Old Testament Reading: Genesis 50

“Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, ‘If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, ‘I am about to die: in my tomb that I hewed out for myself in the land of Canaan, there shall you bury me.’ Now therefore, let me please go up and bury my father. Then I will return.’’ And Pharaoh answered, ‘Go up, and bury your father, as he made you swear.’ So Joseph went up to bury his father. With him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s household. Only their children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen. It was a very great company. When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and grievous lamentation, and he made a mourning for his father seven days. When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, ‘This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.’ Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan. Thus his sons did for him as he had commanded them, for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.’ So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ‘Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived 110 years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph’s own. And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.’ So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt” (Genesis 50, ESV).

New Testament Reading: Romans 8:18–30

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:18–30, ESV)

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[Please excuse any and all typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, but without the benefit of proofreading.] 

Introduction

We have come now to Genesis chapter 50. And in this chapter three things are brought to a conclusion. 

One, the story of Jacob’s descendents, which began all the way back in 37:2 with the words, “These are the generations of Jacob…” Remember that the book of Genesis is divided into ten sections, each beginning with the phrase, “These are the generations of…”, or something similar. Here in chapter 50 we hear of Jacob’s burial. And this is how each of these sections in Genesis have concluded. The section concerning the generations of Abraham concluded with Isaac and Ishmael coming together to bury their father, for example. The same was true of the section regarding the generations of Isaac — Jacob and Esau came together to bury him. And here we learn that all of the sons of Jacob came together to bury their father in the family burial plot, while the Egyptians also also payed tribute — more on that later. 

Two, the story of the life of Joseph is brought to a conclusion. Now, as I have just said, chapters 37 through 50 are about the “generations [or descendents] of Jacob” in general, but the focus has been upon  one of Jacob’s sons, Joseph, and his most incredible journey from being the favored in his father’s house, down into the pit, down into Potiphar’s house, down into prison, before being raised to the highest position within the palace of Pharaoh. Here in Genesis 50 the incredible story of the life of Joseph is brought to a conclusion, for we are told of his death. 

And three, chapter 50 brings the whole of the book of Genesis to a conclusion. If you look to the next page in your Bible you will see the opening chapter of the book of Exodus. And although many years pass between the events recorded in Genesis 50 and the events recorded in Exodus 1, the book of Exodus picks up where Genesis leaves off, saying, “These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land…’” (Exodus 1:1–10, ESV). Notice that the book of Exodus does not tell a new story. Instead it continues the story that was begun in the book of Genesis.

So now let us turn our attention to Genesis 50 which brings this book — which is a book about the beginning of things — to an end.  

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The Burial Of Jacob

First of all, let us consider the story of the burial of Jacob as recorded in verses 1-14.  Three things are mentioned: One, the preparation of Jacob’s body. Two, the morning over his death. And three, the burial of Jacob in Canaan.   

First, we told of the preparation of Jacob’s body. Jacob was embalmed according to the Egyptian custom. We are told that 40 days were required for the embalming. The custom of the Hebrews was to buried their dead soon after death, but the Egyptians were concerned to preserve the bodies of their  dead given their view of the afterlife. We should not read into things too much here. Jacob and Joseph believed what all of the Hebrews believed concerning the afterlife. Jacob was embalmed by the Egyptians at the command of Joseph, one, to honor him. And two, to preserve his body for the long journey back to the land of promise. The thing that I want for you to notice is the honor shown to Jacob by the Egyptians. 

Secondly, the mourning over Jacob’s death is described to us. Again, I want for you to recognize that it is the mourning of the Egyptians that is emphasized. No doubt, the children of Jacob also mourned. But it is the mourning of the Egyptians that is emphasized. “The Egyptians wept for him seventy days”, verse 3 says. 

Death is always difficult, for it is unnatural. That might sound like an odd thing to say, for to us death has become a most natural thing. People are born, they live for a time, and they die. But here I mean that God created us, not to die, but to live forever. Death  — and here I am speaking of human death — was not a part of the original created order. Instead, death intruded along with the entrance of sin into the world. Death is the just punishment for sin. In this since, it is not natural to us. And this is why we grieve over it so bitterly. Something deep within the soul of man knows that this is not the way things are supposed to be. The soul was not made to be separated from the body, and loved ones long to be together forever, and to never part ways. 

Though death is not natural to us (if considered from the vantage point of our original condition), it is now the most common of things. Men and women live, and they die. No one is exempt. 

[Application: How important it is for us to square with this reality. Only a fool will live life oblivious to his or her mortality. This is why the Psalmest prays to God, saying, “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, ESV). The wise man lives being mindful of the brevity and frailty of life. He lives, therefore, not in fear, but with purpose and intentionality. Life is short for those we love, and so we are wise to make the most of our time with them. And life is short for us, and so we are wise to live in such a way that makes the most of each one. And what does it mean to make the most of a day? It means that we live, not for our own glory, but for the glory of God. It means that we live, not for our own pleasure, but to please others. It means that we live, not to store up treasures here on earth where moth and rust destroy, but in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in a steal.

I realize that some are prone to fall into the ditch on the other side of the road and to obsess over the thought of sickness and death. Friends, we must not fear. We must learn to live according to wisdom and to walk by faith. God has numbered the days of our lives. We cannot add anything to our lives by worrying. Worry will only take from you, it has nothing at all to give. We must learn to trust God with our lives. He holds our lives in his hand, and he loves us in Christ Jesus.  “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18, ESV).

Let us walk carefully on the road of life, therefore. Let us be mindful of our mortality, but never fear it, for in Christ we have the victory.]

When Jacob died, those who loved and respected him morned. “The Egyptians wept for him seventy days.”

[Application: In both the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures time was set aside for mourning. In our culture things are less defined. We mourn, but our culture does not necessarily provide us with any norms. 

I can think of three benefits to a pronounced and particular time for mourning, such as the one that is described here regarding the Egyptians mourning over Jacob for 70 days. 

One, setting time aside for morning gives permission to the bereaved to  grieve. In fact, more than giving permission, it encourages healthy grieving. 

Two, setting aside time for mourning helps to establish boundaries for our grief. If we are not careful, it is possible for our grief to run out of control. As with all of our affections, grief is to be kept within proper bounds. Our anger must not turn to rage. Fear must not overpower faith so that it hinders obedience. We must learn to control all of our emotions, instead of allowing them to control us. Grief is no different. Grief must not be allowed to overflow it’s proper bounds leading to inordinate sorrow, stealing away all joy, hindering us from living a life of thanksgiving to the glory of God. Whenever we loose a loved one a certain sadness will remain with us all the days of our life. But there is a distinction between grief and sadness. At some point we must move on from that intense and pronounced form of grief to live a life of thankfulness and joy once more. 

Three, setting aside time for morning does allow us to show honor to those who have passed. Never should we idolize others. Never should we pretend that they were something they were not — perfect in every way, etc. But is right that we honor the dead. It is right that we give thanks to God for the lives of those who have gone before us.]

Again, I want for you to notice the honor shown to Jacob by the Egyptians. I don’t doubt that the sons of Jacob mourned, but the text emphasizes that it was the Egyptians who mourned for seventy days. 

Thirdly, we hear of the burial of Jacob. Notice two things about this. 

One, Jacob was buried in Canaan according to his wish. This was an act of faith. In requesting to be buried in Canaan Jacob was demonstrating his faith in the promises of God. He truly believed that that land would belong to him through his descendents. And so Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were all buried in Canaan. 

Two, notice again the involvement of the Egyptians. Pharaoh gave Joseph permission to go. He also sent a very great company with Joseph, “chariots and horsemen”. These were sent for protection. But notice that these also mourned for Jacob. Verse 10: “When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and grievous lamentation, and he made a mourning for his father seven days. When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning on the threshing floor of Atad, they said, ‘This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.’ Therefore the place was named Abel-mizraim; it is beyond the Jordan.”  

