Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Invites Jacob Into

◄ Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Invites Jacob Into ►

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Background and Context

Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, plays a crucial role in the narrative of Israel's early development. The account of Israel's sojourn in Egypt begins with the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, and his family. This period is marked by divine providence and the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joseph's Rise to Power

The backdrop to Israel's entry into Egypt is the remarkable account of Joseph, Jacob's beloved son. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph eventually rises to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom, appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41). Joseph's strategic planning during a time of famine not only saves Egypt but also positions him to be a savior for his own family.

The Famine and Jacob's Family

The severe famine that strikes the region compels Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1-3). Unbeknownst to them, they encounter Joseph, who recognizes them but initially conceals his identity. After a series of tests, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, leading to a poignant reunion (Genesis 45:1-4).

Pharaoh's Invitation

Upon learning of Joseph's family, Pharaoh extends an invitation to Jacob and his household to come to Egypt. Pharaoh instructs Joseph to bring his family to Egypt and promises them the best of the land, specifically the region of Goshen (Genesis 45:17-20). This invitation is a testament to Joseph's favor with Pharaoh and the divine orchestration of events.

Jacob's Journey to Egypt

Jacob, reassured by God in a vision at Beersheba, sets out for Egypt with his entire family (Genesis 46:1-4). God promises Jacob that He will make him into a great nation in Egypt and that He will bring his descendants back to the Promised Land. This divine assurance underscores the continuation of God's covenant promises despite the geographical shift.

Settlement in Goshen

Upon arrival in Egypt, Joseph meets his father Jacob, and the family is settled in the land of Goshen, a fertile area suitable for their livestock (Genesis 47:5-6). Pharaoh's generosity in granting them this land highlights the favor Joseph has earned and the providential care over Jacob's family.

Significance in Salvation History

The invitation of Jacob and his family into Egypt marks a pivotal moment in salvation history. It sets the stage for the eventual enslavement of the Israelites, which in turn leads to the dramatic events of the Exodus. This period in Egypt is a time of growth and multiplication for the Israelites, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).

Conclusion

The narrative of Israel's entry into Egypt under Pharaoh's invitation is a profound example of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It demonstrates how God uses circumstances, even those that seem adverse, to fulfill His divine purposes and advance His covenant promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 45:16-20
And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

To the Saddest of the Sad
... it upon them"gave them again their marching orders: "He gave them a charge unto
the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm

Good News
... how shall I deliver thee, Israel? ... still alive; the news, that he was, under Pharaoh,
ruler over ... also sent some of the best chariots that Egypt could produce to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... They acknowledge their sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old ...
The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel, were similar ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... They acknowledge their sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old ...
The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt see that thou do all those wonders
before Pharaoh, which I ... I send thee to the children of Israel, to a ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Index of Subjects.
... the Jews first, [203]45; why sent into Egypt, [204]51 ... repeated His miracles,
[247]185; rejects some, invites others, [248 ... Israel, a figure of believers, [881] ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... the father of Moab and Ammon, [399] Israel's enemies, of ... leaving the bricks and straw
of Egypt, you may ... fear the scourges that fell on Pharaoh, who, because he ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... the garlic and the onions and the cucumbers, and Pharaoh's meat ... the epistle of Jude,
saved the people of Israel and led them forth out of Egypt, and brought ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... sometimes it is taken for the whole family of Jacob. ... are not all Israel which are
of Israel;" "neither because ... bosom, but no further than from Egypt to Canaan ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Christian Behavior
... and more desirable, than all the treasures of Egypt! ... Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter
had the art of thus doing ... with rigour, is more like to Israel's enemies than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm