Genesis 45:19

KJV

Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now thou art commanded {H6680}, this do {H6213} ye; take {H3947} you wagons {H5699} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} for your little ones {H2945}, and for your wives {H802}, and bring {H5375} your father {H1}, and come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Moreover - and this is an order - do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little ones and your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Berean Standard Bible

You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back.

American Standard Version

Now thou art commanded, this do ye: take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 45:19 records Pharaoh's explicit and authoritative command, relayed through Joseph, for Jacob's entire family to relocate to Egypt. This directive includes the generous provision of wagons for the comfortable transport of their children and wives, along with a direct instruction to bring their aged father, Jacob. This act underscores Pharaoh's exceptional favor towards Joseph and serves as a crucial step in God's intricate plan to preserve His covenant people during a severe famine, setting the stage for Israel's growth in Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 45:19 is situated at a dramatic high point in the Joseph narrative, immediately following Joseph's emotional revelation of his identity to his brothers. The preceding verses detail Joseph's forgiveness and his explanation that [God intended their actions for good](/genesis/50-20 "God's Sovereign Purpose in Genesis 50:20"), to preserve life. Pharaoh, having heard of Joseph's family, responds with extraordinary generosity, promising them "the good of all the land of Egypt" ([Genesis 45:18](/genesis/45-18 "Pharaoh's Generous Offer")). Verse 19 then articulates the practical means by which this promise will be fulfilled, outlining the specific provisions and instructions for the family's relocation. This command sets the immediate stage for the patriarch Jacob's journey to Egypt and the subsequent settlement of the nascent nation of Israel in Goshen, detailed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Journey to Egypt and His Descendants").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the time of the patriarchs, Egypt was a dominant power, renowned for its agricultural abundance, especially in times of famine, due to the Nile River's annual inundation. Pharaoh's authority was absolute, and his commands were law. The provision of "wagons" (or carts) was a significant gesture, as these were not common for personal travel but primarily used for heavy transport or military purposes. Their provision by the royal court for a foreign family underscored immense royal favor and wealth. Such a journey from Canaan to Egypt was arduous, spanning hundreds of miles, making comfortable and safe transport for women, children, and the elderly patriarch crucial. The famine, which had already lasted two years with five more predicted ([Genesis 45:6](/genesis/45-6 "Joseph's Explanation of the Famine")), made relocation to Egypt a matter of survival, aligning with God's providential care for His chosen family.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly secular events and human decisions (like Pharaoh's generosity) to fulfill His covenant purposes and preserve His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Comprehensive Provision**, showcasing His commitment to meeting the physical and material needs of His chosen family, even in times of severe crisis. The wagons and the promise of the "good of the land" are tangible expressions of this. Thirdly, the passage underscores the **Importance of Family and Generational Continuity** within God's plan. The explicit mention of "little ones," "wives," and "father" emphasizes the preservation of the entire family unit, which is foundational to the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This move to Egypt is a critical step in the formation of the nation of Israel, as promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Make Abraham a Great Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this primitive root means "to constitute, enjoin," or "to appoint, (for-)bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." In this context, it signifies an authoritative and official decree from Pharaoh, communicated through Joseph. It's not a suggestion but a binding order, emphasizing the weight and certainty of the instruction.
* **wagons (Hebrew, _ʻăgâlâh'_):** From H5699, this word refers to "something revolving, i.e. a wheeled vehicle; cart, chariot, wagon." The provision of these vehicles by Pharaoh was a significant and costly gift, indicating royal favor and an extraordinary logistical provision. These were essential for transporting a large family, including the vulnerable, over a considerable distance, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Pharaoh's (and ultimately God's) care.
* **little ones (Hebrew, _ṭaph'_):** From H2945, this term refers to "a family (mostly used collectively in the singular); (little) children (ones), families." The specific mention of "little ones" (children) alongside "wives" underscores the compassionate and holistic nature of the provision. It highlights the concern for the most vulnerable members of the family, ensuring their comfort and safety during the arduous journey, and emphasizing the preservation of the future generations of the covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now thou art commanded, this do ye;"**: This opening clause establishes the authoritative nature of the instruction. The passive "thou art commanded" (referring to Joseph, who then relays it to his brothers) emphasizes that this is a direct decree from Pharaoh. The subsequent imperative "this do ye" (plural) directs the brothers to immediately comply with the following instructions, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the royal order.
* **"take you wagons out of the land of Egypt"**: This specifies the means of transport. The "wagons" are to be taken "out of the land of Egypt," meaning they are to be provided by Pharaoh's administration from Egypt's resources. This highlights the extraordinary generosity and comprehensive provision being extended to Joseph's family, ensuring they have the necessary logistical support for the long journey from Canaan.
* **"for your little ones, and for your wives,"**: This clause clarifies the primary beneficiaries and purpose of the wagons. The explicit mention of "little ones" (children) and "wives" underscores the concern for the most vulnerable members of the family. It ensures their comfort and safety during the arduous journey, preventing them from having to walk and protecting them from the elements and dangers of travel. This detail emphasizes the holistic care for the entire family unit.
* **"and bring your father, and come."**: This final imperative emphasizes the central figure to be brought: Jacob, the patriarch. The command to "bring your father" highlights the importance of family unity and the preservation of the covenant lineage. The concluding "and come" serves as a final, overarching command for the entire family to relocate to Egypt, signaling the culmination of Joseph's plan to reunite with his family and God's plan to bring His people to a place of sustenance during the famine.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 45:19 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Direct Command** or **Imperative Language**, seen in phrases like "thou art commanded," "this do ye," "take you wagons," "bring your father," and "come." This strong, authoritative tone reflects Pharaoh's absolute power and the urgency of the situation, ensuring no misinterpretation of his will. There is also an element of **Emphasis through Detail**, as the verse meticulously lists the beneficiaries ("little ones," "wives," "father") and the specific provision ("wagons"), underscoring the comprehensive nature of Pharaoh's generosity and the meticulous planning involved. The provision of wagons can be seen as **Symbolism** for divine provision and care, as Pharaoh, though a pagan ruler, becomes an instrument of God's overarching plan to preserve His covenant family. The entire passage also functions as a **Foreshadowing** of Israel's future sojourn in Egypt, a period of both protection and eventual oppression, ultimately leading to the Exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's sovereign hand, demonstrating how He orchestrates even the actions of powerful secular rulers to fulfill His divine purposes. Pharaoh's command, seemingly an act of human generosity, is a clear manifestation of God's meticulous plan to preserve Jacob's family and bring them to Egypt, where they would multiply into a great nation, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's comprehensive provision, seen in the gift of wagons and the promise of the best of the land, assures His people that He will meet their every need, often in surprising and abundant ways. The emphasis on bringing the entire family—from the "little ones" to the "father"—underscores the biblical value of family unity, the care for all generations, and the preservation of the covenant lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Sovereign Purpose in Joseph's Story")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Promise to Jacob to Make a Great Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:19 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of God's comprehensive and often unexpected provision. Just as Pharaoh, a powerful pagan ruler, became an unwitting instrument of God's care for Jacob's family, we are called to trust in God's sovereign hand to orchestrate circumstances for our good, even when our path seems uncertain or daunting. This passage reassures us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, providing for our practical needs, often through means we might not anticipate. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and recognize God's overarching plan at work. Furthermore, the emphasis on bringing the entire family—children, wives, and the elderly father—reinforces the enduring biblical value of family unity and intergenerational care. We are called to prioritize the well-being and spiritual nourishment of our loved ones, recognizing that God's plan often unfolds through the family unit, and that caring for all generations within our sphere of influence is a vital expression of our faith and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's unexpected generosity in this passage demonstrate God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even those involving secular leaders?**
* **In what ways can we identify God's comprehensive provision for our own lives, even when it comes through unexpected sources or challenging situations?**
* **How does the emphasis on bringing "little ones," "wives," and "father" challenge or affirm our current priorities regarding family unity and intergenerational care?**

