A PEOPLES CONTRAST – Genesis 47:27-31

We've considered the 2nd half of Gen 47 in light of the contrasts of 2 nations: Egypt at the time of this exile through the period of Exodus Vs. Israel as established under Moses and evident in Jacob's family at this time. We have noted thus far a contrast of provision, a contrast of priesthood, a contrast in politics, and today we note finally, a contrast of peoples. The national, cultural, historical and religious identity of the covenant people of God as represented by the patriarch Jacob and his family would remain intentionally distinct from Egypt and all other pagan nations for that matter. The attention of the text for the remainder of Genesis turns in 47:28 from the rule of Egypt to relational dynamics of the covenant family, in part, to highlight the this distinction. The four identifying characteristics we derive from our text remain relevant for the church today. As the people of God in Christ, we too are marked by the following.