Jacob’s Blessing: Finding God’s Providence in Egypt

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Genesis 47 recounts Jacob’s family settling in the land of Goshen in Egypt, facilitated by Joseph’s high position. This chapter highlights God’s providential care for His people, even amidst hardship and exile. The narrative explores themes of family loyalty, economic challenges, and the enduring faith of Jacob as he anticipates his death. We see Jacob’s shrewdness and continued leadership, blessing Pharaoh and ensuring his family’s survival during a severe famine. Jacob’s eventual request to be buried in Canaan reveals his unwavering connection to the promised land, a symbol of his faith in God’s covenant. Ultimately, Genesis 47 underscores how God uses even seemingly unfavorable circumstances to fulfill His promises and sustain His chosen people. This narrative serves as a potent reminder of God’s unwavering presence and guidance in our lives, regardless of the trials we face.

Genesis 47 details a pivotal moment in the history of Israel: Jacob’s family settling in Egypt thanks to Joseph’s divinely ordained role. While initially appearing as a story of migration and resource allocation, it is, at its core, a testament to God’s meticulous orchestration of events to preserve His covenant people. Let’s delve deeper into the rich tapestry of this chapter, exploring its historical context, theological implications, and practical applications for our lives today, examining how Jacob’s Blessing resonates even now.

📖 Commentary: Genesis 47 Verse by Verse 📖

Genesis 47:1

“Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, ‘My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.’”

Joseph, ever mindful of his duties, informs Pharaoh of his family’s arrival and their resources. The strategic positioning of Goshen, a fertile land on the eastern edge of the Nile Delta, was crucial for their livelihood. Goshen offered pastureland while isolating the Israelites from the mainstream Egyptian society, likely preventing assimilation and preserving their unique identity. Spiritually, this highlights the importance of being forthright and responsible in our dealings, while also acknowledging God’s hand in providing for our needs. We should utilize resources such as using a secure domain name to further God’s work.

Genesis 47:2

“And he took some of his brothers, five men, and presented them to Pharaoh.”

Presenting only five brothers is a calculated move by Joseph. He likely chose those who were less likely to be tempted by Egyptian culture and potentially create problems for him or his people. This also shows Joseph’s prudence in managing the interactions with the Egyptian court. Coptic tradition emphasizes wisdom in our actions, discerning the best course while remaining true to our faith. This mirrors the wisdom of Solomon: “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Genesis 47:3

“Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.’”

The brothers declare their occupation as shepherds, a role generally looked down upon by Egyptians, who were primarily farmers. This honesty, rather than trying to impress Pharaoh with a fabricated skill, showcases their humility and adherence to their traditions. This is a powerful lesson: our identity is not defined by the world’s standards but by our relationship with God. “Μὴ ἀγαπᾶτε τὸν κόσμον μηδὲ τὰ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ. ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον, οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ.” (1 John 2:15) – “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Genesis 47:4

“And they said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to sojourn in the land, because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan; now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.’”

They explicitly state their intention is temporary, a “sojourn,” reinforcing their understanding that Canaan remains their ultimate inheritance. Even in Egypt, a place of refuge, their hearts are still set on the Promised Land. This reflects the Christian journey: we are pilgrims on this earth, our true home is in heaven (Hebrews 11:13-16). “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)

Genesis 47:5-6

“Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you; have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any men of ability among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.’”

Pharaoh grants Joseph’s family preferential treatment, offering them the best land and entrusting them with managing his livestock. This demonstrates Pharaoh’s trust in Joseph’s judgment and his willingness to accommodate the newcomers. It also shows God’s provision and favor through Joseph’s position, echoing the promise in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.”

Genesis 47:7-10

“Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How old are you?’ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.’ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.”

Jacob blessing Pharaoh is a significant moment. Jacob, an elder and patriarch, bestows a blessing upon the ruler of Egypt, signifying spiritual authority. This is reminiscent of Melchizedek blessing Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20), demonstrating a higher spiritual order. Jacob’s description of his life as “few and evil” reflects the hardships he endured, yet also underscores his faith in God’s promise despite those difficulties. St. Athanasius teaches about enduring hardship through faith: “Δεῖ γὰρ ἡμᾶς, ἀγαπητοί, μὴ ἀθυμεῖν ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσι, ἀλλὰ καρτερεῖν, βλέποντας εἰς τὸν ἀρχηγὸν τῆς πίστεως Ἰησοῦν.” (De Incarnatione 56) – “For we must, beloved, not lose heart in afflictions, but persevere, looking to Jesus, the author of our faith.” The blessing signifies that even in a foreign land, God’s blessings can flow through His people.

Genesis 47:11-12

“And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them possessions in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Then Joseph provided his father and his brothers, and all his father’s household, with food, according to the number of their families.”

Joseph’s actions exemplify filial piety and responsible leadership. He provides for his family’s needs, ensuring their well-being during the famine. This reinforces the importance of family responsibility and care within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Joseph follows the biblical command to honor one’s parents and prioritizes their needs, a reflection of God’s love and provision. Joseph uses great website builder skills to organize his people.