### FAQ
**Why was Pharaoh so generous to Joseph's family?**

Answer: Pharaoh's extraordinary generosity stemmed primarily from his profound respect and gratitude for Joseph. Joseph had not only accurately interpreted Pharaoh's dreams but had also implemented a brilliant famine management strategy that saved Egypt from ruin. Recognizing Joseph's unparalleled wisdom, integrity, and indispensable service, Pharaoh extended this lavish provision to Joseph's entire family as a direct honor to his trusted vizier. It also served Pharaoh's practical interest in securing Joseph's continued loyalty and service, ensuring the stability and prosperity of his kingdom.

**What is the significance of the "wagons" being provided by Pharaoh?**

Answer: The provision of "wagons" was highly significant because it represented a substantial and costly gift, indicative of royal favor and wealth. In that era, such wheeled vehicles were not common for personal travel but were primarily used for heavy transport. Their provision by the royal court for Joseph's family demonstrated Pharaoh's commitment to ensuring the comfort and safe passage of Jacob, his elderly father, along with numerous women, children, and their possessions, over the long and arduous journey from Canaan to Egypt. This specific provision highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision working through human agents, addressing a critical logistical need for the survival and relocation of His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The journey of Jacob's family to Egypt, facilitated by Pharaoh's provision and Joseph's intercession, powerfully prefigures the greater journey of God's people into spiritual safety and abundant provision through Christ. Just as Joseph, the beloved son, provided a place of refuge and sustenance for his family during a time of famine, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son, serves as the divine Provider and Intercessor, bringing His people into the kingdom of God, a place of ultimate security and spiritual nourishment ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The lavish provision of wagons and the promise of the "good of the land" foreshadow the immeasurable spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")) and the abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Came That We May Have Life Abundantly")) that believers receive in Christ. He gathers His scattered children ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")), brings them into His eternal family ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Children of God by Faith in Christ")), and ensures their preservation and ultimate inheritance in the heavenly Canaan, a land flowing with spiritual milk and honey, far surpassing the temporary "good of Egypt."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 46:5

¶ And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

Genesis 45:27

And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Genesis 31:17

¶ Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Genesis 31:18

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.