Genesis 47
Main Highlights
Genesis 47 details Jacob's family's settlement in the land of Goshen, highlighting God's faithful provision for His covenant people. The chapter also describes Joseph's wise administration during the severe famine, ensuring the survival of Egypt and his family. Jacob's final request to be buried in Canaan underscores his faith in God's promises.
Key Verses
Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.— Genesis 47:7
And Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning."— Genesis 47:9
Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.— Genesis 47:27
And the time drew near for Israel to die, and he called his son Joseph and said to him, "If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. You shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place." He answered, "I will do as you have said."— Genesis 47:29-30
Scholar Insight
Jacob's confession that his days have been "few and evil" (47:9) is not an expression of bitterness but a realistic assessment of a life marked by significant trials, yet also by God's enduring faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even patriarchs lived a difficult pilgrimage, relying entirely on God's sustaining grace. - Derek Kidner, Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn that God is a faithful provider and sovereign over all circumstances, even severe famine, as He orchestrated events through Joseph to preserve His covenant people. Genesis 47:27 demonstrates His blessing, "Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly."
How is Christ Connected?
Joseph's role in Genesis 47, providing bread and a safe haven for his people during a great famine, foreshadows Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate provider who offers the bread of life, sustaining His people through spiritual hunger and guiding them to a secure dwelling, as echoed in Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh and his family's establishment in Goshen.
What Theology concept is taught?
This chapter emphasizes the theological concept of Divine Providence, demonstrating how God meticulously works through human events and decisions to fulfill His redemptive purposes and preserve His chosen line. "Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly" (Genesis 47:27) illustrates God's continued blessing and care for His covenant people even in a foreign land.
Do we see Law or Grace?
The chapter shows aspects of both law and grace. Joseph's administrative plan, requiring a fifth of the produce, represents a form of governmental law or regulation, "Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth." (Genesis 47:26). Yet, God's unmerited favor (grace) is profoundly evident in His protection and provision for Jacob's family, saving them from famine and granting them prosperity in Goshen.
Personal Application
People should respond with trust in God's sovereign care and foresight, especially during times of hardship, knowing He provides for His people. We should also live with an eternal perspective, acknowledging our earthly pilgrimage and longing for our true spiritual home, as Jacob did in his final request not to be buried in Egypt: "Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers." (Genesis 47:29-30).
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