Genesis Chapter 47

Joseph Is Ruler Of Egypt – Israel & Family Honored

God continues to direct and inspire Joseph to take the lead in establishing Israel and his extended family safely in Egypt. Notice how gracious and encouraging Joseph is in honoring his brothers and his fathers before Pharaoh. Keep in mind that their very lives have been saved by Joseph. In addition, the fact that Pharaoh ‘gives’ them the best land in Egypt is truly a sign of God’s magnificent, miraculous love for His Chosen People. We would expect them to be very appreciative and thankful for this unbelievable generosity.

47:1

Once Joseph has carefully instructed his brothers and father in how to speak and behave in Pharaoh’s presence, and has seen to it that the families are settled in the best land, the land of Goshen, he then speaks with Pharaoh and tells him his father, brothers, families and all they have, are now settled in the land of Goshen.

47:2

Then Joseph takes five of his brothers and presents them to Pharaoh. We are not told which five brothers he presented, but it was probably the four sons of Leah and his brother Benjamin. Why could we assume this? The sons of the two wives, Leah and Rachel, were truly the sons God would have selected to honor. Remember, we already know that Joseph was chosen by God to save his people. Judah was chosen to be the head of the Israelite family in Goshen, as well as the line of the Messiah.

47:3-4

Just as Joseph had predicted, Pharaoh immediately asks the brothers what is their occupation? Instead of remembering to tell Pharaoh that they are keepers of cattle, or livestock, and NOT to refer to themselves as ‘shepherds’ as shepherds were an abomination to all Egyptians; they blurt out that they are shepherds, just as their fathers had been. At least they remember to refer to themselves as ‘your servants’. Then they continue to tell Pharaoh that they have come to dwell in Egypt because there is no pasture for their flocks in the land of Canaan because of the severe famine in the land. They do remember to say ‘please’ when requesting that Pharaoh ‘let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.’ The cultural differences are great, as the Hebrews are accustomed to be allowed to continue to speak until they are finished. In Egypt, one would only answer the specific question Pharaoh asked, and NOT add anything else, or request anything of Pharaoh. Remember, Joseph carefully answered Pharaoh, but did NOT ask to be put in charge, or to be given ANYTHING for his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph politely waited until Pharaoh told him what was to happen; then he obeyed all that Pharaoh had said, not arguing with anything, as he knew to even interrupt Pharaoh, could mean death.

47:5-6

We immediately see their error in telling Pharaoh they are ‘shepherds’ and then adding the additional request to be allowed to dwell in Goshen! Pharaoh does not speak to them again, instead he speaks to his trusted Governor, or Prime Minister, of Egypt, Joseph. Pharaoh keeps his word and tells Joseph that his father and brothers have come to him, and that he may allow them to dwell in the land of Goshen. Then Pharaoh adds that IF there are any competent men among them, Joseph may make them chief herdsmen over Pharaoh’s livestock. Pharaoh has obviously decided that these five men are NOT competent; probably because they spoke without being asked and identified themselves as ‘shepherds’. Remember, Joseph had warned them about identifying themselves as “shepherds”. Thinking before we speak; and better yet, praying before we speak, particularly in an important situation like this, is so important. How many times have we carelessly blurted out something that we should not have said? Remember, we only learn while LISTENING, NOT when SPEAKING! Even a fool is thought to be wise if he keeps his mouth shut. Have you ever said :”I wish I hadn’t said THAT!”?

47:7-8

Now Joseph brings in his father, Israel, and presents him to Pharaoh. Israel immediately blesses Pharaoh. Remember, the superior one would usually give the blessing to an inferior; yet Pharaoh is the unquestioned Ruler of all Egypt! Yet Pharaoh doesn’t appear to be disturbed by the blessing, instead he asked Israel how old are you? Pharaoh is no doubt shocked at how old Israel appears.

47:9-10

Israel responds to Pharaoh by telling him that the days of his ‘pilgrimage’ on earth are 130 years; these years have been few and evil days; and they had not attainted the days and years of his forefathers in their pilgrimage on earth. He is letting Pharaoh know that his people lived very long lives. Remember, long life was, and still is, considered to be a blessing from God. Israel is well aware of the Truth that his life on earth is only a PILGRIMAGE, a time of trial and learning; his ultimate home is Heaven. Read Hebrews 11:1-16. Israel blesses Pharaoh and then goes out from before him, being honored.

47:11-12

Joseph carefully assigned lands to his father and his brothers, giving them possession of the best of the land of Goshen, also known as Rameses; obeying Pharaoh’s command. Joseph also makes certain that they are all given sufficient grain to sustain them from the famine.

