Genesis 47: A Family Reunion and a Nation’s Survival

Genesis 47 tells the story of Jacob and his family settling in Egypt during a severe famine. It’s a story about family, survival, and God’s faithfulness to his promises.

What Happened?

• Joseph introduces his family to Pharaoh: Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, presents his father and brothers to Pharaoh. He cleverly arranges for them to live in Goshen, a fertile region perfect for their flocks and herds.
• Jacob blesses Pharaoh: Even though Pharaoh is a powerful king, Jacob, as the patriarch of his family and a man blessed by God, blesses him. This shows that true blessing comes from God.
• The famine worsens: The famine gets so bad that the Egyptians run out of money and then livestock to trade for food. Joseph, in a shrewd move, buys all the land and the people themselves in exchange for grain, making Pharaoh the ultimate owner of everything in Egypt.
• A glimmer of hope: Joseph allows the people to keep some of their harvest to plant the following year, ensuring their future survival.

Why is this Important?

This chapter shows how God used Joseph to save his family and the Egyptians from starvation. It also highlights the importance of family, leadership, and trusting in God’s plan even in difficult times.

Think about this

• God’s provision: How did God provide for Jacob and his family during the famine? How did He use Joseph to help others?
• Joseph’s leadership: How did Joseph demonstrate wisdom and compassion in his role as a leader?
• Jacob’s faith: How did Jacob continue to trust in God’s promises even when facing challenges?
• The Egyptians’ desperation: What does the Egyptians’ willingness to sell themselves and their land show about the severity of the famine?

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Joseph wanted his family to live in Goshen?
2. Why did Jacob bless Pharaoh?
3. How did Joseph’s actions save the Egyptians from starvation?
4. What does this chapter teach us about God’s sovereignty and provision?
5. How can we apply the lessons from this story to our own lives, especially when facing difficult situations?

Challenge

Think about a time when you faced a challenging situation. How did you respond? Did you trust in God’s provision and plan? How can you apply the lessons from Genesis 47 to your life today?

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Genesis 47 depicts the culmination of God’s providential plan for Jacob and his family, bringing them into Egypt under Joseph’s protection during a severe famine. This chapter is rich in themes of reconciliation, provision, and submission to God’s will, even when it leads to unfamiliar territory.

Jacob’s Humility and Pharaoh’s Grace (vv. 1-12)

Spurgeon highlights the beautiful picture of Jacob’s humility before Pharaoh: “Jacob, the once crafty and supplanter, now bows before Pharaoh, not in servile fear, but with the dignity of a patriarch who knows that God has made his son a ruler in the land.” This meeting showcases the transformation in Jacob’s character, shaped by years of wrestling with God and man.

Matthew Henry emphasises Pharaoh’s generous reception of Jacob’s family: “Though they were strangers and shepherds, an abomination to the Egyptians, yet Pharaoh, for Joseph’s sake, bids them welcome.” This act of grace foreshadows God’s welcome of Gentiles into His family through Christ, breaking down barriers of prejudice and hostility.

Joseph’s Provision and the Egyptians’ Plight (vv. 13-26)

Joseph’s wisdom and foresight in managing the famine are evident as he skilfully provides for both his family and the Egyptians. Spurgeon notes, “Joseph, though a great man, especially in Egypt, yet he owned his brethren. Let the rich and great in the world not overlook or despise poor relations.” Joseph’s loyalty to his family, even in his exalted position, serves as a powerful example for all believers.

Henry points out the dire situation of the Egyptians, forced to sell their land and even themselves to Pharaoh in exchange for food: “This shows the misery of the people, and the extremity to which they were reduced.” This stark contrast between the Israelites’ well-being and the Egyptians’ suffering underscores God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Jacob’s Blessing and His Enduring Faith (vv. 27-31)

Despite being in a foreign land, Jacob maintains his faith in God’s promises. He blesses Pharaoh, a powerful reminder that true blessing comes from the Lord. Henry observes, “So Jacob blessed Pharaoh: Pharaoh acknowledged Jacob was a man of God by accepting his blessing.” This act of blessing demonstrates Jacob’s spiritual authority and his confidence in God’s sovereignty over all nations.

As Jacob nears the end of his life, he makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan, the promised land. Spurgeon comments, “Though he was comfortably situated in Egypt, yet he would not die there, but desired to be carried to Canaan, that he might profess his faith in the promise, and his expectation of the Messiah.” Jacob’s longing for his homeland symbolizes the believer’s ultimate hope of heaven, a better country prepared by God.

In conclusion, Genesis 47 presents a powerful picture of God’s faithfulness, Joseph’s integrity, and Jacob’s enduring faith. It reminds us that even in the midst of trials and uncertainties, God’s plans will prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled.