Genesis 46:1

¶ And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

And Israel {H3478} took his journey {H5265} with all that he had, and came {H935} to Beersheba {H884}, and offered {H2076} sacrifices {H2077} unto the God {H430} of his father {H1} Isaac {H3327}.

Isra'el took everything he owned with him on his journey. He arrived at Be'er-Sheva and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Yitz'chak.

So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 46:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as Jacob, now called Israel, embarks on a momentous journey from the land of Canaan to Egypt. This move is prompted by the severe famine that has gripped the region, and the revelation that his long-lost son, Joseph, is alive and the powerful governor of Egypt. Jacob is leaving the land promised to his forefathers, a significant and potentially daunting step. His first stop is Beersheba, a place with deep spiritual significance for his family. This journey sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual sojourn and growth in Egypt, leading to the Exodus.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Trust: Facing a monumental life change and leaving the promised land, Jacob pauses at Beersheba to seek God's guidance. His act of offering sacrifices demonstrates a profound trust in God's leading, even into the unknown. This echoes the faith of his ancestors in times of transition.
  • Continuity of Covenant: By offering sacrifices "unto the God of his father Isaac," Jacob emphasizes the unbroken covenant relationship passed down through generations. This act reaffirms his connection to the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, reminding him that God's faithfulness endures. Beersheba itself was a place where both Abraham and Isaac had encountered God and made covenants.
  • Worship in Transition: This verse highlights the importance of worship and seeking God's face during periods of significant change, uncertainty, or major decision-making. Jacob doesn't rush into Egypt but first establishes a spiritual anchor at a sacred family site.
  • Obedience and Assurance: Though the move is initiated by Joseph's invitation, Jacob's act of worship precedes God's direct assurance and instruction to go down to Egypt, as seen in the following verses (Genesis 46:3-4). His prayer and sacrifice prepare him to hear and obey God's voice.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Israel": The use of Jacob's new name, Israel (meaning "he strives with God" or "God strives"), underscores his matured spiritual identity. He is no longer just Jacob, the deceiver, but Israel, the prince who has wrestled with God and prevailed (Genesis 32:28). This name reinforces the seriousness and spiritual weight of his journey.
  • "Beersheba": This place name means "well of the oath" or "well of seven." It was a significant site for Abraham (Genesis 21:31) and Isaac (Genesis 26:23-25), where they built altars and called upon the Lord. Jacob's visit here connects him directly to his ancestral spiritual heritage.
  • "Offered sacrifices": This refers to an act of worship, likely involving burnt offerings ('olah) or peace offerings (zevah shelamim). Such sacrifices were made to seek divine favor, express gratitude, and establish or reaffirm communion with God. It signifies Jacob's complete dedication and dependence on God for the journey ahead.

Practical Application

Genesis 46:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Seek God in Transitions: When facing major life changes—relocation, career shifts, new family dynamics—it is crucial to pause and seek God's will through prayer and worship. Just as Jacob didn't rush into Egypt, we should not rush into significant decisions without divine consultation.
  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Reflect on God's past faithfulness, both in your own life and in the lives of those who have gone before you. Remembering the "God of your fathers" can strengthen your faith for future challenges.
  • Worship as an Anchor: Worship is not just for good times. It serves as a vital anchor during moments of uncertainty or fear, grounding us in God's unchanging character and promises.
  • Trust God's Plan: Even when God's plan leads us out of our comfort zone or into unfamiliar territory, we can trust that His hand is guiding us, just as He guided Jacob's family into Egypt for their preservation.

Reflection

Jacob's journey to Beersheba and his act of worship serve as a powerful testament to faith in the face of the unknown. It underscores that true spiritual progress often begins with a deliberate pause to honor God, acknowledge His sovereignty, and seek His blessing. This moment of spiritual anchoring prepares Jacob and his family for the next significant chapter in God's unfolding redemptive plan, ensuring that even as they leave the promised land, they remain firmly rooted in the promises of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:22 (5 votes)

    And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

  • Genesis 26:25 (5 votes)

    And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.

  • Genesis 28:13 (5 votes)

    And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

  • Genesis 31:42 (5 votes)

    Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

  • Genesis 28:10 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

  • Genesis 21:33 (5 votes)

    ¶ And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

  • Genesis 21:31 (4 votes)

    Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.