Genesis 46:27: “With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Genesis 46:27 concludes the account of Jacob’s family migrating to Egypt, providing the final tally of Jacob’s descendants who made the journey. The verse highlights that with the addition of Joseph’s two sons, who were born in Egypt, the total number of Jacob’s family members who went to Egypt was seventy. This number is significant as it represents the complete family unit of Jacob, which would grow into the nation of Israel during their time in Egypt.
Historical Context
This verse is set in the context of a severe famine that affected the entire region, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family lived. Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers years earlier, had risen to a position of great power in Egypt, where he managed the distribution of food during the famine. Joseph invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to Egypt, where they would be provided for. The journey of these seventy individuals to Egypt marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Israel, as they would eventually multiply into a great nation during their time in Egypt, as foretold by God to Abraham.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 46:27 emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, and here we see the beginnings of that fulfillment. The number seventy, often symbolizing completeness in the Bible, reflects the fullness of God’s plan for Jacob’s family. This verse also shows God’s provision in a time of need, as He ensured that all of Jacob’s family was preserved and provided for during the famine. The move to Egypt, though initially a response to a crisis, was part of God’s sovereign plan to grow and protect His chosen people.
Literary Analysis
In the literary structure of Genesis, this verse serves as a conclusion to the genealogy and migration narrative of Jacob’s family. The specific mention of the number seventy is significant in biblical literature, as it often symbolizes wholeness or completion. The verse ties together the individual stories of Jacob’s sons and their families, showing how they collectively contribute to the larger narrative of God’s people. The focus on numbers and genealogy in this section of Genesis underscores the importance of family and lineage in the unfolding of God’s covenant promises.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 1:5: This verse reiterates the number of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt, confirming the total of seventy persons.
- Deuteronomy 10:22: Reflects on the growth of the Israelites from the seventy who went to Egypt to a nation as numerous as the stars.
- Acts 7:14: In the New Testament, Stephen mentions the seventy-five members of Jacob’s family who went to Egypt, including additional family members.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Genesis 46:27 is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. The fact that Jacob’s entire family was preserved and brought safely to Egypt during a time of crisis shows that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. It encourages believers to trust in God’s plans, knowing that He can use challenging situations to bring about His purposes. The verse also reminds us of the importance of family and community in God’s plan, as the growth of Jacob’s family was central to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects the love of God in His care for Jacob’s family. God’s love is evident in His detailed attention to the preservation and growth of Jacob’s descendants. He not only provided for their physical needs during the famine but also ensured that they would multiply and flourish in Egypt, laying the foundation for the future nation of Israel. This verse shows that God’s love extends to every member of His family, ensuring that each person is part of His greater plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 46:27 connects to Jesus Christ by showing the continuity of God’s plan from the patriarchs to the coming of the Messiah. The preservation and growth of Jacob’s family in Egypt were essential for the eventual birth of the nation from which Jesus would come. The number seventy, symbolizing completeness, foreshadows the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ, who would bring completeness to God’s plan of salvation. Jesus, a descendant of Jacob, came to fulfill the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bringing salvation not just to Israel but to all nations.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the preservation of Jacob’s family during a time of famine encourage you to trust in God’s provision today?
- What does the number seventy in this verse symbolize, and how does it relate to God’s plan for His people?
- How can we see God’s hand at work in challenging circumstances, as He did with Jacob’s family?
- In what ways does this verse inspire you to value your own family and community in the context of God’s plan?
- How does understanding the continuity of God’s plan from Jacob’s family to Jesus deepen your appreciation for God’s faithfulness?