Genesis 46: Jacob's Journey to Egypt and Reunion

Short answer: Genesis 46 describes Jacob's journey to Egypt with his entire family, God's reassurance at Beersheba, the listing of his descendants, and the reunion with Joseph in Goshen. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the family of Israel.

What Genesis 46 says

Genesis 46 opens with Israel traveling to Beersheba, where he offers sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. In a night vision, God speaks to him, calling his name twice. God identifies Himself as the God of his father and tells Jacob not to fear going to Egypt, for He will make him a great nation there. God promises to go down with him and surely bring him up again, and that Joseph's hand will close his eyes. This divine reassurance sets the stage for the journey, emphasizing God's presence and covenant promise even in a foreign land.

Jacob rises from Beersheba, and his sons carry him, their little ones, and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh provided. They take their livestock and goods from Canaan and come into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring. The text then lists the names of the children of Israel who came, organized by their mothers: Leah's sons and grandsons, Zilpah's, Rachel's, and Bilhah's. The total number of Jacob's direct offspring who came to Egypt is sixty-six, and with Joseph and his two sons already there, the house of Jacob numbers seventy. This genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants.

Jacob sends Judah ahead to Joseph to show the way to Goshen. When they arrive, Joseph prepares his chariot and goes to meet his father. He presents himself and falls on Jacob's neck, weeping for a long time. Jacob expresses that he can now die in peace since he has seen Joseph's face and knows he is alive. This emotional reunion marks the restoration of the family and the beginning of their settlement in Egypt. It is a moment of personal fulfillment for Jacob after years of mourning.

Joseph instructs his brothers and father's house that he will speak to Pharaoh, telling him they are shepherds and keepers of livestock. He advises them, when Pharaoh asks their occupation, to say they have been keepers of livestock from their youth, so they may dwell in Goshen, because every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. This strategic move ensures the family's separation in Goshen, preserving their identity and avoiding assimilation. The chapter closes with the family settled in Goshen, awaiting the next phase of God's plan.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation.” (Genesis 46:3) — God's direct reassurance to Jacob not to fear going to Egypt carries the weight of covenant promise. It shows God's initiative in guiding the patriarch and confirms that the move is part of divine plan.
• “I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Joseph’s hand will close your eyes.”” (Genesis 46:4) — This verse contains a double promise: God will go down with Jacob and will surely bring him up again. It also includes the poignant detail that Joseph will close Jacob's eyes, a sign of peaceful death and reunion.
• “The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.” (Genesis 46:27) — The total number of Jacob's household in Egypt is seventy, a significant number symbolizing completeness. It marks the beginning of the nation of Israel in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise to make a great nation.
• “Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.” (Genesis 46:30)” (Genesis 46:30) — Jacob's words reveal deep emotional satisfaction and readiness to die after seeing Joseph alive. It captures the personal resolution of years of grief and the joy of reunion.

Gospel connection

Genesis 46 is a pivotal chapter in the unfolding story of redemption. God's promise to Jacob to make him a great nation in Egypt and to bring him up again foreshadows the Exodus and the formation of Israel as a people. The preservation of Jacob's family through Joseph, who was sold into slavery but raised to power, mirrors the gospel pattern of suffering leading to salvation. Joseph's role as the one who saves his family from famine points to Jesus Christ, who saves His people from sin. The seventy who enter Egypt become a multitude, and from them comes the Messiah. The chapter shows God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite circumstances, ensuring that His plan of salvation through Abraham's seed would continue.

Application

For readers today, Genesis 46 invites trust in God's guidance even when the path leads into unfamiliar or daunting places. Jacob's fear of going to Egypt was met with God's reassurance, reminding us that God goes with His people. The chapter also highlights the importance of family and community in God's plan. The detailed genealogy shows that every person matters in God's story. We are called to remember God's faithfulness in the past and to step forward in faith, knowing that He works through ordinary families and individuals to accomplish His purposes. The reunion of Jacob and Joseph encourages us to forgive and reconcile, valuing relationships over past hurts.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not claim that Jacob's journey to Egypt was without fear, nor does it specify the exact location of Beersheba beyond being a place of sacrifice. It does not detail the conversation between Joseph and Pharaoh, only Joseph's instructions to his brothers. The text is silent on the reactions of the Egyptians to the arrival of the Hebrews, and it does not explain why shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians. It also does not state how long the journey took or the specific route. The genealogy may not include all descendants, as it focuses on those who came to Egypt. The chapter does not claim that Jacob's family immediately became a great nation; that is a promise for the future.

Questions for study

1. Why did Jacob stop at Beersheba to offer sacrifices before going to Egypt, and what does this reveal about his relationship with God?
2. How does God's reassurance to Jacob in verses 3 and 4 address Jacob's fears, and what promises does God make?
3. What is the significance of the number seventy for Jacob's household in Egypt, and how does it relate to God's promise to Abraham?
4. What does the reunion between Jacob and Joseph in verses 29 and 30 teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation?
5. Why did Joseph instruct his family to tell Pharaoh they were shepherds, and what does this reveal about God's provision for their separation in Goshen?

Keep reading

Related studies: Genesis 10 Bible Study, Genesis 11 Bible Study, Genesis 12 Bible Study, Genesis 13 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did God tell Jacob not to fear going to Egypt?

God reassured Jacob because the journey was daunting, but He promised to be with him, make him a great nation, and bring him back. This was part of God's covenant plan.

How many people from Jacob's family went to Egypt?

The text states that sixty-six direct offspring came with Jacob, and with Joseph and his two sons already in Egypt, the total household was seventy.

Why did Joseph tell his brothers to say they were shepherds?

Joseph wanted them to dwell in Goshen, separate from the Egyptians, because shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians. This would allow them to maintain their identity.