I cannot help but think that the involvement of the Egyptians in the preparation of Jacob’s body, in mourning Jacob’s death, and in Jacob’s burial is of great significance. Notice that out text does not only make passing mention of the Egyptian’s involvement in these things. Instead, their involvement is emphasized — it is a central feature of the text. I think the reason for this is that in this little narrative we have a picture of how through Israel the nations of the would be blessed. 

We must never forget that the original promises made to Abraham which were passed along to Isaac and Jacob had the nations of the earth in view. “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed”, God said to Abraham. Throughout Genesis we have been shown little glimpses of this. And here at the end of Genesis we see that the Egyptians had such love for Joseph the Hebrew and for Jacob his father that they mourned many days at his passing. 

Joseph came to the Egyptians in suffering. He was a lowly servant at first. He dwelt among them and provided salvation for them. He blessed them. He won their hearts. And this was the purpose for Israel’s existence. They were blessed to be a blessing. They, being set apart by God from the nations, were to be used by God as an instrument to bring salvation to the nations. And all of this culminated in the Christ, of course. He was born into this world a Hebrew. But he came to save, not the Hebrews only, but people from every tongue, tribe and nation.  

[Application: Brothers and sisters, we must never loose sight of God’s love for the nations. Its was because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

When we study the Old Testament we must recognize that, though for a time the kingdom of God on earth was confined to a particular people living in a particular land, the salvation of the nations was ever in view. Read the prophets and see! True and biblical Judaism always understood that God’s plan was to reconcile to himself people from every tongue, tribe and nation through faith in the Messiah.

This is made abundantly clear when reading the New Testament scriptures. Christ and the Apostles were concerned, not only for the Jew, but also for the Gentile. Christ commissioned his disciples saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” This, by the way, was one of the most controversial things which cause the Jews to hate Christ and his disciples. Many of them had lost sight of this. They forgot that they existed, not to be a reservoir of God’s blessing, but a river. They were set apart and blessed so that they might be a blessing to the nations. Through them the Christ, who was and is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, was brought into the world. 

And friends, we must not loose sight of God’s love for the nations of this earth even today? There are places on this planet where the good news has not yet been preached. Let us pray  for the furtherance of the Gospel amongst the nations. Let us pray that men and women would be sent to proclaim it, that others  would repent and believe, and that  churches would be established in those lands, to the glory of God.] 

It really is astonishing, and very significant, I think, to see the Egyptians so involved in the mourning of the death of Jacob. It is an interesting way for the book of Genesis to conclude. It’s as if Moses wanted the Hebrews to understand what was possible if they would only walk faithfully before God amongst the nations, as Joseph did amongst the Egyptians. God would use that to draw the nations to himself, in due time. 

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Joseph’s Brothers Fear Him, But He Forgives

This brings us now to the second portion of our text today. Let us consider the interaction between Joseph and his brothers after their father’s burial. We see in verses 15 – 21 that Joseph’s brothers feared him, but that he forgave them. 

Verse 15: “After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.’”

It is understandable that Joseph’s brothers thought this way. They thought that perhaps Joseph had been kind to them before, but only for their father’s sake. They could not believe that Joseph had truly forgiven them  given the wicked things they had done to him all those years ago. 

They understood the severity of their sin. They understood that Joseph would do no wrong if he judged them. They feared Joseph. And so they offered sincere repentance, saying,  “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ‘Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.’” 

[Application: May the Lord bring each of us to this place wherein we realize the severity of our sin, understand that God would be just to judge, and, out of a reverent fear of God, repent sincerely before him, and through faith in Christ, say, please forgive the transgression of your servants.]  

If we would come to God in this way would find that God and Christ,  like Joseph, is merciful and kind, eager to forgive us all of our transgressions, and to shower us with his grace. 

Notice Joseph’s responce at  the end of verse 17: “Joseph wept when they spoke to him.” He wept when he learned that his brothers thought this way. He wept when he learned that his brothers thought he would take vengeance upon them, as if the forgivness he extended those many years earlier was somehow insincere.

[Application: Some who have faith in Christ make the same error. They, after repenting and  believing upon Christ to the forgivness of  their sins, go on living with a sense of guilt and shame. They find it hard to believe that Christ would actually pardon all of their sins. They assume that God and Christ still hold a grudge against them for those heinous sins committed in years past. Friends, this grieves Christ to the heart when you doubt the sincerity of his forgivness. How important it is for the Christian to know that when God forgives us in Christ Jesus, he forgives us sincerely and trully and to all eternity.]

Verse 17:  “Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:17–20, ESV).

Here is the pinnacle of the story ofJoseph. In these words there is much for us to learn about forgiveness and God’s ability to use even that  which is evil to bring about good in the world.  

“I’m I in the place of God”, Joseph said. He understood that God would set everything straight in the end. It wasn’t his place to hold grudges against his brothers or to judge them with the certainty with which only God can judge. Joseph was free to forgive his brothers.

[Application: And you, friends, are free to forgive those who have wronged you. You are to forgive others, knowing how much you have been forgiven. And you are to forgive others, knowing that God will set everything right in the end. It’s not on you to hold grudges. It not on you to make others pay. You are free from  that obligation. And for those of you who are holding on to bitterness now, or who have been bitter in the past, you know that it is a burden. When you are bitter and unforgiving, you are the one who pays the price.]

 Joseph then said, “You meant it for evil…” This is significant. Here Joseph acknowledges that his brothers did what they did freely. They intended evil when they sold him into slavery all those years ago.

But then Joseph said, “God meant it for good…” Friends, we serve a God who is able to use that which is evil to bring about good. Never does this minimize or dismiss the evil that other do, but it does give us to hope and courage to know that God is sovereign even over the sinful actions of others. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV). In the story of Joseph we have a clear illustration of this. His brothers meant evil against him, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they were that day.

Again, knowing that God used the evil for good did not excuse the sinful actions of his brothers, but it did help Joseph to forgive them once they were repentant. Knowing that God had a purpose for his suffering kept his heart tender and soft enabling him to respond to his brothers, saying.   

“do not fear; I will provide for your little ones.”

[Application: I wonder, friends, do you have it in you to forgive as Joseph forgave? I hope so! If you have faith in Christ then you have been forgiven by him in this way! How could you not forgive others the same? And knowing that has used the sins of  those who have sinned against us to refine and strengthen us surely helps. 

I have found this to be true in my life. When others mistreat me, I am tested and strengthened. How will I respond? Will I sin in return, or will I turn the other cheek, responding with love and kindness? Will hold a grudge, or forgive?  Suffering (to one degree or another) at the hands of others is a refining fire.]

 Joseph knew this. He was able to see that God could use that which was meant for evil for good, and it helped him to forgive, knowing that he was not in the place of God to take vengeance on his brothers. 

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)

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Joseph’s Death

Thirdly, and very  briefly, let us consider the account of Joseph’s death. 

Here we are told that Joseph lived to 110 years (an age that sounds more reasonable to us, and the age the Egyptians considered to be ideal). We are told that he saw “Ephraim’s children of the third generation.” Joseph was truly blessed. But  pay special attention to Joseph’s last words, and see the strength of his faith in the promises of God: “‘I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.’” 

With these words the stage is set for the Exodus. 

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Conclusion

Now that we have come to the end of our study of the book of Genesis I do hope that you have a better understanding of what we mean when we say that the book of Genesis is a book about the beginning of things. 

Here we have learned of the  beginnings of the heavens and earth, of man and woman, and of God’s covenantal dealings with us in the Covenant of Works. We have learned of the beginning of marriage, of sin and also of grace. In Genesis we have witnessed the beginning of the nations of the earth, with special attention given to one people — the Hebrews. They were chosen of the Lord.  God entered into a covenant with them — the Old Covenant.  And finally, in Genesis we have witness the beginning of the nation of Israel. At the end of Genesis they were a relative small people without a land, but God had promised to multiply them greatly, to give them Canaan, and to bless the nations of the earth in them by the Messiah who would come in to the world through them. 

