1 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.”
2 And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh.
3 Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.”
4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. So now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you.
6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
7 Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
8 And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many are the days of the years of your life?”
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.”
10 So Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.
11 Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
12 And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents.
13 Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe. The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.
14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, in exchange for the grain that they bought. And Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.
15 And when the money was all spent in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our money is gone.”
16 And Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone.”
17 So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the herds, and the donkeys. Thus he supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year.
18 And when that year was ended, they came to him the following year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent. The herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land.
19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.
20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for all the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine was severe on them. The land became Pharaoh’s.
21 And as for the people, he made servants of them from one end of Egypt to the other.
22 Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh. Now here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.”
24 And at the harvests you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones.”
25 So they said, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.”
26 So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh’s.
27 Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.
28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.
29 And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt,
30 but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.”
31 And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.
The True Meaning of Genesis 47
This passage from the book of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses had a unique perspective, having been raised in the Egyptian royal household before fleeing and encountering God at the burning bush. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had been sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt, and we see the continuation of his story in this chapter. Joseph’s family comes to Egypt seeking food as a famine grips the land, setting the stage for the Israelites’ eventual exodus from the land.
The chapter describes the meeting between Joseph and his father Jacob, as well as the arrangement made for the Israelites to settle in the land of Goshen. We also see Jacob’s blessing upon Pharaoh, echoing the blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob throughout the book of Genesis. These events would have far-reaching consequences, as the Israelites would later grow into a mighty nation while in Egypt, eventually facing oppression and the need for deliverance, as foretold in Exodus 1.
Genesis 47:1-6
Joseph introduces his family to Pharaoh in a pivotal moment in Genesis 47:1-6. This encounter holds significant meaning as it marks the reunion of Joseph with his father Jacob and the rest of his family, who had been separated for many years due to Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery. Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt, takes this opportunity to secure a favorable place for his family to dwell in the land.
Pharaoh’s question to Jacob about his age in verse 8 serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it reflects Pharaoh’s respect for the elderly and his acknowledgment of Jacob’s wisdom and experience. Secondly, this query leads to a discussion where Jacob recounts his life’s journey filled with trials and blessings, highlighting the theme of the importance of respecting one’s elders and valuing the wisdom they possess. This echoes the biblical commandment to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12), emphasizing the importance of family relationships and the intergenerational passing down of values and faith. Jacob blesses Pharaoh in verse 10, demonstrating gratitude and honoring those in authority. Jacob’s blessings upon Pharaoh also shed light on the concept of showing kindness and respect to those around us, even to those who may not share our beliefs or backgrounds. This action teaches us the value of extending grace and goodwill to others, embodying the traits of compassion and humility that are central to Christian teachings. It is a reminder that our interactions with others should be characterized by love and understanding, regardless of differences in status or culture.
Furthermore, Joseph’s strategic placement of his family in the land of Goshen, a fertile region ideal for their livestock, showcases his thoughtful planning and care for his loved ones. Joseph ensures the well-being and prosperity of his family by settling them in Goshen, demonstrating the biblical principle of stewardship and providing for one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8). Joseph’s actions here serve as a poignant example of how we are called to use our resources and positions to care for those entrusted to us, mirroring God’s provision and care for His people throughout the Bible. Genesis 47:1-6 illuminates the themes of family unity, respect for elders, honoring authority, kindness to others, and stewardship. Through the interactions between Joseph, Jacob, and Pharaoh, we glean timeless lessons on the importance of relationships, empathy, and responsible leadership. These principles transcend time and culture, guiding us in our own journey of faith and relationships with others, echoing the overarching message of love, grace, and faithfulness woven throughout the Bible.
