Genesis 46
Genesis 46:1-4: Jacob Sacrifices at Beersheba Before moving his family to Egypt, Jacob stops at Beersheba to worship and seek guidance from God. This was an important moment because Jacob was making a big change in his life, leaving the land he always expected to live and die in. Jacob chooses to honor God by offering sacrifices and asking for direction about this decision. God answers Jacob, giving him encouragement and promises for the future. This passage teaches us to seek God’s guidance in big life decisions, to thank Him for blessings, and to trust His promises even when changes seem scary.v. 1: Jacob, also called Israel, began his journey to Egypt with his family and stopped at Beersheba. There, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac (v. 1 a). Jacob chose this place because both his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham had worshipped God there (ch. 21:33; ch. 26:25 b). Jacob gave thanks for the good news about Joseph and prayed for God’s help on this new journey. He also asked God for forgiveness and guidance, showing us that we should always talk to God before making big choices. v. 2: That night, God spoke to Jacob in a vision. God called him by name, “Jacob, Jacob,” and Jacob answered, “Here I am” (v. 2 c). This showed that Jacob was ready to listen and obey. God often speaks to those who seek Him sincerely. v. 3: God told Jacob not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. He reminded Jacob that He is the God of his father and promised that He would make Jacob’s family into a great nation in Egypt (v. 3 d). Even though Jacob was old and worried about the journey and possible dangers, God encouraged him by renewing His covenant and promising blessings. v. 4: God promised to go with Jacob to Egypt and said He would bring him back again. This meant that Jacob’s body would return to Canaan for burial, and that his descendants would one day return to the promised land (ch. 49:29, 32 e). God also promised that Joseph would be with Jacob when he died and would gently close his eyes (v. 4 f). God often gives comfort and fulfills even the small wishes of His people. Genesis 46:5-27: Jacob's Removal to Egypt In this passage, Jacob and his whole family leave Canaan and move to Egypt. This was a big change for Jacob, who probably thought he would always stay in Canaan and die there. But God had other plans and moved Jacob’s family to Egypt, where they would grow into a great nation. The story lists all the family members who went with Jacob, showing how God was keeping His promise to Abraham by growing his descendants. This reminds us that sometimes God changes our plans for a bigger purpose, and we should be ready for whatever He brings our way.v. 5: Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons helped carry him, their children, and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had sent (v. 5 g). Jacob traveled simply, not in a fancy chariot, even though such things existed. He was a humble man, unlike Joseph, who rode in a chariot (ch. 41:43 h). v. 6: Jacob and his family took their cattle and all the goods they owned in Canaan. They did not want to depend completely on Pharaoh for everything. It also meant people could not say they came to Egypt as poor beggars (v. 6 i). v. 7: Jacob brought all his descendants with him—sons, grandsons, daughters, and granddaughters. The whole family went together, probably because they were used to living as one group and did not yet own any of the promised land (v. 7 j). v. 8-15: These verses list the names of Jacob’s children and grandchildren from Leah, including Dinah. There were thirty-three people in this group. These family names are important because they later became leaders of the tribes of Israel (Numbers 26:5-65 k). – – – – – – – v. 16-18: The sons and grandsons of Zilpah, Leah’s servant, are listed here. There were sixteen people in this group (v. 18 l). – – v. 19-22: Here are the sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife—Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were born in Egypt. There were fourteen people in Rachel’s group (v. 22 m). – – – v. 23-25: The sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, and their descendants are listed. There were seven people in this group (v. 25 n). – – v. 26-27: The total number of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt was sixty-six, not counting the wives. If you add Joseph and his two sons, who were already in Egypt, and Jacob himself, the number becomes seventy (v. 26-27 o). This small group would later grow into a huge nation, showing God’s power to keep His promise (ch. 12:2; Isaiah 60:22 p; Acts 7:14 q). – Genesis 46:28-34: Meeting between Jacob and Joseph This passage describes the emotional reunion between Jacob and his son Joseph after many years apart. Jacob’s family enters Egypt and settles in Goshen, with Joseph carefully guiding every step. Joseph honors both his father and the Egyptian authorities, showing wisdom in how he handles the situation. He also makes sure that his family keeps their identity as shepherds, separate from the Egyptians. This story teaches us about respect for parents, open and honest dealings with others, and the value of staying true to who we are, no matter our circumstances.v. 28: Jacob sends Judah ahead to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. This was a wise and respectful thing to do because it let Joseph know they had arrived and showed respect for the leaders of Egypt (v. 28 r). We should always try to act in ways that do not offend others, especially those in authority. v. 29: Joseph prepares his chariot and goes to meet his father in Goshen. When he sees Jacob, Joseph hugs him and cries for a long time. Joseph shows great respect and love for his father, even though he is now a powerful ruler. Time and distance did not make Joseph forget his love for his family (v. 29 s). v. 30: Jacob is filled with joy and says he is ready to die now that he has seen Joseph alive (v. 30 t). This reunion brings him so much happiness that he feels he needs nothing more in life. Still, Jacob will live seventeen more years, showing that our times are in God’s hands, not our own (Psalm 31:15 u). v. 31: Joseph tells his family that he will go and inform Pharaoh about their arrival. He wants to make sure everything is done openly and honestly, so that Pharaoh knows who has come to live in Egypt (v. 31 v). Joseph acts responsibly, not wanting his family’s arrival to cause any problems. v. 32-34: Joseph explains to his brothers that they should tell Pharaoh they are shepherds who have always cared for livestock. He wants them to live in Goshen, separate from the Egyptians, because shepherds were looked down on in Egypt (v. 32-34 w). Joseph could have given them important jobs, but he chooses what is best for their safety and faith. This teaches us that honest work is honorable and that it’s often wise to continue in the work we know best (1 Corinthians 7:24 x).
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