Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr.

Joseph has shared himself with his brothers. Much rejoicing has taken place. Now it is time for Jacob to come to Egypt to spend the remainder of his days with all of his family present.

Genesis 46

Key Words: "I will"

Key Verse: In verse 3 the purpose of the trip to Egypt is stated.

Purpose Statement: This chapter relates the coming of Jacob's family to Egypt. There is a careful recounting of the numbers who come.

Outline: Jacob Travels to Egypt to Meet Joseph

I. God's promise to Israel at Beersheba (vs. 1-4)
II. Jacob and his family travel to Egypt (vs. 5-7)
III. Jacob's family (vs. 8-27)
IV. Joseph meets his father (vs. 28-34)

Questions to Probe: I wonder if any of Jacob's wives were still alive when he entered Egypt? The text seems unclear but the answer is probably "no."

Thoughts to Ponder: One can almost feel the overwhelming emotion of an aged Jacob as he gazed on the face of his son whom he had mourned for so many years as being dead. Could this actually be Joseph? It was too good to be true. God often delights in bringing surprises into our lives. That for which we had given up hope becomes a reality. The impossible becomes the possible. Oh what a great God we serve!

As the chapter begins God calls out to Jacob and Jacob is listening. Those two words - "Jacob! Jacob!" - remind of those two words - "Abraham! Abraham!" (Genesis 22:11) - as God called to Abraham as he was about to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham was fully listening to God's voice, and now so was Jacob.

Years after his death, the family of Abraham had grown to seventy. The multiplication process had begun. God was indeed creating a mighty nation whose roots would be grounded in the faith of three great men: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Nothing will ever be attained if all possible objections must first be overcome.

Genesis 45 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 47-48