Genesis 47:7-12
Jacob responds by recounting his pilgrimage through life when Pharaoh asks him about his age in Genesis 47:7. Jacob’s reply signifies not just his physical age but also the spiritual and emotional journey he has been through. This act of reflecting on one’s life and acknowledging the passage of time carries a timeless message of the importance of introspection and gratitude for the experiences that shape us. Jacob blesses Pharaoh in Genesis 47:8-10, emphasizing his humble position in comparison to the greatness of the Pharaoh. Despite being a revered patriarch, Jacob shows respect and deference to Pharaoh, showcasing humility and understanding of social hierarchy. This interaction highlights the importance of respect and humility, values that resonate throughout the Bible in teachings about honoring authority and showing kindness to others.
Genesis 47:11-12 describes the settling of Jacob’s family in the land of Goshen and the provision of food by Joseph during the famine. Through Joseph’s wisdom and foresight, the family of Jacob finds protection and sustenance in a time of crisis. This act of caring for his family underscores Joseph’s character and highlights the theme of God’s provision and faithfulness, echoing the verses in Matthew 6:26 where it is stated, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
The narrative in Genesis 47 demonstrates themes of gratitude, respect, humility, and providence that run throughout the Bible. Jacob’s acknowledgment of his life’s journey, his blessings to Pharaoh, and Joseph’s care for his family all serve as examples for readers to reflect on their own lives, show kindness to others, and trust in God’s provision. The story of Jacob and his family in Genesis sets a precedent for the importance of familial unity, care for others, and faith in God’s sustenance, which are central themes in the overall biblical narrative.
Genesis 47:13-19
A severe famine struck the land of Egypt and Canaan during the time when Joseph was serving as Pharaoh’s right-hand man, overseeing the distribution of food, as described in Genesis 47:13-19. This famine is significant as it not only affects Egypt but also impacts the neighboring lands, including Canaan where Jacob and his sons reside.
The text describes how the famine became so severe that the people of Egypt and Canaan ran out of money to buy food from the Pharaoh’s storehouses. They came to Joseph imploring for food, offering their livestock as payment. When they had no more livestock left to give, they offered their land itself in exchange for sustenance.
This section of the verse sheds light on the extent of the suffering caused by the famine and the desperate measures people were willing to take to survive. It also showcases Joseph’s role as a wise and shrewd administrator, implementing a system where the people traded their livestock and land for food during the famine. This demonstrates Joseph’s foresight in preparing for the famine and his ability to manage the resources of Egypt efficiently.
The idea of a famine and people coming to Egypt for food has echoes throughout the Bible. Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often used as a test of faith, a means of divine punishment, or a backdrop against which the actions of the characters unfold. One poignant parallel can be found in the story of Ruth, where a famine in Bethlehem leads Elimelech and his family to Moab, resulting in a series of events that ultimately lead to the lineage of King David.
Furthermore, the concept of trading food for land has implications beyond the immediate crisis. It foreshadows the Israelites’ eventual bondage in Egypt under a different Pharaoh, where they would be stripped of their land and become enslaved. This serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the importance of staying faithful to God’s promises even in times of hardship. Genesis 47:13-19 illustrates the practical consequences of the famine in Egypt and Canaan, highlighting Joseph’s strategic leadership and the desperation faced by the people. It sets the stage for future events in the Bible and emphasizes the themes of providence, stewardship, and the faithfulness of God in sustaining His people through trials.
Genesis 47:20-26
Joseph manipulates the dire situation during the severe famine in Egypt, starting in Genesis 47:20-26. Joseph advises the Egyptians in these verses to trade their livestock for food supplies to sustain them during the famine. The people exhausted their resources and began offering their livestock, including horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys, to Joseph in exchange for food. This event reinforces Joseph’s wisdom and foresight in preparing for the famine, as he strategically collects all the livestock of the Egyptians on behalf of Pharaoh.
Joseph’s actions in collecting the livestock for Pharaoh reveal his astuteness as a leader and the implementation of his plan to establish Pharaoh’s authority over the people during the famine. Joseph consolidates all the resources under Pharaoh’s control by gathering the livestock, strengthening his position and reinforcing Pharaoh’s power in Egypt. This situation also reflects the power dynamics at play during times of crisis, where those in authority can leverage the people’s desperation for their benefit.
