Genesis Chapter 46

Israel Enters Egypt

God confirms a major move from the Promised Land into Egypt by directly speaking to Israel. In addition, all the circumstances also point to a move to Egypt by the entire Family of Israel. God continues directing all events to bring about His Perfect Eternal Plan. Remember, the ultimate Plan is all about JESUS! We will see the establishment of the Israelite Family into the Israelite Nation. These chosen people will be used by God to bring us the Holy Scriptures and Prophecy of the coming Messiah, our LORD & SAVIOR, YESHUA. Be sensitive of all the unusual events that continue to occur to reveal Gods Sovereign Will in all people’s lives; even yours and mine! We should be open to whatever God allows in our lives and seek to understand His Perfect Will for us. Continue to pray to understand and apply the Truths that the Holy Spirit is revealing to your own heart and soul.

46:1-2

Israel (Jacob) now begins the journey by going to Beersheba, where so many important events and worship had taken place. He offers sacrifices to Almighty God. We can assume that he also prayed to God regarding moving into Egypt since his father Isaac had been told by God NOT to go into Egypt and Abraham had bad experiences when living in Egypt. We should consider past experiences before making decisions, yet always seek God’s wisdom and confirmation before making any major changes. Obviously moving from the Promised Land into Egypt was a major change. God then speaks to Israel in ‘visions of the night’, calling Jacob by name twice. This would confirm to Jacob that God is once again speaking to him and that it is urgent that he respond.

46:3-4

Israel responds with “here I am” which indicates he is listening with an obedient heart, ready to obey whatever God commands of him. God confirms that He is the One True God and tells Israel NOT to fear to go into Egypt, as it will be in Egypt that God will make a great nation from Israel’s lineage, fulfilling His promises to Israel. In addition, God tells Israel that He will go down with Israel, and his lineage, and will also bring them up again; meaning God would bring them back into the Promised Land. God also reveals to Israel that Joseph would put his hand on Israel’s eyes. This would mean that Joseph would be the one closing the eyes of the deceased Israel; a foretelling of Israel’s death in Egypt, and the revealed promise that Israel’s body would be brought back into the Promised Land. Israel no doubt told the entire dream to all his sons. Keep in mind that we are seeing God’s Promises and Prophecies beginning to be fulfilled. Stop and reread Genesis 15: 12- 16.

46:5-7

Israel and his entire family, sons, wives and children, all leave Beersheba to go into Egypt. Since Israel is quite old he is unable to walk for the trip and he and the wives and children are all carried into Egypt in the wagons the Pharaoh had provided to Joseph. We are told that they bring all their livestock, goods and valuables with them into Egypt. All Israel’s entire family goes with him; all his sons, their wives and grandchildren; no one is left behind, except those who had already died.

46:8-12

The genealogy of each of the sons begins with the eldest, Reuben, then Simeon, then Levi, then Judah. We are reminded that Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez are also listed. Since Perez was the son of Tamar, the one who was to be of the lineage of Jesus, he is listed. Since he already had sons, it gives us an indication that at least some of the happenings in Chapter 38 had obviously happened prior to Joseph being sold into Egypt.

46:13-15

The rest of the sons of Leah are now given, with references to ‘his daughters’ even though only Dinah is specifically mentioned. Thirty three persons are listed.

46:16-18

The next group of sons and their lineage are the sons of Zilpha, the ‘secondary wife’ or concubine, given to Israel by Leah. Sixteen persons are listed.

46:19-22

Joseph and Benjamin are the sons of Rachel; and their sons are listed. Notice that Benjamin has 10 sons! Fourteen persons are listed.

46:23-27

The sons of Rachel’s maid Bilhah, and their lineage are listed as seven persons. The total of persons who came with Israel were given as 66 persons. Then in verse 27 we are told that the total number of persons, including the two sons born to Joseph in Egypt; was 70 persons. Many people think this number is in error; however remember that the 66 came with Israel, so he was not included in that number. So if we add Joseph and his two sons, already in Egypt, plus Israel, being a total of four people; it adds up to 70. The Bible is always correct!

46:28

Judah is now acting as, and being directed as, the family ‘leader’ under Israel. He is sent by Israel to go to Joseph to be directed exactly where in the land of Goshen, they are all to settle.

46:29-30

When Judah comes to Joseph to let him know they are in Egypt, Joseph immediately leaves to meet his father by using the fastest method possible, his chariot. He presents himself to Israel and hugs and cries on Israel’s neck. Obviously this would be a very emotional reunion between the father and son who loved one another so deeply. Israel tells Joseph he is now ready to die, meaning he is satisfied and comforted to truly know and see his beloved son is alive and well.

46:31-34

Joseph now instructs his brothers, and all in his father’s house, exactly how he will present them to Pharaoh. He will confirm to Pharaoh that his entire father’s house has entered Egypt, bringing all their flocks and herds. He will tell Pharaoh that their ‘trade’ is to feed livestock. Joseph tells his brothers to be discreet when Pharaoh asks them ‘what is your occupation?’, to respond by telling Pharaoh that ‘his servants’, identifying themselves as servants of Pharaoh; this would honor Pharaoh and assure him that they would be acceptable to live in Egypt. Further they should state that their ‘trade’ has been with livestock. Joseph is warning them that in order to dwell honorably and peaceably in the land of Goshen with the Egyptians, they must NOT refer to themselves as ‘shepherds’ because every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. Remember that Hebrews were considered inferior and unclean to the Egyptians. Thus it was very important for the brothers, and their families, to assimilate themselves into Egyptian culture so as not to offend and anger the Egyptians.

This is an important lesson we must remember: When we travel and/or live in a foreign country, we must respect and honor their culture, not insist that our culture and language be implemented. This does NOT mean that we must give up our Christianity and moral beliefs, just be willing to honor their culture. This lack of respect and honor for others, especially in THEIR country, is one of the problems, and sources of strife, that we have to this very day.