Jacob’s Journey to Egypt

Genesis 46 describes Jacob’s momentous journey to Egypt, reuniting with his long-lost son, Joseph. This chapter spans themes of divine guidance, family unity, and fulfillment of God’s promises through the narratives of migration and reunion.

God’s Assurance to Jacob

• Divine Encounter at Beersheba: Before leaving Canaan, Jacob stops at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God speaks to Jacob in a vision at night, reassuring him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there He will make Jacob into a great nation. God promises to go down to Egypt with Jacob and to bring him back again, and importantly, that Joseph’s own hand will close Jacob’s eyes (Genesis 46:1-4).

The Descent into Egypt

Listing of Jacob’s Family

• The Family’s Names: The chapter lists the names of those who went to Egypt, detailing Jacob’s sons and their families, totaling seventy persons in all from Jacob’s lineage. This genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous (Genesis 46:5-27).

The Reunion in Goshen

• Joseph’s Emotional Meeting with Jacob: Joseph travels to Goshen to meet his father. The reunion is deeply emotional, with Joseph weeping for a long time on his father’s shoulder. Jacob expresses his relief and contentment, declaring he can now die in peace having seen that Joseph is still alive (Genesis 46:28-30).

Settling in Goshen

Preparing for Pharaoh

• Joseph’s Strategy: Joseph instructs his brothers on what to say to Pharaoh. Since shepherds are detestable to Egyptians, Joseph plans to settle his family in Goshen, a region ideal for pasturing flocks. He coaches them to speak of their occupation as herdsmen so they may live separately in Goshen and continue their way of life (Genesis 46:31-34).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Symbolism

• Preservation of a Remnant: The migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt symbolizes God’s preservation of a remnant, a theme that Christ fulfills by preserving a spiritual remnant through His death and resurrection.
• Fulfillment of Promises: Jacob’s journey and settlement in Egypt continue the narrative of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, culminating in the ultimate redemption promised through Jesus Christ.

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Providence and Protection: God’s personal assurance to Jacob reflects His continued providence and protection, demonstrating His unchanging love and faithfulness across generations.
• Reconciliation and Restoration: The heartfelt reunion between Joseph and Jacob illustrates the power of God’s love to restore relationships and heal past wounds, serving as a model of reconciliation inspired by divine love.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Genesis 46 Still Matters Today

• Trusting in God’s Guidance: Jacob’s decision to move his entire family based on divine assurance encourages believers today to trust in God’s guidance, especially during significant life changes.
• Value of Family and Community: The detailed record of Jacob’s family emphasizes the importance of community and family heritage, inspiring individuals to appreciate and nurture their own family bonds.
• Integration and Identity: Joseph’s preparations for his family’s integration into Egyptian society while maintaining their distinct identity provide insights into managing cultural integration and identity preservation in a foreign land.

Genesis 46 not only advances the story of Israel’s patriarchs but also deepens the understanding of God’s guiding hand in the lives of His people, demonstrating how He orchestrates events and settings to fulfill His greater purposes of blessing and redemption.