# Overview Genesis Chapter 47 presents a poignant chapter in the narrative of #Joseph and his family's settlement in #Egypt during a time of severe famine. The chapter begins with #Joseph bringing his brothers and father, #Jacob (also known as #Israel), before #Pharaoh. Joseph introduces his family and explains their occupation as shepherds, requesting that they be allowed to dwell in the land of #Goshen. #Pharaoh grants this request, reflecting God's provision and favor upon Joseph's family even in a foreign land. This settlement in Goshen not only provides for their immediate needs but also sets the stage for the growth of the #Israelites in Egypt. The chapter underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the survival and prosperity of Jacob's lineage despite the surrounding famine. As the chapter progresses, the focus shifts to Joseph’s administration of Egypt’s resources during the famine. The severity of the famine leads the Egyptians to barter their money, livestock, lands, and ultimately themselves into servitude to #Pharaoh in exchange for food. Joseph's strategic management consolidates Pharaoh's power, while he also establishes an ordinance for the Egyptians to give a fifth of their produce to Pharaoh. This section highlights Joseph’s wisdom and discernment, as he acts with integrity and prudence to ensure the survival of both his family and the Egyptian people. Meanwhile, #Jacob blesses Pharaoh, and the text records Jacob's lifespan and his request to be buried in #Canaan, providing a reminder of the promised land and the future hope for his descendants. The chapter concludes with the Israelites thriving in Goshen, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. ## Theological Insights In [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 47]], the narrative of #Joseph's administration in #Egypt demonstrates God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Joseph's role echoes God's ability to bring about His purposes through unexpected means and circumstances. His rise to power in Egypt and the subsequent settlement of his family in the land of #Goshen illustrate God's ongoing provision for the descendants of #Abraham, even amid a famine. The chapter highlights the theme of divine sovereignty. Joseph's strategic management of resources during the famine period and the centralization of power in Pharaoh's hands underscore the biblical principle that God can use human governance to fulfill His divine purposes. This echoes the broader biblical narrative where God uses individuals, including foreign rulers, to accomplish His will, as seen in other parts of Scripture such as with #Nebuchadnezzar in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 4]]. The relocation of Jacob's family to Egypt sets the stage for future developments in the redemptive history of Israel. The settlement in Goshen is significant because it not only provides physical sustenance but also preserves the Israelites as a distinct people, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus, which becomes a central act of salvation and identity formation for Israel. Additionally, the chapter reflects on the transient nature of life and the enduring hope of God's promises. Jacob's meeting with Pharaoh and his reflection on his own life span ("The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty...") in verses 8-9 underscore the patriarchal understanding of life as a journey towards the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, a theme that resonates with the Christian understanding of life as a journey towards the heavenly promise. Moreover, the blessing of Pharaoh by Jacob signifies the reciprocal relationship between God's people and the nations. It foreshadows the blessing to the nations through Abraham's seed, as promised in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. Jacob's blessing over Pharaoh can be seen as a small but significant fulfillment of this promise, emphasizing the role of Israel as a conduit of God's blessing to the nations. In summary, Genesis 47 highlights the themes of divine providence, the faithfulness of God's covenant promises, the significance of God's people in the midst of foreign nations, and the anticipation of future redemption, all of which are crucial for understanding the overarching narrative of salvation history within the Bible. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Sovereignty and Provision In Genesis 47, the theme of #DivineSovereignty and provision is evident as #Joseph, having risen to power in #Egypt, uses his position to secure the welfare of his family during a severe famine. This reflects the overarching narrative of God's providential care for His chosen people, seen earlier in the preservation and provision for #Noah during the flood [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 6]], and for #Abraham and his descendants [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. God's sovereignty is further emphasized as He uses Joseph's circumstances, though initially adverse, to bring about a greater purpose, similar to His interventions in the lives of other patriarchs. ### The Fulfillment of God's Promises The settlement of #Israel's family in #Goshen resonates with the theme of the fulfillment of divine promises. God had promised #Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land but would eventually multiply and prosper [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]]. This chapter shows the beginning of this process, setting the stage for the future formation of the nation of #Israel, which aligns with God's covenantal promises. ### The Role of Wisdom and Administration Joseph's administration during the famine showcases the theme of wisdom and prudent management. His strategic approach to handling the resources of Egypt and negotiating with the people reflects the wisdom granted by God, reminiscent of other biblical figures who were endowed with divine wisdom, such as #Solomon [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 3]]. This theme underlines the importance of godly wisdom in leadership and governance. ### The Dynamics of Power and Submission The relationship between #Pharaoh and Joseph, and subsequently between Joseph and the Egyptian populace, illustrates the dynamics of power and submission. Joseph’s ability to manage the crisis and gain the trust of Pharaoh and the people mirrors the way God often elevates His servants to positions of influence, as seen in the lives of #Daniel [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2]] and #Esther [[Esther/Esther Chapter 4]]. This highlights how God's people are called to serve and lead with integrity in whatever position they find themselves. ### The Continuity of Family and Faith The reunification and settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt underscores the theme of family continuity and the preservation of faith. Despite the geographical relocation, the family remains united and faithful to their heritage, similar to the preservation of faith within exile seen later in the stories of [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 1]] and the return from Babylonian captivity [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 1]]. This continuity is crucial for the future identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Blessing of Jacob In Genesis 47, we witness #Jacob blessing #Pharaoh, which can be seen as an early sign of the fulfillment of the promise to #Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:3]]). Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh signifies the beginning of the influence and blessing that the #Israelites would have on the nations, a theme that continues throughout the #Bible and is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], through whom the blessing extends to all nations. ### The Prosperity of Israel in Egypt The prosperity of #Israel in the land of #Goshen as described in Genesis 47 is a precursor to the fulfillment of God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis 15:13-14]]). Despite the subsequent slavery, this initial period of growth and prosperity in Egypt points to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, which later culminate in the Exodus and the establishment of Israel as a nation. This serves as a foreshadowing of the greater deliverance and prosperity promised through the #Messiah. ### The Provision of Joseph #Joseph’s wise administration during the famine, leading to the survival and growth of his family, can be seen as a type of prophetic fulfillment pointing to the future provision and salvation through Christ. Joseph’s role as a savior during the famine prefigures the ultimate salvation brought by Jesus, who provides not only for physical needs but also for spiritual redemption and eternal life. This aligns with prophecies concerning a future deliverer and savior for #Israel and the world, as seen in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]]. ## Verses - **Genesis 47:1** - "Then Joseph went to see Pharaoh and told him, 'My father and my brothers have arrived from the land of Canaan. They have come with all their flocks and herds and possessions, and they are now in the region of Goshen.'" - #Joseph #Pharaoh #Canaan #Goshen - **Genesis 47:2** - "Joseph took five of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh." - #Joseph #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:3** - "'What is your occupation?' Pharaoh asked them. They replied, 'We, your servants, are shepherds, just like our ancestors.'" - #Pharaoh #Shepherds - **Genesis 47:4** - "We have come to live here in Egypt for a while, because there is no pasture for our flocks in Canaan. The famine is very severe there. So please, we request permission to live in the region of Goshen." - #Egypt #Canaan #Famine #Goshen - **Genesis 47:5** - "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Now that your father and brothers have joined you here,'" - #Pharaoh #Joseph - **Genesis 47:6** - "'choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.'" - #Egypt #Goshen #Livestock - **Genesis 47:7** - "Then Joseph brought his father, Jacob, and presented him to Pharaoh. