Genesis 46-50

Chapter 46:

Main Events:

Jacob begins his journey to Egypt with God’s blessing:

Jacob’s family is listed, 66 persons in all:

Jacob and Joseph are brought back together.

Goshen is chosen as their spot to settle:

Main Themes:

In spite of Israel’s difficult life, he had been very blessed

God can do the impossible:

Continued theme of separation:

Chapter 47:

Main Events:

Israel meets with Pharoah, blesses him, and the family is placed over the wellbeing of his resources:

Joseph brings all of the land of Egypt under the control of Pharoah

Israel lives 17 more years, makes sons vow to bury him in Canaan:

Main Themes:

The fairness of what Joseph enacts with the people:

17 more years of joy and gladness of Israel.

Chapter 48:

Main Events:

Joseph comes to Jacob on his death bed; Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them a fill share of the land.

Jacob blesses the boys, but blesses Ephraim as the oldest:

Joseph is all like, oh no—we aren’t doing this again...

Joseph gets a double portion.

Main Themes:

A lot of familiar beats between this and Jacob approaching Isaac:

The old age, the dim eyes, the lack of recognition

The crossing of the blessings:

But this is purposeful:

Ephraim becomes synonomous with Israel

Chapter 49:

Main Events:

Reuben is disqualified for his fornication

Simeon and Levi are both moved aside for their violence

Judah is given preeminence and promise of Christ

Zebulun will be a sailor

Issachar: He would rather be a slave and have peace than resist oppression and have liberty

Dan protects his people from invaders (Samson)

Gad has give and take

Asher is an agricultural powerhouse

Naphtali writes poetry like a doe birthing fawns

JOSEPH IS STILL MY FAVORITE SON

Benjamin be wildin’

Israel’s body is returned home.

Chapter 50:

Main Events:

Israel is given a royal burial and accompanied by the Egyptians

Joseph’s brothers fear for life without their father:

Joseph once again points to God’s providence in his life and their actions:

Gen. 50:21 compare to Dinah.

Joseph’s body is put in storage for later.