Genesis 46
Main Highlights
Genesis 46 chronicles Jacob's journey to Egypt with his entire family, following God's instruction and reassurance. God appears to Jacob at Beersheba, reaffirming His covenant promises and assuring him that He will make a great nation of him in Egypt. The chapter meticulously lists the 70 members of Jacob's household who entered Egypt, concluding with the emotional reunion of Jacob and Joseph in the land of Goshen.
Key Verses
Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation."— Genesis 46:3
So Jacob set out from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him.— Genesis 46:5
All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob's sons' wives, were 66 persons in all.— Genesis 46:26
Scholar Insight
"Jacob’s trip to Egypt was not a random journey; it was an act of obedience to God’s direct command and a necessary step in the unfolding of the covenant, ensuring the preservation and growth of the promised seed." - R. Kent Hughes, Genesis: Beginning and Blessing
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn that God is sovereign and actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding them through difficult circumstances and reaffirming His promises. He specifically commands Jacob not to fear going to Egypt, assuring him of His continued presence and purpose there. "Then he said, I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation." - Genesis 46:3
How is Christ Connected?
Jesus is foreshadowed in God's provision for His people through Joseph, who saves his family from famine, much like Christ provides ultimate salvation and sustenance for His spiritual family. The entire journey to Egypt, under divine guidance, speaks to God's plan of redemption unfolding through one specific lineage that would eventually bring forth the Savior. "Then he said, I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation." - Genesis 46:3
What Theology concept is taught?
The doctrine of divine providence is clearly demonstrated as God orchestrates events—the famine, Joseph's rise to power, and Jacob's migration—to fulfill His covenant promises. This chapter shows God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people despite challenging external circumstances. "And he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to lead the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen." - Genesis 46:28
Do we see Law or Grace?
This chapter highlights God's grace in providing for Jacob's family during a severe famine, not based on their merit, but on His faithfulness to His covenant. God's directive to Jacob to go to Egypt is a gracious act of preservation, ensuring the survival and future growth of the nation from which the Messiah would come. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation." - Genesis 46:3
Personal Application
People should respond with trust and obedience to God's commands, even when those commands lead them into unfamiliar or seemingly daunting situations. Jacob's willing departure to Egypt, despite his age and the disruption, demonstrates a deep faith in God's promises and provision. "So Jacob set out from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him." - Genesis 46:5
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