Truly, this book is foundational to our faith. May the Lord enable us to build upon the truths established here for our good and to the glory of his name. Amen. 

Tags: Genesis 50

Posted in Sermons Study Guides Genesis 50
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Discuss the ways in which Jacob reminded Joseph of the promises of God and his inheritance in Canaan. How might this apply to the Christian today?
• Discuss the testimony of Jacob concerning his sons. What can we learn from the negative remarks delivered to Ruben, Simeon and Levi? How would the blessings pronounced upon Judah be fulfilled in King David and in the Messiah?  
• Jacob’s hope was not in Canaan ultimately, but in God and Christ. He knew that he would go on living after death and would one day enjoy Canaan in the new heavens and earth. How do we know that this was the faith of Jacob? (See Romans 4 and Hebrews 11, for example)

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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 48 – 49

“After this, Joseph was told, ‘Behold, your father is ill.’ So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. And it was told to Jacob, ‘Your son Joseph has come to you.’ Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed. And Jacob said to Joseph, ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. And the children that you fathered after them shall be yours. They shall be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. As for me, when I came from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).’ When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, ‘Who are these?’ Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me here.’ And he said, ‘Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.’ Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said to Joseph, ‘I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.’ Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn). And he blessed Joseph and said, ‘The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’ When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said to his father, ‘Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.’ But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.’ So he blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying, ‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’’ Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh. Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.’ 

Then Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob, listen to Israel your father. ‘Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the firstfruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch! ‘Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. ‘Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. ‘Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon. ‘Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds. He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor. ‘Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider falls backward. I wait for your salvation, O LORD. ‘Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels. ‘Asher’s food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies. ‘Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns. ‘Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall. The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely, yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers. ‘Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at evening dividing the spoil.’ All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him. 

Then he commanded them and said to them, ‘I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah— the field and the cave that is in it were bought from the Hittites.’ When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people” (Genesis 48–49, ESV).

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[Please excuse any and all typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, but without the benefit of proofreading.] 

Introduction

It’s hard to believe, but this is the second to last sermon in this series through the book of Genesis. If I’m not mistaken, this sermon number 81 — so 82 sermons will do it. 

I should probably tell you that my plan is to go to the book of Ephesians next. Perhaps you could read through that little epistle once or twice before we begin, Lord willing, on March the 15^th. 

The passage that is before us today is Genesis 48 and 49. It may be divided into three parts. One, Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (48). Two, the testament of Jacob concerting his twelve sons (49:1-28), And three, the account of Jacob’s death and burial (49:29-33).

There are many things that could be said about these two chapters. In fact, I think I would go on for a very long time if I were to point out all of the nuances of this text, showing how these chapters reach back into the Genesis narrative drawing upon previous themes. Furthermore, these chapters do also prepare the reader for what is to come in the history of the nation of Israel. We must remember that the book of Genesis is the first book in a collection of five written by Moses. Together they are called the Pentateuch. These five books tell of the history of the nation of Israel and of the partial fulfillment of the promises made to the Patriarchs —  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Clearly, the nation of Israel is here in this passage in embryonic form. In particular, the testament which Jacob pronounces upon his sons has a prophetic quality to it. It anticipates the day when these sons would become tribes within the nation of Israel through their descendents. 

Let us now consider each of these scenes one at a time. As has been my custom with these larger narratives, I will make a few observations and draw a few points of application from each. 

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Jacob Blessed Joseph’s Sons, Ephraim and Manasseh

Let us begin by considering the first scene wherein Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

We know from the previous passage that Jacob had lived in Egypt for 17 years before the events of Genesis 48 transpired. That is a good long while. Notice that the scriptures do not say anything about the interaction between Joseph and his family during that time. We do not know  for sure whether they saw each other often or rarely. One gets the impression that their interaction was limited. 

In verse 1 we read, “After this, Joseph was told, ‘Behold, your father is ill.’ So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.” Later we will learn that this was the first time that Jacob met these grandchildren of his. 

We are to remember that these were Jacob’s final words. Final words are very important. Notice three things about Jacob’s interaction with Joseph:

One, Jacob was very concerned to remind Joseph of the promises that God had made to him. In fact, this is the first thing that Jacob said. Verse 2:“And it was told to Jacob, ‘Your son Joseph has come to you.’ Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed. And Jacob said to Joseph, ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession’” (Genesis 48:2–4, ESV). 

He got right to it, didn’t he? He looked at his beloved son Joseph — his son who had spent the majority of his life in Egypt, who was raised to the highest position in the land, who now enjoyed great fame, power, prestige and wealth — and said to him, don’t ever forget about the promises. Yes, you are the man in Egypt, but don’t forget the promises. These promises of God that were given first to Abraham, then to Isaac and now to me are more precious than anything found within Egypt, and they are yours. God has blessed us, Joseph. God had promised to make  a nation of us, and to give us Canaan. Don’t ever forget it.    

Two, Jacob was concerned to remind Joseph of his heritage. Verse 5: “And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. And the children that you fathered after them shall be yours…” (Genesis 48:5–6, ESV).

If you take the time to think about it, this is very powerful and moving. Jacob claimed Ephraim and Manasseh, who were Egyptian born, as his own. Though they were Egyptians — and powerful Egyptians at that! — They were to be regarded as a part of Israel’s clan. It’s as if Jacob said to Joseph, don’t forget who you are. You are a Hebrew. You are a child of Abraham. You are an Israelite before you are  an Egyptian. So true is this that your sons belong to me. 

As I have said, this was a  powerful and moving experience. It must have moved Joseph to stop and consider his allegiances. Was he an Egyptian first, or a Hebrew? And what about his children? Were they to align with the Egyptians, or with the Israelites? What was their heritage, and where was their inheritance to be found? I would imagine that it would have been tempting for Joseph to align himself with the Egyptians and to envision Egypt as being the place where his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would enjoy their inheritance. Think again of the power, prestige and wealth that Joseph had gained in Egypt, and compare that with the very humble estate of the Hebrews. Indeed, they would become slaves in Egypt. And yet Jacob spoke to Joseph, saying, you and the boys belong to me. 

[Application: I think there is a point of application for the Israel of God in this New Covenant age to consider. The question for us is, with whom will we aline? With whom do we identify? Do we look out upon the world — that is, the kingdoms and cultures of this world — and say, “I’m with them”? Or do we look upon the people of God — those who have been chosen, called and redeemed — and say, “I’m with them”? There have been times when bearing the name, “Christians” has brought with it respect from the world. But quite often bearing the name of Christ brings reproach. Quite often the world has destain for the one who has faith in Christ. Will you bear the name Christian? Will you identify with the people of God? Will you do this even if it costs you — even if, worldly speaking, the future doesn’t look so bright? Will you do it? And more than that, will you teach your children, who you love so dearly, that this is the best way? And here, I think, is the real test. It is one thing for you to decide to suffer for the name of Christ. It is quite another thing for you to look at your children and to say, son, daughter, it is worth it to follow Christ. “Jesus told his disciples, “deny [yourself] and take up [you] cross and follow [him]. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for [Christ’s] sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV). Friends, the one who understands something of the mysteries of the kingdom of God knows that truly living for God and for his kingdom is the better investment, even it it means suffering the loss of everything this world has to offer.] 

Joseph knew it. And so too did Ephraim and Manasseh, for when Israel did finally emerge from Egypt in the days of Moses, the descendents of Ephraim and Manasseh were there. The would be listed among the 12 tribes of Israel. They threw in their lot with the Hebrews in fulfillment to what Jacob said to Joseph. 

Three, Jacob was concerned to remind Joseph of where he was from and where his treasure should be. We see this at the end of verse 6 where Jacob speaks of the “inheritance” that Ephraim and Manasseh will receive. He is referring, of course, a portion of the land of Canaan. We see this again in verse 21 where “Israel said to Joseph, ‘Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers. Moreover, I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow” (Genesis 48:21–22, ESV).

