Today’s Reading (January 16th): Genesis 46–47
Genesis 46:
• Jacob’s Journey to Egypt: Yah reassures Jacob in a vision at Beersheba, promising to make him a great nation in Egypt and that Joseph will be with him when he dies.
• Jacob’s Family Arrives: Jacob and his entire household (70 people) travel to Egypt.
• Reunion with Joseph: Joseph meets Jacob in Goshen, and they share an emotional reunion.
Genesis 47:
• Pharaoh Welcomes Jacob’s Family: Joseph presents five of his brothers and Jacob to Pharaoh. Pharaoh allows them to settle in the land of Goshen, the best part of Egypt.
• Famine Worsens: Joseph wisely manages Egypt’s resources, exchanging food for money, livestock, and eventually land as the famine continues.
• Jacob Blesses Pharaoh: Before his death, Jacob blesses Pharaoh, showing Yah’s favor upon him even in a foreign land.
• Joseph Provides for His Family: Despite the famine, Israel prospers in Goshen under Joseph’s care.
Reflections:
1. Yah’s Reassurance in Transitions (Genesis 46:3-4)
• Yah tells Jacob, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt.” Even in uncertain times, Yah is with us and working out His plans.
• Reflection: Are there transitions in your life where you need to trust Yah’s guidance?
2. Joseph’s Wisdom in Leadership (Genesis 47:13-26)
• Joseph’s planning and leadership sustain Egypt and surrounding nations. He uses his position to ensure survival while maintaining fairness.
• Reflection: How can you apply wisdom and stewardship in times of scarcity or challenge?
3. Yah’s Favor in Exile (Genesis 47:27)
• Though in Egypt, Jacob’s family flourishes, showing that Yah’s blessings are not limited by location.
• Reflection: How can you thrive spiritually even in a place that feels foreign or difficult?
Translation Differences & Hebrew Study:
Genesis 46:4
• “I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you up again.”
• Hebrew: “Anochi ered imcha Mitzrayma v’anochi a’alcha gam aloh” (אָנֹכִי אֵרֵד עִמְּךָ מִצְרָיְמָה וְאָנֹכִי אַעַלְךָ גַּם־עָלֹה)
• Yah’s assurance uses repetition (anochi a’alcha – “I will surely bring you up”), emphasizing His faithfulness to His promise.
Genesis 47:31
• “And Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.”
• Some translations say “staff,” while others say “bed” due to differences in the Hebrew text:
• Masoretic Text: “al rosh hamitah” (עַל רֹאשׁ הַמִּטָּה) – “on the head of the bed”
• Septuagint (Greek translation): “epi to akron tēs rabdou” (ἐπὶ τὸ ἄκρον τῆς ῥάβδου) – “on the top of his staff”
• Hebrews 11:21 quotes the Septuagint’s version, implying Jacob worshiped leaning on his staff, symbolizing dependence on Yah.
Hebrew Word Study:
• Genesis 46:3 – “Do not be afraid” (אַל־תִּירָא)
• Hebrew: “Al-tirah” (אַל־תִּירָא)
• Yah often says this when calling someone to a new place or challenge (e.g., Abraham, Joshua). It is both a command and a reassurance.
Discussion Questions:
1. When has Yah reassured you in a time of transition or change?
2. What lessons can we learn from Joseph’s wisdom in managing resources?
3. How does this passage encourage you to trust Yah’s provision in unfamiliar places?
