Jacob, also known as Israel, was the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. His journey to Egypt marks a significant event in biblical history, as it sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual bondage and subsequent exodus. The narrative of Jacob's descendants in Egypt is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 46 through 50, and the opening chapters of Exodus.

The Migration to Egypt

The migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt was precipitated by a severe famine in Canaan. Joseph, Jacob's son, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt, invited his family to settle in the land of Goshen. Genesis 46:3-4 records God's reassurance to Jacob: "I am God, the God of your father," He said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes."

Jacob's entire household, numbering seventy persons, journeyed to Egypt. This included his sons, their wives, and his grandchildren. Genesis 46:27 states, "With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family who went to Egypt were seventy in all."

Settlement in Goshen

Upon their arrival, Joseph presented his family to Pharaoh, who granted them the fertile land of Goshen. This area, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was well-suited for their pastoral lifestyle. Genesis 47:6 records Pharaoh's words: "The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in the land of Goshen."

The Israelites prospered in Goshen, growing in number and strength. Genesis 47:27 notes, "Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number."

Jacob's Final Days and Blessings

As Jacob's life drew to a close, he called his sons together to bless them and prophesy their futures. These blessings, recorded in Genesis 49, are significant as they outline the destinies of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob's final request was to be buried in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, alongside his ancestors. Genesis 49:29-30 states, "Then Jacob instructed them, 'I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site.'"

The Death of Joseph

After Jacob's death, Joseph continued to care for his brothers and their families. He reassured them of his forgiveness and God's providential plan. Genesis 50:20 captures Joseph's perspective: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Joseph lived to see his descendants to the third generation. Before his death, he made the Israelites swear to carry his bones back to Canaan when God would lead them out of Egypt. This oath is recorded in Genesis 50:24-25 : "Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am about to die, but God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' And Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, 'God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.'"

The Growth of the Israelite Nation

The descendants of Jacob, known as the Israelites, continued to multiply and thrive in Egypt. This growth, however, eventually led to their enslavement by a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. Exodus 1:7 describes their proliferation: "But the Israelites were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them."

The narrative of Jacob's descendants in Egypt is foundational to the account of the Exodus, where God delivers His people from bondage, fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.