It is as if Jacob was saying to Joseph, when you think of the future, do not think of Egypt. Think instead of Canaan. The descendents of Ephraim and Manasseh will have a portion in that land. You too will have a portion there. In fact, “I have given to you rather than to your brothers one mountain slope that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow” — I’m giving that to you, Joseph, as a kind of first fruits or down payment. Egypt is not our home. Canaan is. Fix your eyes upon that land and set your heart there. 

And of course we know that when the patriarchs set their heart upon the land of Canaan, they were in fact setting their hearts upon the kingdom of God that will be consummated in the new heavens and new earth at the end of time, just as Abraham looked “ forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10, ESV). The Patriarch and the Prophets understood that Israel in Canaan was but a small taste of the new heavens and earth to be ushered in at the end of time, which is the king of God in its fulness.

[Application: It is very appropriate for me to exhort you in a similar way to the way in which Jacob exhorted Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. Israel of God, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth [be it in Egypt, in the United States of America, or in some other place], where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21, ESV)

It is amazing to see the strength of Jacob’s faith in his last days on earth. He remembered God’s precious promises. He was confident that they would come true — he truly believed that he and his many descendents would inherit Canaan. In his dying days Jacob was concerned to stir up this same hope within Joseph and his two sons.  

Let us now consider for a very brief moment the blessing that  Jacob pronounced upon Manasseh and Ephraim:

Jacob was overjoyed to meet the boys. He spoke to Joseph, saying, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.” Jacob’s sight was so bad that he could not tell who the boys were. He had to ask Joseph. This should remind us of Jacob’s father, Isaac. When he was old he desired to pronounce blessings upon his sons,  Jacob and  Esau. He eyesight was so poor that he could not tell the difference  between the two. Jacob took advantage go this, deceived him, and stole the blessing of the firstborn. 

Notice that Jacob, like his father Isaac, also blessed the younger over the older, but willing, and not because he was deceived. Joseph brought the boys to Jacob in the proper position, with the older to Jacob’s right hand and the younger to Jacob’s left. But when Jacob pronounced the blessing, he crossed his hands, placing his right hand on the younger and his left on the older. Joseph protested, saying, “‘Not this way, my father; since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head.’ But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”

[Application: This theme has been present within Genesis ever since Able was chosen over Cain. God’s ways are not our ways. His way is to “chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; [to] …chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; [and to] …chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29, ESV). And so it is with our calling, brothers and sisters. He has chosen and blessed us by his grace alone. The is no room for boasting.] 

When Jacob blessed the boys, he really blessed Joseph. The blessing is beautiful. [verse 15] “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

As I have said, this blessing would come to fulfillment when Moses would lead Israel out of Egypt hundreds of years later, and when Joshua would lead the people into the promised land. Two of Israel’s tribes were Ephraim and Manasseh.

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Jacob Testified Concerting His Twelve Sons

Let us now turn our attention to the testimony of Jacob concerning his twelve sons in 49:1-28. Notice that I have called this a “testimony”, and not a “blessing”. The reason should be obvious. Not all that Jacob said to his sons can be regarded as a blessing. In fact, Jacob had some hard things to say to some of them. This was particularly true for his oldest son, Rueben. 

I will not comment on what was said to each of Jacob’s sons. It is to be understood that Jacob’s words to each of his sons were fulfilled, in one way or another, in the history of the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what Jacob intended. He spoke to his sons, saying, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. ‘Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob, listen to Israel your father’” (Genesis 49:1–2, ESV).

For the sake of time I will focus upon five of the sons. 

One, notice that Reuben received a firm rebuke from his father on account of his wicked behavior. We might expect the firstborn to receive the greatest blessing. Instead, Jacob said “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the firstfruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!” (Genesis 49:3–4, ESV). Joseph was known for his faithfulness and stability. Ruben was known for his lack of it. He was an unstable man, lacking self control and driven by his passions. 

Two, Simeon and Levi are addressed together. They are called “brothers”. In fact,  all of these men were brothers, either full or half. But Levi and Simeon were allied with one another. Their faith rebuked them for their anger, violence and cruelty, saying, ‘Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” Once again, it must be acknowledged that Israel was chosen of the Lord by God’s grace, and not because of some inherent goodness in them. Ruben, Simeon and Levi were not good men. In Simeon and Levi we see the danger of slowing anger to drive us. A man or woman who is quick to anger will produce damage and division everywhere they go. Jacob wanted nothing to do with them, saying, “O my glory, be not joined to their company.”

Now considerJudah. The blessing pronounced upon him was magnificent. This too was by the grace of God, for Judah was not a good man in his earlier years, but we did witness a transformation in him. The blessing pronounced upon Judah would be fulfilled in King David and also in the Messiah who would descend from him. Listen carefully beginning in verse 8: “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk” (Genesis 49:8–12, ESV). Judah would have preeminence in Israel. King David would descend from him, and even more significant, Jesus the Christ, the lion of the tribe of Judah.  

Lastly, consider the blessing pronounced upon the beloved Joseph. His is the most elaborate and complex. The blessing is also fitting, highlighting Joseph’s faithfulness and consistency in the face of much opposition.  Verse 22: “Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall. The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely, yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.” The tribe of Joseph in Israel was divided into two — the half tribe of Ephraim and Manasseh. These words concerning Joseph would find their historical fulfillment in those tribes. 

In verse 28 we read, “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him” (Genesis 49:28, ESV).

[Application: As I considered what Jacob said to each of his sons the thought occurred to me, what would people say of me at the end of my life, if they were honest? What kind of blessing would be suitable to me? And so I ask, what would people say about you? Even more important, what will God say about you? Will you hear those words of commendation — “well done my good and faithful servant”? Or will you hear words of condemnation — “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23–24, ESV). 

Judah should give us hope. In Judah we find a man who didn’t start well, but he finished well and was blessed in the end. Also in Judah we find the Christ, the true son of David, the Messiah, and our Savior who has atoned for all our sins. May we be found in him on that last day, for apart from him there is no hope, only the sure expectation of judgement.]  

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Jacob Made Final Preparations Before Being Gathered To His People In Death

Lastly, and briefly, let us consider the final preparations of Jacob before his death.  

One, notice his instance on being buried in Canaan in that “cave that is in the field at Machpela” where his ancestors and his wife Leah were buried. Again, Canaan was home to Jacob. His hope and his heart were there, because of the promises of God. 

Two, notice that Jacob expected to see his loved ones after his death. “I am to be gathered to my people”, he said. And then, after Jacob breathed his last he was said to be “gathered to his people”. Of course this expression means that Jacob died and was buried, just has those who had gone before him had been. But more than that, Jacob went on living. His body died, but he was ”gathered to his people” — he enjoyed life after death. 

This reminds me of what Jesus said when refuting the Sadducees who taught that there was no resurrection — no life after death. In Matthew 22:29 “Jesus answered them, ‘You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: [citing Moses in Exodus 3:6] ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.’ And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching” (Matthew 22:29–33, ESV). When God appeared to Moses those many years after the death of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he revealed himself as “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”, indicating that though they had passed from this world bodily, they were, in fact, alive according to the spirit.

Friends, when we breath our last breath on this earth it is not the end. The human soul goes on living. And according to the scripture, the body will be raised on the last day when Christ returns and reunited with the soul. This is true not only for those in Christ, but also those who are in their sin. And then comes the judgment. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31–34, ESV).

When Jacob breathed his last, he “was gathered to his people.” He went to Abraham and Isaac, who’s faith he had.  Jacob, like those who went before him, had his sins forgiven by believing upon the promises of God concerning the coming Messiah. Like Abraham, Jacob was justified by faith. He, like Abraham, “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, ESV). When he passed from this world, he “was gathered to his people.”

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Conclusion

What will it be for you, friends? Who will you see when you pass from this world? Will you be amongst the sheep, that is to say, those of faith, cleansed by the blood of Jesus”? Or will you be amongst the goats, that is to say, those still in their sins and awaiting the judgment of God?

