BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the BibleNäide

After many dark, desolate years, God restores life and joy. He sends Jacob down to Egypt and into the arms of his long-lost, beloved son. Jacob discovers that the son he presumed dead is now the source of life for many because Joseph trusted God’s wisdom. When famine pushes Egypt and Canaan to the brink of starvation, Joseph provides grain to the surrounding nations so that they too “may live and not die” (Gen. 47:19), just as he had done for his family (Gen. 42:1, 43:8).

In Genesis 12, God promised Abraham that his family would become a blessing to every “family” or “nation” on Earth, and that anyone who blesses Abraham and his family will themselves be blessed (Gen. 12:2-3). Today’s reading shows that promise in action. Pharaoh gives the good land of Goshen to Abraham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Jacob responds by blessing Pharaoh.

As Jacob’s life comes to an end, he displays increased confidence in God’s covenant promises. He urges Joseph not to bury him in Egypt but to return his body to the land of his ancestors. Jacob’s insistence reveals his conviction that God will one day give that land to his family, even if he won’t live to see it. God often works slowly, but he always keeps his promises!

Reflection questions:

• Look back over Genesis 24:1-9. What parallels do you notice between the request Abraham makes near the end of his life and the request Jacob makes near the end of his? What does this show you about both stories?
• Notice that Genesis 46:28 identifies Judah as the son who leads the family to Goshen. Where else have you seen Judah take a leading role among his brothers in the story, either positively or negatively? What happened in those cases?