Genesis 47:1-12

THE ISRAELITES SETTLE IN EGYPT

Keywords 47:10

Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.

 

1. Settling in Goshen (1-6)

Joseph brought his brothers to meet Pharaoh. They came with their flocks and

presented themselves as shepherds. Since the Egyptians despised shepherds,

they were allowed to live separately from the Egyptians. They had not come

to settle permanently, but only for a while, until God brought them back to the

land he promised them. So even though they settled in Egypt, they were able to

maintain their identity as God’s people.

 

2. Jacob’s life: a pilgrimage (7-12)

Joseph then brought his aged father to meet Pharaoh. Jacob was old and weak,

but he was able to bless Pharaoh. He testified that his life was a pilgrimage, just

like his fathers. His blessing was his confession that he belonged to God. His life

was not for settling anywhere in this world, but a pilgrimage that ended in God.

 

Prayer Lord, protect me from settling down in this world. Help me to live as a

pilgrim and seeker of your promise until I meet you.

One Word A pilgrimage to God