This is a serious and sobering question, but it is one that must be considered. For “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, ESV). Will you stand before God clothed in your guilt and sin, or in the righteousness of Christ received by faith. I pray it is the latter of these two things, and not the former. 

May you “be found in [Christ], not having a righteousness of [your] own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith…” (Philippians 3:9, ESV).

Here in Genesis 48 and 49 we have considered Israel in embryonic form. So too, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is here. He is in the loins of Jacob and Judah. In the fulness of time, he would be born into the world to live and to die and to raise again for sinners. May we be found in him. 

Tags: Genesis 48-49

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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• What is the significance of the number 70 in the listing of the members of Jacob’s descendents who went down into Egypt? 
• How does Judah again function as a type of Christ in this narrative? 
• What was the significance of Jacob blessing Pharaoh?
• What does this narrative teach us to help us sojourn well in a foreign land?

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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 46:5 – 7; 46:26 – 47:31

“Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt… [46:26] All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own descendants, not including Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy. 

He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.’ 

Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, ‘I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. [47:1] So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, ‘My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.’ And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.’ They said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.’ 

Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How many are the days of the years of your life?’ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.’ And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. 

Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents. 

Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished by reason of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, in exchange for the grain that they bought. And Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. And when the money was all spent in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, ‘Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our money is gone.’ And Joseph answered, ‘Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone.’ So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the herds, and the donkeys. He supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year. And when that year was ended, they came to him the following year and said to him, ‘We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent. The herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.’ So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for all the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine was severe on them. The land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he made servants of them from one end of Egypt to the other. Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Then Joseph said to the people, ‘Behold, I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh. Now here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And at the harvests you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones.’ And they said, ‘You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.’ So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh’s. 

Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years. And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.’ He answered, ‘I will do as you have said.’ And he said, ‘Swear to me’; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.” (Genesis 46:5 – 7; 46:26 – 47:31, ESV)

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[Please excuse any and all typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, but without the benefit of proofreading.] 

Introduction

As I said in the introduction to the previous sermon, Genesis chapters 46 – 47 belong together. They tell the story of the third and final journey of the family of Joseph down into Egypt. This time it was not only a portion of the family that went, but all of Israel. Jacob and every one of his offspring went down. And this time the family would not quickly return, but they and their descendents would remain in Egypt for centuries.

The narrative of Genesis has made it abundantly clear that this was the will of the LORD. It was the will of the LORD that the Hebrew people would grow into a great nation in Egypt.  

Of course, it is correct to say that all things that come to pass are the will of the LORD. We come to know what the hidden will of God is by observing the outworking of his eternal decree in the unfolding of human history. But here I am saying that Israel’s going down into Egypt to grow into a great nation there was a part of God’s revealed will. To Abraham (when he was still Abram) God said, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age” (Genesis 15:13–15, ESV). And to Jacob God said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 46:3, ESV). Genesis 46 and 47 describes to us the beginning of that period in the history of Israel — the Egyptian period.

The passage that is before us today is very long. I would like to consider it in seven parts. 

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All Of Israel Went Down Into Egypt 

First of all, let us recognize that when Jacob went down into Egypt, all of Israel went with him. They were the complete nation of Israel in miniature, ready to grow as God had ordained. This is the emphasis of verses 5 through 27.

I have said that Jacob took his family down into Egypt, which is true. He was the highly esteemed head the of his clan. The family went to Egypt only with his approval. But in reality his family carried him given his old age. 

I refrained from reading “the names of the descendants of Israel, who came into Egypt” in verses 46:8 through 25. The thing to notice here is that the number which Moses gives to the clan is 70. 66 sons are listed, but if one counts Jacob’s daughter Dinah and also Joseph and his two sons who were already in Egypt, the number is 70. Verse 26: “All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own descendants, not including Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy”. 

As you can imagine, there are different ways to count this clan. The total number of people in Jacob’s house who went down into Egypt was probably much larger than 70 if all of the wives and servants of Jacob and his sons were listed. But 70 is the number of Jacob’s physical descendents who moved from Canaan to Egypt, including Joseph who went down much earlier and under different circumstances. 

The number 70 is a number of completion. It communicates symbolically that all of Israel went down into Egypt. It is also significant that in Genesis 10  we find a list of the sons of Shem, Ham and Japheth, who were the sons of Noah. There were learn that 70 sons were born to them after the flood, and that  from those 70 sons all of the nations of the earth descended. We call that list the table of nations. So, from Noah and his sons all of the nations of the earth descended — Genesis lists 70. The Hebrew people descended from Shem, Eber (H -eber-ew), Tarah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  And when Jacob went down into Egypt 70 of his descendents are listed so that we might understand that a nation would come from them, and from this nation a new humanity would spring forth. From this 70 — the 70 of Jacob — God would provide a Savior for the 70 who descended from the sons of Noah. The 70  of Jacob correspond to the 70 of the sons of Noah. Not only do they correspond, but they would, in the fullness of time, bring forth the remedy for their sins — Jesus the Christ, who is the Savior of the world. 

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Jacob Reunited With Joseph

Secondly, let us consider the reunion of Jacob and Joseph. The account of this is found in verses 28-30. 

Notice these three things. 

One, notice that Judah again takes the lead. Verse 28: Jacob “had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. Judah’s checkered past should be remembered. Among other things, he was the one who suggested that Joseph be sold into slaver all those years ago. But we should not forget the transformation that we saw in him. He showed deep concern for his brother and his father when Joseph threatened to take Benjamin captive. He offered himself up as a substitute for the boy. And because of this we have said that Judah was a type of the Christ who would descend from him, the lion of the tribe of Judah. Here in this scene Judah continues in the lead. He went before the others to prepare the way into the land of Goshen. And in this respect he is also a type of the Christ who would descend from him.

Christ lived, died and rose again. The New Testament refers to him as “the first-fruits” in regard to the resurrection. He rose from the dead and has ascended into the heavenly places in glory, leading the way for his brethren. This is why he spoke to his disciples in this way before his death: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1–3, ESV). 

Judah again functioned as a type of the Christ who would descend from him when he went ahead into Goshen to prepare a place for Israel and to mediate the reunion of Jacob and Joseph, who had been raised from the dead, figuratively speaking.

Two, see Joseph’s love for Jacob. Verse 29: “Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.” Underneath Joseph’s faithful, resolute and strong disposition was a tender heart. He loved his father and missed him very much, having been separated from him for all of those years.

Three, notice Jacob’s relief. Verse 30: “Israel said to Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.’” Jacob would not die for many more years, but now he was at peace regarding his son Joseph. Before he said, “I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning” (Genesis 37:35). Now he says, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.’”

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Joseph And His Brothers Before Pharaoh

Thirdly, let us consider Joseph and his brothers as they stood before Pharaoh.

Joseph again proves himself to be very wise. His desire was that his family settle in Goshen (which Moses later calls “the land of Rameses”). 

The reasons for this were probably threefold. One, the land was good for grazing sheep which was the occupation of the sons of Jacob. Two, the land was set off a bit from the population of Egypt. This would have protected Israel from racial discrimination. And three, the land was near the boarder of Canaan which would have allowed Israel to more easily return at the appointed time.

Joseph was wise to first settle his family there, then to go before Pharaoh saying, my family has come, they are shepherds, and they are currently in Goshen. Pharaoh simply recognized and approved of Joseph’s decision, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen…” And even better, Pharaoh said, “if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” The brothers were offered positions in the service of Pharaoh.

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Jacob Blesses Pharaoh

Fourthly, let us consider that Jacob blessed Pharaoh. This is very significant, for the greater blesses the lesser. Jacob blessed Pharaoh not once, but twice.  

After the rather cold and formal interaction between the Pharaoh and the brothers of Joseph, the tone changes to one of warmth as Joseph presents his father to Pharaoh. 

