Josephs family in Goshen Genesis 47

Introduction

Genesis 47 continues the story of Joseph, Jacob, and their family’s relocation to Egypt during a severe famine. It highlights the survival of Israel's people, Joseph's leadership, and the consolidation of Egyptian power through Joseph’s wise administration. This chapter emphasizes God's provision for His people and sets the stage for Israel's growth into a great nation within Egypt.

Jacob and His Family Presented to Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1-10)

Joseph’s Introduction of His Family (v. 1-2)

Joseph informs Pharaoh that his family has arrived in Goshen, bringing five of his brothers to meet Pharaoh.

Pharaoh’s Inquiry (v. 3-4)

Pharaoh asks about their occupation, and the brothers explain that they are shepherds seeking to dwell in Goshen due to the famine.

Pharaoh’s Favor (v. 5-6)

Pharaoh permits them to settle in Goshen and even offers some of them positions to tend his own livestock if they are capable.

Jacob Blesses Pharaoh (v. 7-10)

Joseph brings his father Jacob before Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh. The encounter between the elderly patriarch and the king highlights Jacob’s faith and position as a man of God.

Settlement of Israel in Goshen (Genesis 47:11-12)

Provision for Jacob’s Family (v. 11)

Joseph ensures that his family is given the best part of the land in Egypt, in the region of Rameses (Goshen), as Pharaoh commanded.

God always gives us his best!

Joseph’s Sustenance (v. 12)

Joseph provides his family with bread, supplying them with their needs during the famine.

Joseph’s Administration During the Famine (Genesis 47:13-26)

The Severity of the Famine (v. 13)

The famine continues to worsen, and there is no bread in all the land, causing widespread suffering.

The People Exchange Money for Grain (v. 14-15)

Joseph collects all the money from the people in exchange for grain, but when the money runs out, the people are left with nothing.

The People Exchange Livestock for Food (v. 16-17)

Joseph suggests that the people give their livestock in exchange for food, which they do, and this keeps them alive another year.

The People Exchange Land and Themselves for Survival (v. 18-21)

With no money or livestock left, the Egyptians offer their land and themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for seed to plant and survive. Thus, Pharaoh gains control over nearly all of Egypt’s land.

The Redistribution of Resources (v. 22-24)

Joseph allows the people to keep their land in exchange for a fifth of their harvest for Pharaoh. The priests, however, retain their land, as they were given provisions directly from Pharaoh.

The People’s Gratitude (v. 25-26)

The Egyptians are grateful to Joseph for preserving their lives and agree to the terms, cementing Pharaoh's ownership of the land and their servitude.

Jacob’s Request and Final Days (Genesis 47:27-31)

Israel’s Prosperity in Egypt (v. 27)

Despite the famine, the Israelites thrive in Goshen, increasing in possessions and population.

Exodus 1:7 “7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”

Jacob’s Longevity (v. 28)

Jacob lives in Egypt for 17 years, dying at the age of 147.

Jacob’s Request to be Buried in Canaan (v. 29-31)

As his death approaches, Jacob makes Joseph swear to bury him in the land of Canaan, not Egypt, showing his faith in God’s promises to his descendants.

Conclusion

Genesis 47 demonstrates God’s sovereign care over Israel through the wise governance of Joseph. The Israelites thrive even as Egypt undergoes hardship. This chapter sets the stage for future developments in Israel’s history, particularly the eventual Exodus, while highlighting themes of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the tension between living in Egypt and the promised future in Canaan.