Genesis 45:21

KJV

And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} so: and Joseph {H3130} gave {H5414} them wagons {H5699}, according to the commandment {H6310} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and gave {H5414} them provision {H6720} for the way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Isra'el acted accordingly; and Yosef gave them wagons, as Pharaoh had ordered, and gave them provisions for their journey.

Berean Standard Bible

So the sons of Israel did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had instructed, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 45:21 records the immediate and obedient response of Joseph's brothers to Pharaoh's gracious invitation to relocate to Egypt. This pivotal verse details Joseph's swift action in providing essential wagons and abundant provisions, ensuring the practical means for Jacob's entire household to undertake the significant journey from Canaan to the fertile land of Goshen, thereby securing their survival amidst the severe famine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in the Joseph narrative, immediately following Joseph's emotional self-revelation to his brothers in [Genesis 45:1-15](/genesis/45-1-15 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers"). The news of Joseph's identity and reconciliation reaches Pharaoh, who, in his immense gratitude and esteem for Joseph, extends an unprecedented invitation for Jacob's entire family to settle in the "best of the land" of Egypt, specifically Goshen, and to enjoy its bounty ([Genesis 45:16-20](/genesis/45-16-20 "Pharaoh's Invitation to Jacob's Family")). Genesis 45:21 serves as the practical implementation of this royal decree, detailing the brothers' compliance and Joseph's provision, which directly precedes Jacob's journey to Egypt in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob Journeys to Egypt"). It marks the transition from the emotional climax of reconciliation to the logistical preparations for the family's migration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this period, Egypt was a dominant power, renowned for its agricultural wealth, particularly in the fertile Nile Delta region, which included Goshen. The provision of wagons (`ʻăgâlâh`, H5699) was a significant act of royal generosity, as such vehicles were costly and primarily used by royalty or for military purposes. For a nomadic family like Jacob's, these heavy, two-wheeled carts were essential for transporting women, children, the elderly, and their limited possessions over the considerable distance from Canaan to Egypt. The famine, which had afflicted the entire region for several years ([Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "The Famine Spreads")), made sustenance and safe travel incredibly challenging. Pharaoh's "commandment" (`peh`, H6310) carried the weight of absolute authority, and his provision of provisions (`tsêydâh`, H6720) for the journey underscored the comprehensive nature of his hospitality and the high regard he held for Joseph.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 45:21 underscores several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God's sovereign plan unfolds through human actions, even those of a pagan king like Pharaoh, to preserve His covenant people. The famine, intended by God to test and shape His people, becomes the very mechanism for their relocation and preservation. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Reconciliation and Restoration**, as the practical provision for the family's journey is a direct outcome of the healing of the fractured relationship between Joseph and his brothers. This act of provision signifies the tangible blessings that flow from forgiveness and restored family unity. Lastly, it emphasizes **God's Abundant Provision** in times of dire need, showcasing His faithfulness to supply beyond mere necessity, transforming a situation of potential despair into one of flourishing and security for Jacob's lineage, ultimately paving the way for the nation of Israel to grow in Egypt, as foretold in [Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies the immediate and active compliance of the children of Israel. It denotes not merely passive agreement but the tangible execution of the instructions given, highlighting their prompt obedience and the shift in their posture towards Joseph and the divine plan.
* **wagons (Hebrew, _ʻăgâlâh'_):** From H5699, meaning "something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle; cart, chariot, wagon." This term refers to substantial, often two-wheeled, carts suitable for heavy transport. Their provision by Pharaoh, through Joseph, was a significant and costly gift, emphasizing the royal backing and the comprehensive nature of the relocation, intended for the comfort and safety of the women, children, and elderly, as well as their belongings.
* **provision (Hebrew, _tsêydâh'_):** From H6720, meaning "food; meat, provision, venison, victuals." This word encompasses all necessary supplies for a journey, including food, water, and other essentials. Its inclusion highlights the meticulous care taken to ensure the family's well-being during their travel, reflecting not only Pharaoh's generosity but also Joseph's foresight and God's overarching providence in sustaining His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did so:"** This opening clause signifies the immediate and willing compliance of Joseph's brothers. Having just experienced the profound reconciliation with Joseph and heard Pharaoh's generous invitation, their response is one of ready obedience. This marks a significant transformation from their previous fear and treachery, indicating a newfound trust in Joseph's leadership and the divine plan unfolding before them. Their action is a crucial step in the unfolding narrative, directly enabling the family's migration to Egypt.
* **"and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh,"** This clause details Joseph's active role in facilitating the move, acting as Pharaoh's trusted administrator. The provision of "wagons" was a substantial and necessary gift for a large family undertaking a long journey, especially given the famine conditions. The phrase "according to the commandment of Pharaoh" underscores the royal authority behind this provision, highlighting Pharaoh's extraordinary favor towards Joseph and, by extension, his family. This act is a tangible manifestation of the king's generosity and Joseph's high standing in Egypt.
* **"and gave them provision for the way."** This final clause emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the care extended to Jacob's family. Beyond the means of transport, Joseph also supplied all necessary "provision" (food, water, supplies) for their journey. This detail ensures that the family would be well-sustained and comfortable during their travel from Canaan to Egypt, reflecting meticulous planning and abundant care. This act of provision, orchestrated by Joseph under Pharaoh's authority, serves as a powerful symbol of God's overarching providence, transforming a situation of famine and potential despair into one of salvation and flourishing for Jacob's entire lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of "gave them," highlighting Joseph's active role as the provider, acting on behalf of Pharaoh. This repetition underscores the lavishness and comprehensiveness of the provisions. **Symbolism** is present in the "wagons" and "provision," which are not merely practical items but symbolize God's meticulous care and abundant supply for His people, even in the midst of famine. They represent the means by which God ensures the preservation and future flourishing of the covenant family. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony**, as the very brother sold into slavery is now the one providing the means of salvation and sustenance for his family, demonstrating God's ability to turn evil intentions into redemptive outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 45:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous and abundant providence, particularly in His preservation of the covenant lineage. This verse is not merely a logistical detail but a demonstration of how God orchestrates circumstances, even through the actions of a pagan ruler and a formerly estranged son, to fulfill His promises. The provision of wagons and sustenance for Jacob's family in a time of severe famine illustrates God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring their survival and growth so that His redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, can continue to unfold. It highlights that God's care is both comprehensive and timely, meeting physical needs as a precursor to spiritual purposes.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose"): "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Supplies All Needs"): "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "The Lord is My Shepherd"): "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:21 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on the nature of God's provision and our response to His leading. In a world often marked by uncertainty and scarcity, this passage reminds us that God's care for His people is not only sufficient but often lavish, exceeding our expectations and perfectly tailored to our needs. Just as He provided for Jacob's family through unexpected means and an unlikely human instrument, we are called to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He works all things for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse also underscores the transformative power of reconciliation; the tangible blessings of provision and peace flow directly from the healing of fractured relationships. It challenges us to pursue forgiveness and restoration within our own families and communities, recognizing that such acts can unlock divine blessings and facilitate God's purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Joseph's provision for his family encourage you to trust God with your own needs, especially in times of scarcity or uncertainty?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "wagons and provisions" in your life, meeting your needs through unexpected sources or circumstances?**
* **Considering the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, what practical steps can you take to foster forgiveness and restoration in a strained relationship in your life?**
* **How does the "doing so" of the children of Israel inspire your own obedience and readiness to follow God's leading, even when the path is unclear?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Pharaoh's extraordinary generosity stemmed primarily from the immense favor Joseph had found in his eyes. Joseph had not only accurately interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, saving Egypt from a devastating seven-year famine, but had also proven to be an exceptionally wise and capable administrator, effectively managing the nation's resources ([Genesis 41:39-40](/genesis/41-39-40 "Joseph's Elevation and Authority")). Pharaoh recognized that blessing Joseph's family was a way to honor Joseph and secure the well-being of the man who had become indispensable to his kingdom. This generosity also reflects God's blessing upon Joseph, extending to his entire family, demonstrating how God can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes.

