# Overview Genesis Chapter 46 narrates the journey of #Jacob, also known as #Israel, and his family as they relocate to #Egypt during a time of severe famine. God reassures Jacob in a vision at #Beersheba, promising to make him into a great nation in Egypt and affirming that He will be with him on this journey. #Jacob takes his entire family, including his sons, their children, and all their possessions, to Egypt. The text meticulously lists the names of Jacob's descendants, emphasizing the continuity of the #Abrahamic covenant through his lineage. This movement into Egypt sets the stage for the eventual growth of the #Israelites into a nation, as promised by God. Upon arriving in Egypt, Jacob is reunited with his beloved son #Joseph, whom he thought was dead. The chapter highlights the emotional reunion between Jacob and Joseph, underscoring the faithfulness of God in preserving Jacob’s family. Joseph instructs his brothers to inform #Pharaoh about their occupation as shepherds, preparing for their settlement in the land of #Goshen. This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites, marking the beginning of their sojourn in Egypt, which would lead to both their eventual enslavement and subsequent deliverance. The themes of divine providence, covenant faithfulness, and familial reunion are intricately woven throughout this chapter, reminding readers of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. ## Theological Insights Genesis 46 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of #Jacob and the ongoing story of the #Israelites. This chapter highlights divine guidance, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the preservation of His chosen people during a time of famine. 1. **Divine Guidance and Assurance**: In Genesis 46:1-4, God speaks to #Jacob in a vision, reassuring him not to fear going down to #Egypt. God promises to make Jacob into a great nation there and assures him of His presence, stating, "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again" (Genesis 46:4). This divine encounter emphasizes God’s continuing providence and faithfulness to His covenant promises made to #Abraham, #Isaac, and Jacob himself (see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]], [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 26]], [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28]]). 2. **The Formation of a Nation**: The move to Egypt is not just a family relocation but a significant step in the formation of the nation of #Israel. The genealogical list in Genesis 46:8-27, detailing the sons and grandsons of Jacob who went to Egypt, underscores the growth from a family to a burgeoning nation. This listing aligns with God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants, as initially promised to Abraham (see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]]). 3. **Preservation through Adversity**: The journey to Egypt is set against the backdrop of a severe famine (see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41]]). By relocating to Egypt, where #Joseph holds a position of power, Jacob's family finds sustenance and safety. This narrative thread illustrates God's sovereign ability to use circumstances and individuals for the preservation and preparation of His people. It foreshadows the eventual Exodus, where the Israelites will leave Egypt as a great nation (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 1]]). 4. **Reconciliation and Family Unity**: The chapter also highlights themes of reconciliation and family unity, as Jacob is reunited with Joseph, whom he believed to be dead (Genesis 46:29-30). This emotional reunion is a testament to God's redemptive work in restoring broken relationships and fulfilling His purposes through them. 5. **God's Sovereignty and Providence**: Ultimately, Genesis 46 illustrates God's sovereignty and providence over history. Despite human failings and the challenges of the natural world, God's plans for His people prevail. The journey to Egypt sets the stage for future deliverance, demonstrating that God’s purposes are often fulfilled in unexpected ways and through unlikely means. These insights collectively emphasize the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the patriarchs and the preparation for the greater deliverance to come, as seen in the overarching narrative of Scripture. ## Thematic Connections ### God's Sovereignty and Guidance In Genesis 46, we see God's sovereignty and guidance as #Jacob is assured by God to go down to #Egypt. This theme of divine guidance is reminiscent of God's assurances to the patriarchs, such as when God instructed [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Abraham]] to leave his homeland and promised to be with him. Similarly, God reassures Jacob through visions, emphasizing His ongoing involvement in the lives of His chosen people, and echoing His promise to be with them wherever they go. ### Preservation of the Covenant People The move to Egypt is a pivotal moment in the preservation of the covenant people. The theme of preservation is seen as #Joseph's position in Egypt ensures the survival of #Israel during a time of famine. This theme aligns with God's promise to sustain and multiply the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as seen in previous chapters such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15]] and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28|Genesis 28]]. ### Reconciliation and Restoration The chapter also highlights the theme of reconciliation and restoration within the family of Jacob. The reunion of Jacob with his son Joseph, whom he thought was dead, signifies the restoration of relationships and God's redemptive work in the midst of past family conflicts. This theme of restoration can also be seen in the narrative of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 33|Jacob's reconciliation with Esau]]. ### Fulfillment of God's Promises Genesis 46 underscores the fulfillment of God’s promises to make Jacob's descendants a great nation. As Jacob and his family move to Egypt, the groundwork is laid for the fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own, as prophesied in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15:13-14]]. This move sets the stage for the eventual exodus and the formation of the nation of Israel. ### Faith and Obedience Jacob's journey to Egypt demonstrates faith and obedience to God’s command. Despite the uncertainties and fears associated with leaving the Promised Land, Jacob follows God’s directive, paralleling the acts of faith seen in his forefathers, such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22|Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac]]. This act of obedience underscores the importance of trusting God's plan even when it leads into unfamiliar territory. