Joseph Takes His Family to Egypt

Genesis 46:1–34
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While Joseph’s brothers had come to repentance in chapter 44 and realized the forgiveness of Joseph in chapter 45, it is not until this time, late in the life of Jacob, that he comes to a significant turning point of his life. While he may well have been saved years before (Gen, 28:10), he has not come to grasp the fundamentals of the faith until now. We could say for Jacob, “Life Begins at 130,” for it is at this age that Jacob begins knowing and serving Him.

In a long procession Jacob finally started out for Egypt. Even though Jacob was anxious to see his son Joseph he made a very important stop in Beersheba where “he sacrificed to the God of his father Isaac” and had a long talk with Him (vv. 1-4). After all, his father had been forbidden by God to go to Egypt (Gen, 26:2), and his grandfather had made spiritual shipwreck there (Gen. 12:10-20). What an important principle we find here. Just because something looks like the right thing to do and all seems to point that way it does not mean this is the will of God.

Then Jacob left Beersheba with his eleven sons, who all had wives and children plus there were flocks, and herds and servants (vv. 5-26). There were a total of seventy members of Jacob’s family in Egypt (v. 27). Jacob had sent his son Judah ahead to meet with Joseph in Goshen. This is where Joseph went to meet his father and they hugged and cried for a long time (vv. 28-29). Jacob then told Joseph that he is now ready to die (v. 30). Joseph goes to tell the king that his family of shepherds have arrived with their sheep, goats, cattle and everything (vv. 31-32). Because the Egyptians didn’t like to be around anyone who raised sheep he knew that Pharoah would be glad to have them settle in the land of Goshen (vv. 33-34).

Application

When I am making major decisions in my life what are some of the things I need to do? I need to make sure I am in submission to the will of God and not my own desire. I need to take time to pray and meditate on His Word. I also need to get the council of other Godly Christians?