exodus, when the Lord would distinguish Israel from Egypt and lead His people out toward the land He had promised. Gen 45:10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me… And if you know of any talented men among them, Pharaoh recognized that Joseph’s family possessed practical ability in the care of livestock. Joseph’s brothers had spent their lives as herdsmen, and their work could now serve the royal household. God’s provision did not remove the need for faithful labor; He gave Jacob’s sons an opportunity to use their established skills within the place of His providence. Exo 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people… put them in charge of my own livestock.” Entrusting royal livestock to Joseph’s relatives demonstrated Pharaoh’s confidence in Joseph and his household. The assignment supplied honorable work while placing Jacob’s family in an environment suited to their livelihood. The favor they received was not merely the kindness of an Egyptian ruler, but the hand of God preserving His covenant people until the time came for their deliverance. 1Ch 27:29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds… Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who grants Joseph's family the best part of the land to settle in. 2. Joseph The son of Jacob who has risen to a position of power in Egypt and is responsible for bringing his family to Egypt during the famine. 3. Jacob (Israel) The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and his family is seeking refuge in Egypt due to famine. 4. Goshen The fertile region in Egypt where Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle. 5. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob who come to Egypt with their families and are given the opportunity to settle in Goshen. Teaching Points God's Provision and SovereigntyGod's hand is evident in providing for Jacob's family through Joseph's position in Egypt. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and provision in our lives, even in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness in Leadership Joseph's integrity and wisdom in leadership are recognized by Pharaoh, who entrusts him with significant responsibility. As believers, we are called to be faithful stewards of the roles and responsibilities God gives us. Community and Family Support The importance of family support and community is highlighted as Joseph ensures his family's well-being. We are encouraged to care for and support our families and communities, especially in times of need. Utilizing God-Given Abilities Pharaoh's instruction to put those with special abilities in charge of livestock emphasizes the value of using our God-given talents for His glory and the benefit of others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the provision of Goshen for Jacob's family demonstrate God's faithfulness and sovereignty in their lives?2. In what ways can we see Joseph's leadership qualities reflected in our own lives and responsibilities? 3. How can we apply the principle of supporting our family and community in today's context, especially during challenging times? 4. What are some God-given abilities you possess, and how can you use them to serve others and glorify God? 5. How does the account of Joseph and his family in Egypt connect to the broader account of God's plan for Israel and ultimately for salvation history? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 45:10This verse connects as it is where Joseph first instructs his family to settle in Goshen, highlighting the continuity of God's provision. Exodus 1:7-8 This passage shows the growth of the Israelites in Egypt, starting from their settlement in Goshen, and sets the stage for their eventual enslavement and the Exodus. Psalm 105:23-24 This Psalm reflects on Israel's time in Egypt, emphasizing God's faithfulness in multiplying His people. Acts 7:11-14 Stephen recounts the history of Israel, including Joseph's role in bringing his family to Egypt, underscoring God's sovereign plan.
People Egyptians, Jacob, Joseph, PharaohPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, RamesesTopics Ability, Able, Activity, Best, Brethren, Brothers, Capable, Cattle, Cause, Charge, Disposal, Dwell, Ears, Egypt, Goshen, Hast, Heads, Jacob, Joseph, Livestock, Overseers, Pharaoh, Resting-place, Rulers, Settle, Sons, SpecialDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 47:4Library 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 47:6 NIVGenesis 47:6 NLT Genesis 47:6 ESV Genesis 47:6 NASB Genesis 47:6 KJV Genesis 47:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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