47:13-14

Just as prophesied by Joseph, the severe famine continued in Egypt, Canaan and the surrounding lands. As people continue to come to Joseph for grain, he sells grain to the Egyptians, and gathers all the wealth of the land and brings it into Pharaoh’s house. We can assume that he is also continuing to sell grain to foreigners, also bringing their money to Pharaoh.

47:15-17

The next year the famine continues in Egypt and all the surrounding lands. The people continue to come to Joseph, now telling him their money is all gone; begging Joseph to provide grain for them. Joseph then tells them that they must bring in their horses, cattle and livestock to trade for grain. The people bring all their herds and flocks to Joseph and he provides enough food for the entire year. Keep in mind that all these people had an abundance of extra grain and wealth during the seven years of plenty, yet they FAILED to save ANYTHING for times of emergency. They probably lived luxuriously during the first seven years, not planning for the future. What a tremendous lesson for us! These are your years of PLENTY; are you saving for times of emergency and ‘famine’? If not, perhaps it’s time to pray about your own lifestyle.

47:18-20

Another year of famine comes and now the Egyptian people have nothing left but themselves and their land to sell to Joseph! Can you imagine once being very wealthy, as most Egyptians at that time were very well off, then being reduced to begging for your very life? The people offer themselves to Joseph to become servants of Pharaoh, giving him all their land, for enough grain to survive on. Joseph agrees to accept all the land as well as the people to become possessions of Pharaoh.

47:21-22

Joseph moves all the population into cities. This was probably to streamline the distribution of grain, and to ensure they remained slaves of Pharaoh. It also protected the people from starving people of other lands. (22.) Since the priests of the land received rations that were allotted to them by Pharaoh, that would mean they could keep their land and possessions.

47:23-24

The end of the Seven years is nearing, so Joseph now provides seed to all the peoples, telling them that they can now sow the land. At harvest time they shall continue to give one fifth; 20%, to Pharaoh and keep the other 80% for themselves and their families; yet of the 80% that they keep, they are to reserve a portion as seed to plant for the next growing seasons. Joseph is telling them that they are to be taxed the 20%, yet the remaining portion is to be used partially for seed, or savings, for future years. What a concept! Pay the government 20% in taxes, save another 10% or 20% for your future, and live on the remaining 60% or 70%! Perhaps we should be doing the same thing! After all, WE are not slaves, we are free; and we can own our own land! Remember, if you continue to save year after year, and do not need it for ‘emergencies’, you can then be a blessing and a help to those in need.

47:25-26

Notice that the people are NOT unhappy with this proposal; in fact they seem to be thankful that Joseph has saved their lives. They ask to find favor in his eyes and continue to be Pharaoh’s servants. Joseph then makes it a permanent law of the land, that Pharaoh shall receive 20% of all their increase each year, except for the priests, since they had not become slaves. Our country would do well to find a way to have a ‘flat tax’ of 20% like this. This would be far less then we are currently paying!

47:27-28

Israel, meaning all the Israelites, lived in Goshen, gaining many possessions and at the same time their families grew and multiplied exceedingly. This reveals to us that from the very beginning, the Israelites were very successful in every endeavor of their lives. They were already becoming a very large tribe of people. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years, making him 147 years old.

47:29-31

It is interesting that Israel knows that his life is drawing to an end, as he calls Joseph and asks him to promise to take his body and bury it in the family burial place. This would have been the place Abraham had purchased as a burial place for Sarah. Israel knows that the Promised Land will be given to all those who trust and believe in the Lord; both he and his believing forefathers. Israel also knows that his sons will be the fathers of the Israelite people, who will become the People of God. To this very day, the Jewish people insist that there are twelve tribes of Israel, referring to the twelve sons of Israel and their offspring. Remember, even Paul knew he was of the tribe of Benjamin, Joseph’s brother! Israel Insists that Joseph place his hand under his thigh as a commitment to his request. In addition he asks Joseph to take an oath to bury him with ‘his fathers.’ This insistence upon being buried with his forefathers shows us his total trust and belief in God’s Promises.

How do we show and prove our belief in God’s Promises to us? Are we being good stewards of our years of plenty? Are we tithing 10% to God and saving another 10%? Do we live our lives with a focus on the Eternal Life we know and believe we have, or on earthy wants we will lose? Everything we do, say and even think, should be with an Eternal Focus. Our lives here on earth are just a flicker, a blinking of the eye, compared to Eternal Life. Keeping our hearts and minds on Jesus MUST ALWAYS be our goal.