Furthermore, the passage highlights Joseph’s care for the people by providing them with food in exchange for their livestock, ensuring their survival during the famine. This act not only demonstrates Joseph’s compassion but also his ability to manage the resources wisely to sustain the population. Joseph’s actions exemplify the importance of leadership, benevolence, and foresight in times of hardship, showing the significance of planning and preparedness to mitigate the impact of crises.
These verses also speak to the broader theme of God’s providence and faithfulness throughout the Bible. Joseph’s rise to power and his wisdom in managing the famine are a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Joseph, as seen in earlier events such as Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) and his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:14-32). The unfolding events in Joseph’s life underscore God’s sovereignty and his ability to use individuals like Joseph to accomplish His divine purposes. Joseph’s leadership, foresight, and compassion during a time of crisis are showcased in Genesis 47:20-26, highlighting important lessons on resource management, leadership qualities, and God’s providence. Joseph’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation, compassion, and trust in God’s plan, illustrating timeless principles that continue to resonate in both biblical narratives and contemporary contexts.
Genesis 47:27-31
The verses in Genesis 47:27-31 speak about the time when the Israelites settled in Egypt under the care of Joseph during the years of famine. Let’s break down this passage into sections for a detailed commentary.
Verse 27 starts by telling us that the Israelites settled in the land of Goshen in Egypt, they acquired property there, were fruitful, multiplied greatly, and became a large nation. This part highlights how God’s promises to Abraham about his descendants becoming a great nation were gradually being fulfilled. The land of Goshen was fertile, suitable for the Israelites, and was likely chosen by Joseph to secure his family’s well-being during the famine. This also signifies that even though the Israelites were in a foreign land, God was still with them, providing for and multiplying them.
Moving on to verse 28, it mentions that Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years. This is significant as it shows the passing of time and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Joseph that he would see his father Jacob again before his death. Jacob’s presence in Egypt also paved the way for the eventual Exodus of the Israelites under the leadership of Moses, fulfilling God’s plan to deliver His people from bondage. Jacob blesses Joseph in verses 29 and 30 and makes Joseph swear that he will bury him in the land of Canaan with his ancestors. This act of Jacob reaffirms his faith in God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself regarding the Promised Land. Jacob is expressing his belief in the future fulfillment of God’s promise of giving the land to his descendants by asking to be buried in Canaan. Additionally, this scene underscores the importance of honoring family ties and traditions, as well as the significance of the land of Canaan in the Israelites’ identity and faith.
Finally, in verse 31, Joseph pledges to fulfill his father’s request and bowing down in worship at the head of his bed. This act of worship signifies Joseph’s respect for his father and his commitment to honoring Jacob’s wishes. It also shows Joseph’s faithfulness to his family and their customs, despite being a high-ranking official in Egypt. Joseph’s obedience and devotion to family traditions serve as a model for believers to prioritize honoring God and their family heritage. These verses in Genesis 47 demonstrate the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs, the importance of family relationships and heritage, and the belief in the future fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people. The narratives of Jacob, Joseph, and the Israelites in Egypt lay the foundation for the eventual Exodus and the establishment of the nation of Israel, showcasing God’s providential care and sovereignty throughout history.
After Genesis 47
The Israelites settled in Goshen, a fertile region of Egypt. They prospered and multiplied greatly. Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years, until his death at the age of 147. Before he died, Jacob made Joseph promise to bury him in the land of his fathers. He blessed Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and prophesied that they would become great nations. The patriarch imparted one final, profound message to his family as his life drew to a close. With his last breaths, Jacob spoke words that would echo through the generations, shaping the destiny of his people. The lessons he shared in those final moments would prove pivotal, guiding his descendants as they navigated the uncertain future that lay ahead. For the road before them was long, and the challenges they would face were great. But Jacob’s parting wisdom would be their steadfast companion, lighting the way through the trials to come.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.