Genesis 47:13-26

“Now there was no bread in all the land, for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s treasury…” (verses continue, detailing the gradual depletion of resources and land ownership shifting to Pharaoh).

This extended section describes the escalating economic crisis brought about by the severe famine. People exchange their money, livestock, and eventually their land for food. Joseph’s role is complex. While he effectively manages the crisis and ensures survival, it also results in the concentration of wealth and power in Pharaoh’s hands. This raises questions about the ethical implications of economic policies in times of crisis. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked power and the importance of equitable distribution of resources, even in emergencies. This is often echoed in the prayers of the Church, seeking deliverance from economic hardship and injustice.

Genesis 47:27-28

“So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. Then Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; and the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years.”

Despite the economic turmoil, the Israelites prosper in Goshen, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply. This emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even in seemingly unfavorable circumstances. Their growth and multiplication demonstrate God’s blessing and provision, even in exile. This echoes the early Church’s growth despite persecution, proving that God’s will prevails (Acts 6:7). Jacob’s remaining 17 years in Egypt were peaceful, allowing him to witness the prosperity of his family before his passing.

Genesis 47:29-31

“When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, ‘Now if I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers in their burial place.’ And he said, ‘I will do as you say.’ Then he said, ‘Swear to me.’ And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the head of his bed.”

Jacob’s final request to be buried in Canaan is a powerful affirmation of his faith in God’s promise of the land. He is not content to be buried in Egypt, even though it is a place of safety and prosperity. His heart remains fixed on the Promised Land, a symbol of his spiritual inheritance. This is similar to the Christian desire to be with Christ in heaven. His request highlights the importance of remaining connected to our spiritual roots and longing for our eternal home. The act of swearing an oath demonstrates the seriousness of Jacob’s request and Joseph’s commitment to honoring his father’s wishes. The request for burial in Canaan illustrates St. Paul’s statement in Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

✨ Key Reflections and Teachings ✨

From Genesis 47, we can glean several crucial reflections that are pertinent to our spiritual journey:

• 💡 Divine Providence: God works through circumstances, even difficult ones like famine, to fulfill His promises and provide for His people.
• 🛡️ Faithful Stewardship: Joseph’s responsible leadership, balanced with ethical considerations, teaches us to manage resources wisely and justly.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Loyalty: The importance of familial bonds and honoring our parents is a recurring theme, reflecting the value of community and intergenerational respect.
• 🌍 Earthly Pilgrimage: Like Jacob, we should remember that our earthly lives are a journey towards a heavenly home, keeping our focus on eternal values.
• 📜 The Power of Blessing: Even in a foreign land, the blessing of a righteous person carries spiritual weight and authority.
• 💖 Honoring Promises: The importance of fulfilling vows and commitments, especially to family members, reflects integrity and respect.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Genesis 47:

• Q: Why was Goshen chosen as the settlement area for Jacob’s family?
  A: Goshen was chosen because it was fertile land suitable for grazing livestock, which was the Israelites’ primary occupation. It also strategically placed them on the periphery of Egyptian society, helping them maintain their cultural identity.
• Q: What is the significance of Jacob blessing Pharaoh?
  A: Jacob’s blessing signifies his spiritual authority as a patriarch, bestowing favor upon the ruler of Egypt. It highlights that even in a foreign land, God’s blessings can flow through His faithful people.
• Q: Why did Jacob insist on being buried in Canaan?
  A: Jacob’s insistence on being buried in Canaan reflects his unwavering faith in God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit that land. It symbolizes his longing for his true spiritual home and his connection to his ancestral roots.
• Q: What are the ethical considerations regarding Joseph’s handling of the famine?
  A: While Joseph effectively managed the famine and ensured survival, his actions resulted in the concentration of wealth and land ownership in Pharaoh’s hands. This raises questions about the potential consequences of economic policies in times of crisis and the importance of equitable distribution of resources.

✨ Conclusion ✨

Genesis 47, “Jacob’s Blessing: Finding God’s Providence in Egypt”, paints a vivid picture of God’s providential care for Jacob’s family amidst the challenges of famine and exile. It showcases the themes of faith, family, and leadership. Jacob’s unwavering faith in God’s promise of the land, even in his final moments, stands as a beacon of hope. Joseph’s responsible stewardship and familial devotion serve as practical examples of how to navigate difficult circumstances with integrity and compassion. This chapter reminds us that even in our own “Egypts,” God is present, working to fulfill His purposes, and that our ultimate hope rests not in earthly comforts but in our eternal home. It teaches us to remain faithful, to care for our families, and to trust in God’s unwavering provision, knowing that He is always working for our good. May we all, like Jacob, remain steadfast in our faith and focused on the promises of God.

Tags

Genesis, Jacob, Joseph, Egypt, Goshen, Famine, Providence, Blessing, Covenant, Faith

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Explore Genesis 47: Jacob’s Blessing and settlement in Egypt. Discover insights on God’s providence, faith, and family loyalty in challenging times. Learn how “Jacob’s Blessing” applies to your life today.