In 47:7 we learn that “Jacob blessed Pharaoh” the moment that he saw him. Certainly we  are to remember the promise that God made to Abraham, saying, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2–3, ESV). Here we see a fulfillment to that promise. Pharaoh blessed Israel on account of Joseph, and Israel pronounced a blessing upon the Pharaoh. 

[APPLICATION: We should never forget that this was Israel’s purpose from the start — to be a blessing to the nations. God set Abraham, Isaac and Jacob apart and promised to make a great nation of them so that they might be a blessing to the nations. This theme has permeated the Genesis narrative. And this theme will continue throughout the Old Testament scriptures. God set Israel apart, not for the sake of Israel only, but so that through Israel the nations might be blessed. Ultimately, the blessing is that through Israel the nations would also be reconciled to God through the Christ who would come into the world through them. When Jacob stood before Pharaoh and blessed him it is to remind us of this purpose for Israels existence — they were blessed to be a blessing.]

Notice the respect and the warmth in Pharaoh’s reply. Verse 8: “Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How many are the days of the years of your life?’” 

[APPLICATION: In the ancient world (and in many other cultures around the world to this day) age is honored. In our culture it is often considered to be rude to ask an elderly person about their age. But this only shows how foolishness and vain we are. In our culture we celebrate youthfulness and celebrity, but for what? Should we not honor those who possess true wisdom? Should we not honor those with life experience? Surely, the church in America is to be countercultural in this regard. 

Young and old should pursue maturity and wisdom all the days of their life. 

Those advanced in years should not neglect the responsibility they have to be an example to the young. Remember how Paul wrote to Titus saying, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:1–5, ESV). Those advanced in years should not look down upon their age but see that they have a particular responsibility to lead by example within the church and within the culture. 

And those who are young should not fail to appreciate the wisdom of those who are older, who have gained it through life experience.] 

Here in Genesis 47 we learn that Jacob blessed Pharaoh twice. Once at the beginning of their interaction and again at the end. This is one of those instanced where things are not as they appear. According to the  appearance of things, Pharaoh was much greater than Jacob. Pharaoh was the supreme ruler of a great and mighty nation. This nation was used by the LORD to preserve many through this time of famine. Pharaoh’s wealth and power was tremendous.  Undoubtably, he was arrayed in glory. Jacob must have appeared very humble, frail and poor by comparison. And yet Jacob was the more significant person. He wads chosen of the Lord. Though him and through his offspring the Christ would come into the world. Though him and through his offspring the kingdom of God would be established. And so it is with God’s kingdom as it advances in this world — it always seems to be weak and poor and frail when compared to the kingdoms of this world. But in fact, the kingdom of God is greater. Things are not always what they appear, brothers and sisters.

[APPLICATION: It was right that Jacob blessed Pharaoh, for this was the will of the Lord for the Hebrews, that through them the nations of the earth would be blessed. And are we not to do the same as the Israel of God in this New Covenant era? Are we not also to pray for and bless those who rule over us, even if they be ungodly and unbelieving. Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV). Israel came under the authority of Egypt when he brought his family to sojourn in that land. And what did do except bless the Pharaoh?  Brothers and sisters, let us be faithful to pray for those who rule over us.]

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Israel Settled In Egypt

Fifthly, let us consider that Israel settled in Egypt in the land of Goshen (or Rameses). This is reported in 47:11-12: “Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents” (Genesis 47:11–12, ESV).

Although Israel was hard pressed on every side by the severe famine, the LORD provided for them. He gave Israel “the best of the land” of Egypt and provided them with their daily bread. 

[APPLICATION: The people of God should take encouragement from this, for here we see the faithfulness of the LORD shown to his people. He promised to go with Jacob down into Egypt to preserve him, and to bring him back again. We should not be surprised that LORD also richly provided for Israel while in Egypt. He gave them the best of the land and a regular provision of food. Christ taught his disciples to pray, “give us this day our daily bread” knowing that the Father would be faithful to answer that  prayer to provide for them. And the writer to Hebrews exhorts us saying, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6, ESV).]

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Egypt Endures Famine

Sixthly, let us consider that Egypt (and Canaan) endured years of famine. In verses 13 we read, “Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished by reason of the famine” (Genesis 47:13, ESV).

You and I do not know what it is like to endure famine. I doubt that many even consider it a possibility in our modern, globalized and technologically advanced society. The grocery stores were well stocked throughout the years of drought that we endured he in Southern California. Though we longed to be refreshed by rain, no one suffered a lack of food or water con account of the drought. 

But Egypt and Canaan languished during these years. Were it not for God revealing to Joseph that the famine was coming and giving him the wisdom to prepare for it, many would have perished. Here we see God’s common grace displayed. Though they languished, mercy was shown to the people of the land through Joseph’s relief plan. 

Verses 14 — 26 describe to us the progression of things in Egypt. First, the Egyptians purchased grain from Pharaoh with money. After the money was gone, they sold their livestock to Pharaoh. And after their livestock was gone, they sold their land, and even themselves into the service of Pharaoh. 

Those of us who are in favor of limited government and low taxation recoil a bit when we hear about this economic policy. But it is difficult to see what else could have been done given the dire circumstances. Evidently Joseph refused to simply hand out grain. The grain had to be purchased at every stage, which is certainly right.  But the end result  was that all of the people of Egypt (with the exception of the priests) were made servants of Pharaoh. From the days of Joseph to the days of Moses the people of Egypt gave the Pharaoh a fifth. In general the people of Egypt were grateful saying, 

“You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.”

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Israel Blessed In Egypt

Seventhly, and lastly, let us consider that Israel was blessed in Egypt. 

In verse 27 we read, “Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly” (Genesis 47:27, ESV). While the people of Egypt and Canaan languished, Israel flourished. They were fruitful and multiplied greatly, for the LORD was with them to bless them even as they sojourned in Egypt while enduring the famine. 

Though Israel was blessed in Egypt, Jacob’s heart was in the land of promise. Verse 28: “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years. And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, ‘If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.’ He answered, ‘I will do as you have said.’ And he said, ‘Swear to me’; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed” (Genesis 47:28–31, ESV).

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Conclusion

If there is one big picture piece of application to draw from this story it must be that God is faithful to bless his people while they sojourn in a foreign lands. This is particularly important for the people of God living in the New Covenant era to know, for we are all sojourners living in foreign lands, spiritually speaking. There is no particular piece of land that belongs to the people of God under the New Covenant. We are all sojourns who long to see the new heavens and earth.  

This is what Peter said: “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, ESV). And it was also Peter who said, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11–12, ESV). 

Many find their security in their nation, their land and their home. But the Christian sojourner runs to God and to the Christ he has sent for security. Our refuge is in him. He is our comfort and our peace. 

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20–21, ESV).

Tags: Genesis 46-47

Posted in Sermons Genesis 46-47
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• What were Jacob’s fears before journeying to Egypt with his family? Though they are not stated directly, they are implied in the narrative and in the overarching story of Genesis. 
• Why is it imperative to remember the promises made to the patriarch when interpreting this story?
• Discuss how God’s word to Jacob was a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (see Psalm 119:105).
• Discuss how God’s word functions like a  lamp to our feet and a light to our path today.

Tags: Gospel Community Groups

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Old Testament Reading: Genesis 46:1-4

“So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”

New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-12

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:3–12, ESV)

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[Please excuse any and all typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, but without the benefit of proofreading.] 

Introduction

As you can see, we are rapidly approaching the end of our study of the book of Genesis. But as we near the end I wish to remind you that this book, from beginning to end, is a book about the beginning of things. That is what the name “Genesis” means — origin or beginning. 

In this book we were told about the beginning of God’s creation, the beginning of God’s covenantal dealings with man with the establishment of the covenant of works in the garden. The beginning of sin and death was also described to us, along with the beginning of God’s surprisingly gracious responce to it. Shortly after mans fall into sin God promised to provide a savior. This was the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. 

