Genesis 46-48

Welcome to The Safe Space! Where we last left off in the Bible, Joseph had revealed his identity to his brothers, turning years of betrayal and separation into an astonishing reunion. He sent them back to Canaan with the news that he was alive and serving as ruler over Egypt. Now Jacob must decide whether to leave the land of promise and travel to Egypt to see his beloved son once again. Jacob sets out with everything he owns, and when he reaches Beersheba, he offers sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. That night, God speaks to Jacob in a vision, calling him by name and assuring him not to be afraid. God promises to go with him into Egypt, to make his family into a great nation there, and declares that Joseph himself will be with him when he dies. Jacob and his entire household then journey to Egypt. The names of his sons, grandchildren, and descendants are recorded as the family of Israel enters a new land. When Jacob finally approaches Egypt, he sends Judah ahead to tell Joseph they are coming. Joseph prepares his chariot and races to meet his father. At last, after so many years apart, Joseph throws his arms around Jacob and weeps for a long time. Jacob declares that now he can die in peace because he has seen Joseph alive again. Joseph then prepares his family to meet Pharaoh. He instructs his brothers to explain that they are shepherds, knowing that Egyptians consider shepherds detestable. Pharaoh welcomes Jacob’s family and gives them the land of Goshen, where they can live and raise their flocks. Jacob is brought before Pharaoh, and when asked his age, he describes his years as difficult and filled with trouble. Before leaving, Jacob blesses Pharaoh. As the famine continues, Joseph manages Egypt’s resources with wisdom and authority. The people spend their money, livestock, land, and eventually themselves to obtain food, while Pharaoh gains control over nearly everything. Yet Joseph provides seed for the people so they can survive and rebuild when the famine ends. Years pass, and Jacob knows his death is approaching. He makes Joseph promise to bury him in the land of his ancestors rather than in Egypt. Then Jacob becomes seriously ill. Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive their grandfather’s blessing. Jacob recalls how God appeared to him and promises that Ephraim and Manasseh will become like his own sons, sharing in the inheritance of Israel. Joseph positions his older son under Jacob’s right hand, but Jacob deliberately crosses his hands, placing the greater blessing upon Ephraim, the younger. Joseph tries to correct him, but Jacob refuses, declaring that he knows what he is doing. With prophetic words, Jacob blesses both boys, foretelling that their descendants will become great. He tells Joseph that God will be with his family and will eventually bring them back to the land promised to their ancestors. As Jacob’s life draws toward its final days, the promises of God continue through another generation. In the midst of famine, aging, and uncertainty, the family of Israel is growing—and God’s covenant is moving steadily forward. Verse of the Day: Psalm 51:6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Question of the Day: How can you show faithfulness in areas you have committed to yourself?