**Did Jacob's family have a choice in moving to Egypt?**

Answer: While Pharaoh's invitation was a generous offer of refuge and provision during a severe famine, it was also presented with the weight of a royal command through Joseph, who conveyed Pharaoh's desire for them to settle in the "best of the land" ([Genesis 45:18](/genesis/45-18 "Pharaoh's Invitation")). Given the dire circumstances in Canaan—the severe famine that threatened their very survival—and the promise of abundant provision and fertile land in Egypt, accepting the offer was the most practical and life-sustaining choice available to them. The phrase "And the children of Israel did so" ([Genesis 45:21](/genesis/45-21 "The Children of Israel Obey")) indicates their ready compliance, recognizing the necessity and immense benefit of the move for their survival and future flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 45:21, with its profound themes of abundant provision, preservation, and the gathering of a scattered family, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, once rejected and sold, became the means of salvation and sustenance for his family during a time of physical famine, so Christ, the greater Joseph, was rejected and sacrificed, yet through His atoning work, He provides eternal life and spiritual nourishment for all who believe, saving humanity from the spiritual famine of sin and death. The wagons and provisions given by Joseph symbolize the comprehensive and lavish care God extends to His people, a care fully realized in Christ, who not only provides for our deepest needs but *is* the provision itself—the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life") who satisfies our spiritual hunger and the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "Jesus the Good Shepherd") who leads and sustains His flock. Through His redemptive work on the cross, Christ gathers His scattered people from every nation, bringing them into the secure "land" of His eternal kingdom, ensuring their ultimate preservation and everlasting well-being, far surpassing any earthly provision. He is the one who says, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus Invites the Weary")."

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 45:19

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.

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.

Ecclesiastes 8:2

I [counsel thee] to keep the king's commandment, and [that] in regard of the oath of God.

Numbers 3:16

And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded.

2 Chronicles 8:13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, [even] in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

Numbers 7:3

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.