But very early in Genesis we began to see that God would bring this savior into the world through a particular people. Distinctions were made between people. Righteous and unrighteous lines were identified. And all of this grew in clarity with the call of Abram. Promises were made to him. A covenant was cut with him. And so Genesis reveals to us the beginning of God’s covenantal dealings with Abraham and his offspring. 

We should remember that there were two covenants incubating within the Abrahamic Covenant. On the one hand, God made promises to Abraham that he would have many offspring, and that through his offspring all the nations of the earth would be blessed. We know (for the scriptures plainly teach this) that these promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus the Christ and the New Covenant that would be ratified in his blood. The Covenant of Grace was embedded, therefore, within the Abrahamic Covenant, in the form of promise. And so in the book of Genesis we see the beginning of the Covenant of Grace ratified in Christ’s blood. But other promises were made to Abraham which had reference, not only to the Christ who would come from his lions and to all the spiritual blessing found in him, but to his more immediate offspring. He was promised a child, and many descendents through him. He was promised a land — the land of Canaan. He would not possess it in his lifetime, but he would he lay ahold of it through his offspring and in the resurrection. To Abraham it was even said that nations and kings would come from him. So in Abraham we see, not only the beginning the Covenant of Grace that would be ratified in Christ’s blood, but also the beginning of the Old Covenant which, in the process of time, would be mediated through Moses. Promises were made to  the patriarchs, Abraham, Issac and Jacob.  A covenant was cut with them. And in due time that covenant would give birth to Old Mosaic Covenant and to the New Covenant of Grace with Christ as its mediator. 

As I have said, the book of Genesis is a book about the beginning of things — lots of things. And as we move closer to the end of it we are seeing more clearly that this book is concerned to describe to us the beginning of the nation of Israel. This was the nation promised to Abraham. This was the nation that would come from him. And in Genesis we find an account of its origin. 

Genesis chapters 46 and 47 we read about the third and final journey taken by Joseph’s brothers down into Egypt. In Genesis 42 the brothers of Joseph went down into Egypt to buy grain leaving their youngest brothers and father at home in the land of promise. All but Simeon returned home again — he was held captive. In Genesis chapters 43 through 45 the brothers of Joseph went down into Egypt again. This time they took their brother Benjamin with them. Again, they left their father at home in the land ofCanaan. They hoped to return to him with grain, for the famine was severe in the land. They also hoped to return with every one of their siblings, including Simeon. This they did. But they also returned with good news! In 45:25 we read, “They went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to their father Jacob. And they told him, ‘Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.’ And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, ‘It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die’” (Genesis 45:25–28, ESV). As I have said, Genesis chapters 46 and 47, which we are beginning to consider today, tell us of the about the third and final journey taken by Joseph’s family down into Egypt. 

If we loose sight of the overall story being told in Genesis — if we forget the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Israel concerning the eventual possession of the land of Canaan, and the great nation that was to come from them — then we might miss the real drama of this narrative. The thing that gets us — the things that tugs on our heart strings — is the thought of Jacob (who is called Israel) seeing Joseph again. For all those years Jacob thought that his beloved son Joseph was dead. He lived perpetually with that lingering sadness. But in his old age he learned that he was alive! It was almost as if his beloved son had been raised from the dead. And not only was he raised from the dead, but he was exulted to the highest position of power with Egypt, with the exception of Pharaoh himself. There is a real personal and human element to this drama. Jacob must have been overjoyed. He must have been so eager to make that journey down into Egypt to see his beloved son alive and in glory. 

But what about the promises of God made to the patriarchs? What about the land? What about the nation that was to come from them? What about all of that? You see, it is in these questions that the real drama is found. Israel was eager to go down into Egypt to see his beloved son Joseph alive and in glory, but should he? That is the question. 

And certainly this would have been the question on the minds of the people to whom Moses originally delivered this book. Remember that it was Moses who wrote this book. And he delivered it to the nation of Israel after they were redeemed from Egypt and wandering in the wilderness, that is to say, prior to their conquest of Canaan. What do you think was on their minds? I’m sure that some of them wondered about their history. I’m sure that some of them wondered about their time in bondage to the Egyptians. Was it a mistake for Jacob to take his family there? Did he have a laps in faith when he made that journey? Was this “bondage in Egypt thing” a bump in the road in God plan of redemption? Did God abandon his people for a time?

The narrative that is before us today answers these questions. It is a very significant portion of scripture theologically speaking, especially as it pertains to the history of Israel.  

Genesis chapters 46 through 47 forms one unit which describes the third journey of the family of Jacob down into Egypt, but it is divided into seven scenes. I would like to consider only the first of the seven scenes this morning, leaving the rest for another time. 

Notice that in verses 1 – 4 God appeared to Jacob in a night vision. This is the last record that we have of God speaking to the patriarchs. The next time that God reveals himself to his people will be to Moses in the burning bush. Hundreds of years would pass between this moment and that one.

Notice three things about this first scene of Genesis 46. 

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Jacob Journeyed To Beersheba To Worship

One, notice that before Jacob departed for Egypt he journeyed to Beersheba to worship. 

The text doesn’t not say it explicitly, but it implies that Jacob was agonizing over the question, is it right to leave Canaan, the land of promise, and to go down into Egypt? 

Beersheba was a very important location. It was there that Abraham worshipped (Genesis 21:33). It was there that the LORD appeared to Isaac, saying, “‘I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.’ So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD…” (Genesis 26:24–25, ESV). And it was from Beersheba that Jacob departed for Haran when he was a young man fleeing from the wrath of his twin brother, Esau. 

We must remember that as a young man Jacob spent many years in bondage to his father-in-law Laban in Haran. He knew how painful it could be, therefore, to leave the land of Canaan! I’m sure that he was in this moment concerned about going into bondage again, but this time with his whole family in Egypt. Perhaps Jacob went to Beersheba because it was near there that the Lord appeared to him all those years ago as he was preparing to leave the land of promise for Haran. It was there that the LORD spoke to him in that vision with the lader going up to heaven. And we we should remember what the Lord said to him then. He said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:10–15, ESV). 

Friends, we must not forget the things that Jacob experienced in his younger years. He knew the pain of leaving Canaan to go into bondage. He experienced it personally in Haran under Laban. But in that experience he also learned that his God was no tribal diety. His God was not the God of one nation, or of a particular land, as if he were confined to that place. His God was God Most High, the Lord of all creation. Jacob spent time in exile in Harah, but God was with him, just as he promised in that vision. And God was faithful to bring him home again, just as he promised in that vision. All of that must have been on Jacob’s mind as he prepared to lead his family to Egypt. It is no wonder that he went to Beersheba to worship. I’m sure that he was eager to hear from the Lord again to know for certain if he should stay or go.

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God Appeared To Jacob

Two, notice that God did appeared to Jacob there. Verse 2 says, “God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” 

It is worth noting that although God called Jacob, “Jacob”, Moses as author and narrator of Genesis refers to him as “Israel” in this passage. It’s as if Moses wants us to see most clearly that when Jacob took his family to Egypt, he was also taking the nation of Israel there to grow and develop. 

God spoke to Jacob, saying, “‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am’”. This terminology is to remind us of that time when Abraham was tested when he was called by God to slay his son. Remember that when Abraham lifted the knife “the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’” (Genesis 22:11, ESV). The terminology is the same here. And this is to show that both Abraham and Jacob had their faith tested. Abraham proved that his faith was sincere, believing that God would indeed keep his promises regarding offspring, land and a nation. He believed that God could even raise the boy from the dead if necessary  — that is the interpretation that Hebrews 11:19 gives. And here in this episode Jacob’s faith was also being tested. Would he go to Egypt knowing that God could raise Israel from the dead, as it were? God called to Jacob in his moment of trial, saying, “Jacob, Jacob”. Both Abraham and Jacob replied as every faithful servant should, with the simple words, “here I am”. It’s as if he said, Here I am Lord! I stand ready and eager to hear your word and to trust and obey.