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh." - #Joseph #Jacob #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:8** - "'How old are you?' Pharaoh asked him." - #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:9** - "Jacob replied, 'I have traveled this earth for 130 hard years. But my life has been short compared to the lives of my ancestors.'" - #Jacob #Ancestors - **Genesis 47:10** - "Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh again before leaving his court." - #Jacob #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:11** - "So Joseph assigned the best land of Egypt—the region of Rameses—to his father and his brothers, and he settled them there, just as Pharaoh had commanded." - #Joseph #Egypt #Rameses - **Genesis 47:12** - "And Joseph provided food for his father and his brothers in amounts appropriate to the number of their dependents, including the smallest children." - #Joseph - **Genesis 47:13** - "Meanwhile, the famine became so severe that all the food was used up, and people were starving throughout the lands of Egypt and Canaan." - #Famine #Egypt #Canaan - **Genesis 47:14** - "By selling grain to the people, Joseph eventually collected all the money in Egypt and Canaan. He put the money in Pharaoh’s treasury." - #Joseph #Egypt #Canaan #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:15** - "When the people of Egypt and Canaan ran out of money, all the Egyptians came to Joseph. 'Our money is gone!' they cried. 'But please give us food, or we will die before your very eyes!'" - #Egypt #Canaan #Joseph - **Genesis 47:16** - "Joseph replied, 'Since your money is gone, bring me your livestock. I will give you food in exchange for your livestock.'" - #Joseph #Livestock - **Genesis 47:17** - "So they brought their livestock to Joseph in exchange for food. In exchange for their horses, flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and donkeys, Joseph provided them with food for another year." - #Joseph #Livestock - **Genesis 47:18** - "But that year ended, and the next year they came again and said, 'We cannot hide the truth from you, my lord. Our money is gone, and all our livestock and cattle are yours. We have nothing left to give but our bodies and our land.'" - #Egyptians #Joseph - **Genesis 47:19** - "'Why should we die before your very eyes? Buy us and our land in exchange for food; we offer our land and ourselves as slaves for Pharaoh. Just give us grain so we may live and not die, and so the land does not become empty and desolate.'" - #Egyptians #Joseph #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:20** - "So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. All the Egyptians sold him their fields because the famine was so severe, and soon all the land belonged to Pharaoh." - #Joseph #Egypt #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:21** - "As for the people, he made them all slaves, from one end of Egypt to the other." - #Joseph #Egypt - **Genesis 47:22** - "The only land he did not buy was the land belonging to the priests. They received an allotment of food directly from Pharaoh, so they didn’t need to sell their land." - #Priests #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:23** - "Then Joseph said to the people, 'Look, today I have bought you and your land for Pharaoh. I will provide you with seed so you can plant the fields.'" - #Joseph #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:24** - "'When you harvest it, one-fifth of your crop will belong to Pharaoh. You may keep the remaining four-fifths as seed for your fields and as food for you, your households, and your little ones.'" - #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:25** - "'You have saved our lives!' they exclaimed. 'May it please you, my lord, to let us be Pharaoh’s servants.'" - #Pharaoh - **Genesis 47:26** - "Joseph then issued a decree still in effect in the land of Egypt, that Pharaoh should receive one-fifth of all the crops grown on his land. Only the land belonging to the priests was not given to Pharaoh." - #Joseph #Pharaoh #Priests - **Genesis 47:27** - "Meanwhile, the people of Israel settled in the region of Goshen in Egypt. There they acquired property, and they were fruitful, and their population grew rapidly." - #Israel #Goshen #Egypt - **Genesis 47:28** - "Jacob lived for seventeen years after his arrival in Egypt, so he lived 147 years in all." - #Jacob #Egypt - **Genesis 47:29** - "As the time of his death drew near, Jacob called for his son Joseph and said to him, 'Please do me this favor. Put your hand under my thigh, and swear that you will treat me with unfailing love by honoring this last request: Do not bury me in Egypt." - #Jacob #Joseph - **Genesis 47:30** - "When I die, take my body out of Egypt and bury me with my ancestors.' So Joseph promised, 'I will do as you ask.'" - #Jacob #Joseph - **Genesis 47:31** - "'Swear that you will do it,' Jacob insisted. So Joseph gave his oath, and Jacob bowed humbly at the head of his bed." - #Jacob #Joseph