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Descent into Egypt Genesis 46 marks the beginning of #Israel's descent into #Egypt, a critical event in the unfolding of God's promises to Abraham. This event fulfills the prophecy given to Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15:13-14]], where God foretold that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own, serving there for four hundred years before being delivered with great possessions. The journey of #Jacob and his family into Egypt sets the stage for this prophecy, illustrating the unfolding of God's divine plan and the continuity of His covenantal promises. ### The Preservation of Israel Through the move to Egypt, God preserves the family of Jacob, ensuring the survival and growth of the nascent nation of Israel during a time of famine. This preservation aligns with the covenant promises made to #Abraham, #Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants becoming a great nation as mentioned in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:2-3]] and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28|Genesis 28:13-14]]. The movement into Egypt, while initially a means of survival, becomes a critical step in the fulfillment of these promises, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His word. ### Joseph as a Type of Christ The role of #Joseph in Egypt serves as a typological prefiguration of #Christ. Joseph's position as a savior of his family, providing for them in a time of need, parallels the future salvation brought by Christ. His rise to power and the subsequent provision for #Israel in Egypt can be seen as a fulfillment of the dreams given to Joseph in his youth, as recorded in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 37|Genesis 37]]. This typology points forward to the ultimate salvation and deliverance offered through Jesus, who brings spiritual sustenance and life to His people. ### God's Faithfulness to His Promises In Genesis 46, God's promise to Jacob in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46|Genesis 46:3-4]] that He will make him a great nation in Egypt is a direct fulfillment of the covenantal assurances given to the patriarchs. The assurance of divine accompaniment and future return to the promised land underscores God's unchanging faithfulness and His overarching redemptive plan. This chapter reinforces the theme that God's promises are sure and will come to pass, despite human circumstances and geographical relocations. ## Verses - **Genesis 46:1** - "So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac." - Note: Beersheba is a significant location linked with Isaac and Abraham. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 21]] and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 26]]. - **Genesis 46:2** - "During the night God spoke to him in a vision. 'Jacob! Jacob!' he called. 'Here I am,' Jacob replied." - Note: God's communication through visions is seen in Jacob's life as well as in the lives of others like Joseph. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28]]. - **Genesis 46:3** - "'I am God, the God of your father,’ the voice said. 'Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation.'" - Note: God's promise to make Jacob's family a great nation echoes His covenant with Abraham. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]] and [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]]. - **Genesis 46:4** - "'I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes.'" - Note: This reassurance is similar to God's promise to be with His people. See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]]. - **Genesis 46:5** - "So Jacob left Beersheba, and his sons took him to Egypt. They carried him and their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had provided for them." - Note: Pharaoh's favor towards Joseph extended to his family, as seen in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 45]]. - **Genesis 46:6** - "They also took all their livestock and all the personal belongings they had acquired in the land of Canaan. So Jacob and his entire family went to Egypt." - **Genesis 46:7** - "Sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters—all his descendants." - **Genesis 46:8** - "These are the names of the descendants of Israel—the sons of Jacob—who went to Egypt: Reuben was Jacob’s oldest son." - **Genesis 46:9** - "The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi." - **Genesis 46:10** - "The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul. (Shaul’s mother was a Canaanite woman.)" - **Genesis 46:11** - "The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." - Note: The Levites would later have significant roles in the Israelite community, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 6]]. - **Genesis 46:12** - "The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (though Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul." - Note: Perez is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. See [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]. - **Genesis 46:13** - "The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron." - **Genesis 46:14** - "The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel." - **Genesis 46:15** - "These were the sons of Leah and Jacob who were born in Paddan-aram, in addition to their daughter, Dinah. The number of Jacob’s descendants (male and female) through Leah was thirty-three." - **Genesis 46:16** - "The sons of Gad were Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli." - **Genesis 46:17** - "The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. Beriah’s sons were Heber and Malkiel." - **Genesis 46:18** - "These were the sons of Zilpah, the servant given to Leah by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Zilpah was sixteen." - **Genesis 46:19** - "The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin." - **Genesis 46:20** - "Joseph’s sons, born in the land of Egypt, were Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On." - Note: Manasseh and Ephraim receive a special blessing from Jacob. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48]]. - **Genesis 46:21** - "Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." - **Genesis 46:22** - "These were the sons of Rachel and Jacob. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Rachel was fourteen." - **Genesis 46:23** - "The son of Dan was Hushim." - **Genesis 46:24** - "The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem." - **Genesis 46:25** - "These were the sons of Bilhah, the servant given to Rachel by her father, Laban. The number of Jacob’s descendants through Bilhah was seven." - **Genesis 46:26** - "The total number of Jacob’s direct descendants who went with him to Egypt, not counting his sons’ wives, was sixty-six." - **Genesis 46:27** - "In addition, Joseph had two sons who were born in Egypt. So altogether, there were seventy members of Jacob’s family in the land of Egypt." - Note: The number seventy is significant in the Bible, representing completeness. See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 1]]. - **Genesis 46:28** - "As they neared their destination, Jacob sent Judah ahead to meet Joseph and get directions to the region of Goshen. And when they finally arrived there," - **Genesis 46:29** - "Joseph prepared his chariot and traveled to Goshen to meet his father, Jacob. When Joseph arrived, he embraced his father and wept, holding him for a long time." - Note: This reunion is a fulfillment of Joseph's dreams. See [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 37]]. - **Genesis 46:30** - "Finally, Jacob said to Joseph, 'Now I am ready to die, since I have seen your face again and know you are still alive.'" - **Genesis 46:31** - "And Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s entire family, 'I will go to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘My brothers and my father’s entire family have come to me from the land of Canaan.'" - **Genesis 46:32** - "'These men are shepherds, and they raise livestock. They have brought with them their flocks and herds and everything they own.'" - **Genesis 46:33** - "Then he said, 'When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation," - **Genesis 46:34** - "'you must tell him, ‘We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.’ When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.'" - Note: The Egyptians' disdain for shepherds sets the stage for the Israelites' separation in Goshen, preserving their identity. See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 9]].