[APPLICATION:  Child of God, I ask you, is this your daily disposition before the Lord? Do you, like Abraham and Israel stand before God with the heart of a servant, saying, here I am, Lord. Teach me your word so that I might obey you?]

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God Spoke To Jacob

Three, notice that God spoke to Jacob in this night vision, and pay special attention to what God said, for it is very significant. Verse 3: “Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes’” (Genesis 46:3–4, ESV).

God revealed himself to Jacob as “God, the God of your father.” Now, God was certainly Jacob’s God too! But when God referred to himself as, “God, the God of your father” it was to remind Jacob of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac in past generations and of his constant faithfulness.

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, it is good for the Christian to be reminded of God’s very great promises made to the fathers in ages past, and of God’s faithfulness. It helps us to rest assured that our God will be faithful to us today, for he does not change.]

God then directly addressed Jacob’s fears, saying “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt…” Though God was doing something that far transcended Jacob-the-individual, he none the less cared for Jacob-the-individual, and met his needs. Jacob was afraid, and God spoke to him saying, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt…”

[APPLICATION: Friends, God does the same for you and me. He calls us to follow after him, and he also meets all our needs. This is what Paul the Apostle was referring to when he said, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31–32, ESV). This does not mean that following after Christ will always be easy. But it does mean that God is faithful to provide for his people, for he cares for us. 

To those who fear Jesus says, “do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’” (Luke 12:22–32, ESV)] 

God addressed Jacob’s fears, saying “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt…” After this God clarified that it would be in Egypt that he would bring his promises concerning a nation to fulfillment, saying, “for there I will make you into a great nation.” 

In fact, this was not the first time that God revealed this to the patriarchs. To Abraham (when he was still Abram) God said, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age” (Genesis 15:13–15, ESV). So God revealed even to Abraham that the pathway to his people becoming a great nation would involve slavery in a foreign land. To Jacob it was revealed more  specifically that the foreign land would be Egypt. 

[APPLICATION: It is always puzzling to me when Christians are surprised by suffering. It is even more puzzling to me when Christians buy into teaching which says that God’s will for us is that we not suffer. In fact, the scriptures have this theme from beginning to end — those who belong to God are not immune from suffering. In fact, often times it seems the righteous suffer the most! For Israel, the road to the attainment of the promised land was marked by difficulty, trial and tribulation. And the same is true for the Israel of God  today. Our journey to the heavenly promised land will be marked by trial and tribulation, for the Lord strengthens and refines his people through it, and in our weakness he shows himself to be strong. Friends, God says to you what he said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And may we have the mind of Paul, saying in reply, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, ESV). Oh Lord, give us this humble and faithful disposition.]

After revealing that he would make Israel into a great nation in Egypt, God said, “I myself will go down with you to Egypt…”  These words certainly sounded familiar to Jacob, for as he journeyed towards Haran those many years earlier the Lord comforted him in a similar way, saying, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” In both situations the Lord comforted Jacob by promising to always be with him. 

[APPLICATION: Brothers and sisters, God is omnipresent. There is no limit at all to his presence, but he is everywhere — this we know. But here God promised to be with Jacob and with his offspring in a special way, to sustain them and to bless them while in Egypt. This is what he meant when he said, “I myself will go down with you to Egypt…” Cleary this is language that is proper to humans being applied to God. Truly, God cannot “go” anywhere, for he is everywhere present, fully and perfectly so. But we understand what is meant by the phrase. God condescended to Jacob’s capacity, he used human language, and communicated to him in a most tender way, saying, I will personally be with with you on this journey to bless you and to sustain you. And this is the greatest of all blessings — God’s loving presence. Truly, it is God’s loving presence which will make heaven, heavenly, and it is the lack it which will make hell such a miserable place. Truly, it is God’s loving presence with his people that enables them to thrive and rejoice even in the most trying of circumstances. Friends, if we have God, then we have all that we need. I want for you to see that Jacob learned this from experience. His faith grew while in Haran as he saw God fulfill his promise to be with him in that place. And now in his old age he knows that it is true when God says, “I myself will go down with you to Egypt…” I wonder, Christian, have you learned this? Have you learned that the greatest of all blessings is God’s presence? And have you come to truly believe God when he says to you who are in Christ Jesus, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)?]

God spoke to Jacob, saying, “I myself will go down with you to Egypt…”, and then he said, “I will also bring you up again.” Clearly, this promise was in reference, not primarily to Jacob as an individual, but to his descendents and to the nation that would come from him.” Jacob (as Israel) would go down into Egypt. And God would being Jacob (as Israel) back up again through the exodus. 

This promise, though primarily about the nation of Israel, pertained also to Jacob in the sense that he would be buried in Canaan, and he will also enjoy Canaan in the resurrection. 

And then lastly we have this remark, which was clearly for Jacob the individual: “Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” We are to remember what Jacob said when he was told that his son was dead those many years before. “All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, ‘No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.’ Thus his father wept for him” (Genesis 37:35, ESV). Now he hears that he will die a peaceful death, and “Joseph’s hand [will] close [his] eyes.” 

[APPLICATION: This vision and the words of God delivered to Jacob therein must have men a great help and comfort to him. It must have also been very comforting to his children nd grandchildren as they too prepared to go down into Egypt. 

These were perplexing times for Israel and his family. The famine was severe. It threatened their very lives, and in so doing, it threatened the fulfillment of the promises of God that were given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They must have agonized over the question of what to do as they stood perplexed.

But when God gave his word to them — when God spoke — it was like a ray of light cutting through the darkness. Israel could then go forward with confidence, for something of God’s plans and purposes had been revealed to them. They could then walk in that light. 

I say this to you hoping that you will grow in your appreciation for God’s word. Truly, God’s word  is a “lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path”, as Psalm 119:105 says. When God reveals himself to us — when he speaks and discloses to us something of his plans and purposes — it enables us to walk confidently according to that truth. 

I’m sure that you have all had the experience of walking in an unfamiliar place in total darkness. It’s unnerving. Every step is unsure. But when we walk in the light — even if the place is unfamiliar — we walk in a resolute way and with confidence.

Friends, God has spoken. He has given us his word. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV). We are wise to listen to God’s word, and to walk in the light of it. 

I understand that God has not revealed to us everything we might like to know concerning his plans and purposes, but he has revealed enough so that we might confidently walk by faith. In other words, though many things pertaining to the plans and purposes of God remain a mystery to us, he has not left us in the dark entirely. He has reveled to us what it is that he is doing in the world, generally speaking, so that we might order our lives and plan our steps according to truth.

In this narrative you can almost hear Jacob thinking to himself, “God, why this famine? Why was Joseph taken from me for all those years? Why must we leave this land of promise and go down into Egypt?, etc. And what did God do for Jacob? He revealed something of his plans and purposes so that Jacob could go with confidence. 

Friends, he has done the same for you and me. We might ask, “Lord, why has this or that thing happened? Why this suffering, etc?” Many things remain mysterious to us. But we have not been left in the dark. We know what God is up to, generally speaking. We understand that he is drawing his elect, growing his kingdom, sanctifying his people, and will, at the right time, bring all things to completion in the new heavens and new earth. We have his word. Let us live according to what he has revealed, and not neglect it.]

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Conclusion

God’s revelation of himself and of his plans and purposes enables us to sojourn confidently in this world by faith. And so it was for Jacob. Verse 5: “Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him…” (Genesis 46:5–6, ESV). It is here at this point that we will resume next Sunday, Lord willing. 

Tags: Genesis 46:1-4

Posted in Sermons Genesis 46:1-4
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT HOME OR IN GOSPEL COMMUNITY GROUPS

• In what ways does Joseph’s interaction with his brothers mirror God’s interaction with us in bringing us to salvation? 
• How is the Lord testing  you to deepen your faith and further your sanctification?
• How was Judah a type of the Christ who would descend from him?
• How was Joseph a type of  Christ? Why is it right for us to call Jesus  “brother” (see Hebrews 2:10ff.)?

Tags: Gospel Community Groups

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups
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