Genesis Chapter 47

The Explained Book of Genesis Chapter 47 by Anietie Hanson

 Study Bible: Genesis Chapter 47 – Jacob’s Family Settles in Egypt

Introduction

Genesis Chapter 47 chronicles the arrival of Jacob and his family in Egypt, their settlement in the fertile land of Goshen, and Joseph’s prudent management of Egypt’s resources during the famine. This chapter showcases God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, even in a foreign land, and Joseph’s wisdom in navigating both familial and national responsibilities. The themes of provision, obedience, and God’s sovereignty are prominently displayed in this narrative.

With 31 verses, Genesis 47 bridges the continuation of Jacob’s story and the establishment of Israel’s presence in Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual growth into a great nation.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Genesis 47:1

"Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, 'My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan. Behold, they are in the land of Goshen.'"

Explanation: Joseph’s report to Pharaoh reflects his role as a mediator between his family and the Egyptian authority. The land of Goshen, a fertile and strategically separated region, was chosen for its suitability for shepherds and its distance from Egyptian cities, ensuring cultural and religious distinctiveness for Jacob’s family. Psalm 121:8 underscores God’s oversight of such transitions: "God will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more." Joseph’s careful planning reveals his wisdom and his commitment to preserving God’s people.

Genesis 47:2

"From among his brothers, he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh."

Explanation: The selection of five men may symbolize completeness and preparation, as the number five is often associated with grace and provision in biblical symbolism. By presenting only five of his brothers, Joseph ensures a measured representation of his family, possibly choosing individuals best suited to speak with Pharaoh. Proverbs 22:29 aligns with this strategy: "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings." Joseph’s decision reflects prudence in maintaining favor with Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:3–4

"Pharaoh said to his brothers, 'What is your occupation?' They said to Pharaoh, 'Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.' They also said to Pharaoh, 'We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.'"

Explanation: The brothers’ response—“we are shepherds”—aligns with Joseph’s instructions in Genesis 46:33–34, ensuring Pharaoh’s agreement to settle them in Goshen, a region suitable for their livelihood. By openly acknowledging their foreign status, the brothers exhibit humility and respect for Pharaoh’s authority. Leviticus 25:23 later reflects this transient nature: "You are strangers and live as foreigners with me." Their honest request demonstrates submission to God’s providence through Pharaoh’s favor.

Genesis 47:5–6

"Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, 'Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.'"

Explanation: Pharaoh’s generous offer—“the best of the land”—highlights his trust in Joseph and willingness to extend favor to his family. Assigning Jacob’s family to manage Pharaoh’s livestock demonstrates Pharaoh’s confidence in their skills and integrity, further elevating their status in Egypt. Proverbs 16:7 reflects this favor: "When a man’s ways please God, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Pharaoh’s generosity underscores God’s hand in orchestrating blessings for His people.

Genesis 47:7–8

"Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, 'How old are you?'"

Explanation: Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh signifies gratitude and the recognition of Pharaoh’s role in preserving Jacob’s family. The act of blessing also reflects Jacob’s faith and covenant status as the patriarch of God’s chosen people. Hebrews 7:7 affirms: "Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater." Pharaoh’s question about Jacob’s age conveys curiosity and respect for the elder patriarch, acknowledging his wisdom and longevity.

Genesis 47:9–10

"Jacob said to Pharaoh, 'The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.' Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh."

Explanation: Jacob’s description of his life as a pilgrimage reflects his understanding of life as temporary and transient, aligning with the biblical view of humans as sojourners on Earth (Psalm 39:12). His reflection on the challenges—“few and evil”—acknowledges his struggles while recognizing God’s faithfulness throughout. The comparison to his fathers’ lives (Abraham and Isaac) emphasizes the continuity of God’s covenant across generations. Hebrews 11:13 reinforces this perspective: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar." Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh signifies gratitude and reverence.

Genesis 47:11–12

"Joseph placed 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. Joseph nourished his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to their families."

Explanation: The land of Rameses (another name for Goshen) represents the best of Egypt’s resources, fulfilling Pharaoh’s promise to provide for Jacob’s family. Joseph’s act of nourishing his family demonstrates his leadership, compassion, and fulfillment of God’s promise to preserve the covenant lineage. This provision mirrors God’s care for His people, as seen in Psalm 37:25: "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread." Joseph’s role as a provider highlights his faithfulness to God and his family.

Genesis 47:13–15

"There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 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 bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money is all gone.'"

Explanation: The severity of the famine underscores the importance of Joseph’s wisdom and foresight in preparing Egypt for this crisis. By collecting payment for grain, Joseph demonstrates stewardship and resource management, ensuring Pharaoh’s prosperity while addressing the people’s needs. The Egyptians’ plea—“why should we die?”—reveals their desperation and dependence on Joseph’s leadership. Proverbs 27:23 reinforces this care for resources: "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks." Joseph’s actions highlight his ability to balance compassion and governance.

Genesis 47:16–17

"Joseph said, 'Give me your livestock; and I will give you bread for your livestock, if your money is gone.' They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys. He fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year."

Explanation: Joseph’s strategy to exchange livestock for bread reflects his pragmatic approach to sustaining the population during the famine while maintaining economic stability for Egypt. This barter system provided immediate relief to the people while consolidating Pharaoh’s resources. Proverbs 21:5 aligns with Joseph’s prudence: "The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit." His resourcefulness ensures survival and underscores God’s provision through wise leadership.

Genesis 47:18–19

"When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, 'We will not hide from my lord how our money is spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.'"

