Genesis 46 Chapter Commentary: Jacob and His Large Family Set Out for Egypt

Jacob went to Beersheba to offer sacrifices to God after discovering that his son Joseph was alive.

God appeared to him in a vision and commanded him to move to Egypt, where his descendants would become a great nation.

Jacob’s sons brought him and their families, as well as their belongings and livestock, to Egypt in wagons provided by Pharaoh. The family included Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Gad, Asher, Benjamin, Joseph, Dan, and Naphtali.

Judah informed Joseph of their arrival, and Joseph met them with tears of joy. He told them to say they were shepherds when they met Pharaoh.

What’s the Main Point?

Genesis 46 describes Jacob’s journey to Egypt with his family and their reunion with Joseph. Even though God speaks to Jacob and reassures him that He will carry them into and out of Egypt, Jacob still feels fear.

What Can We Learn from This Chapter?

There are several lessons we can learn from Genesis 46.

Trusting in God’s guidance: Jacob was hesitant to leave the land of Canaan and go to Egypt, but God reassured him in a vision that it was the right move. We too can trust in God’s guidance in our lives, even if it means leaving behind familiar and comfortable situations.

The importance of family: Jacob made sure to take his entire family with him to Egypt, including his sons and their families. This underscores the importance of family and the value of sticking together, even in times of difficulty or transition.

Honoring our commitments: Joseph instructed his family to tell Pharaoh that they were all shepherds, even though some of them had other occupations. This shows the importance of honoring our commitments and not misrepresenting ourselves, even if it means being at a disadvantage.

Prayer:

Thank you, dear God for your faithfulness, provision, guidance, blessings, and protection, just as you showed to Jacob and his family. May we always trust in you and seek your will for our lives.

Help us never to fear the unknown. Help us to seek you and your kingdom. We trust that You will lead us, and that You will grant us all that we need to glorify you wherever you lead us. Thank you for giving us the confidence to follow you with no fear. Amen.

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Featured image attribution:

Joseph Greeting Jacob. Jean-Baptiste Auguste Leloir (1809–1892). This image is in the public domain. Cropped from original.