Explanation: In their desperation, the Egyptians offer their land and labor to Pharaoh in exchange for food, recognizing Joseph’s authority to preserve their lives. Their willingness to become servants to Pharaoh reflects the severity of the famine and their trust in Joseph’s leadership. While this may seem extreme, it also demonstrates the importance of stewardship during crises. Proverbs 22:7 reminds: "The borrower is servant to the lender." Their plea for seed underscores the human need for hope and a future beyond survival.

Genesis 47:20–22

"So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them; and the land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land."

Explanation: Joseph’s acquisition of all the land for Pharaoh centralizes resources, strengthening Egypt’s economy during the famine. His relocation of people to cities facilitates efficient distribution of food, ensuring survival. Notably, the priests’ land remains exempt, reflecting the cultural and religious reverence for their role in society. This decision illustrates Joseph’s respect for Egyptian institutions while maintaining order. Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 reflects this planning: "There is a time for everything… a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted." Joseph’s foresight preserves stability amid crisis.

Genesis 47:23–24

"Then Joseph said to the people, 'Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. It will happen at the harvests that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.'"

Explanation: Joseph implements a taxation system—a fifth to Pharaoh—that balances sustainability and fairness, enabling the people to retain enough seed and food for their survival. This policy ensures Egypt’s recovery and future prosperity while providing for immediate needs. Proverbs 13:22 aligns with this stewardship: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children." Joseph’s economic plan exemplifies wisdom in leadership, fostering stability and growth.

Genesis 47:25–26

"They said, 'You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.' Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s."

Explanation: The people’s gratitude—“You have saved our lives”—demonstrates their acknowledgment of Joseph’s just and merciful governance. The enactment of a statute formalizes the taxation policy, ensuring a structured economy under Pharaoh’s rule. This passage highlights Joseph’s success in balancing compassion with effective administration, echoing Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice." Joseph’s leadership establishes a legacy of order and provision in Egypt.

Genesis 47:27–28

"Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions in it, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years."

Explanation: The fruitfulness and multiplication of Jacob’s family in Goshen reflect God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:2–3) to make his descendants a great nation. Jacob’s seventeen years in Egypt parallel the years he cared for Joseph as a child (Genesis 37:2), completing a symbolic cycle of reconciliation and blessing. Psalm 115:14 reinforces this growth: "May God increase you more and more, you and your children." Jacob’s life embodies God’s faithfulness across generations.

Genesis 47:29–31

"The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, 'If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burial place.' He said, 'I will do as you have said.' He said, 'Swear to me,' and he swore to him. Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head."

Explanation: Jacob’s request to be buried in Canaan reflects his deep connection to the promised land, emphasizing the significance of God’s covenant and the hope of its fulfillment. The act of placing one’s hand under the thigh is a solemn oath, symbolizing commitment and trust (Genesis 24:2). Jacob’s act of bowing on the bed’s head signifies reverence and gratitude toward God for His faithfulness. Hebrews 11:21 commemorates this faith: "By faith, Jacob, when he was dying… worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." This moment underscores Jacob’s enduring trust in God’s promises.

Questions and Answers on Genesis Chapter 47

1.      Why does Pharaoh grant Jacob’s family the land of Goshen in Genesis 47:6?

o    Goshen was fertile and suitable for livestock, ensuring the family’s survival during the famine.

2.      What is the significance of Jacob blessing Pharaoh in Genesis 47:7?

o    Jacob, as the covenant patriarch, blesses Pharaoh to acknowledge his role in providing for God’s people.

3.      Why does Jacob describe his life as a “pilgrimage” in Genesis 47:9?

o    It reflects his understanding of life as temporary and his role as a sojourner under God’s promises.

4.      How does Joseph manage Egypt’s resources during the famine in Genesis 47:14?

o    By collecting money, livestock, and land in exchange for food, ensuring survival and centralizing Pharaoh’s power.

5.      Why are the priests’ lands exempt from Joseph’s policies in Genesis 47:22?

o    The priests’ land was sustained by Pharaoh’s provisions, reflecting their unique societal and religious role.

6.      What does the fifth portion symbolize in Joseph’s taxation policy in Genesis 47:24?

o    It represents a balanced system of governance, providing for both the people’s needs and Pharaoh’s resources.

7.      Why do the Egyptians express gratitude to Joseph in Genesis 47:25?

o    They recognize Joseph’s leadership as life-saving and appreciate his fair management during the crisis.

8.      How does Genesis 47:27 fulfill God’s promise to Abraham?

o    Jacob’s family becomes fruitful and multiplies, reflecting the covenant promise of a great nation.

9.      What is the significance of Jacob’s request to be buried in Canaan in Genesis 47:30?

o    It reflects his faith in God’s covenant and his connection to the promised land.

10.  Why does Jacob bow on his bed in Genesis 47:31?

o    To worship God and express gratitude for His faithfulness throughout his life.

11.  How does Joseph’s leadership reflect biblical wisdom?

o    Through his stewardship, fairness, and compassion, Joseph exemplifies godly leadership that preserves life.

12.  What lessons can we learn from Genesis 47?

o    Trust in God’s providence, the importance of wise leadership, and the fulfillment of divine promises are central themes.

Final Thoughts

Genesis Chapter 47, with its 31 verses, highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people during a time of crisis. Joseph’s leadership and Jacob’s faith exemplify the themes of provision, obedience, and hope in God’s promises.

Key Themes:

1.      Divine Providence: God orchestrates events to protect and multiply His covenant people in Egypt.

2.      Leadership and Stewardship: Joseph’s wise management ensures survival and stability during the famine.

3.      Faith and Legacy: Jacob’s desire to be buried in Canaan reflects his trust in the promises of God.