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Commentary on Genesis 46 verses 5–27
Old Jacob is here flitting. Little did he think of ever leaving Canaan; he expected, no doubt, to die in his nest, and to leave his seed in actual possession of the promised land: but Providence orders it otherwise. Note, Those that think themselves well settled may yet be unsettled in a little time. Even old people, who think of no other removal than that to the grave (which Jacob had much upon his heart, Gen 37:35; Gen 42:38), sometimes live to see great changes in their family. It is good to be ready, not only for the grave, but for whatever may happen betwixt us and the grave. Observe, 1. How Jacob was conveyed; not in a chariot, though chariots were then used, but in a wagon, Gen 46:5. Jacob had the character of a plain man, who did not affect any thing stately or magnificent; his son rode in a chariot (Gen 41:43), but a wagon would serve him. 2. The removal of what he had with him. (1.) His effects (Gen 46:6), cattle and goods; these he took with him that he might not wholly be beholden to Pharaoh for a livelihood, and that it might not afterwards be said of them, "that they came beggars to Egypt." (2.) His family, all his seed, Gen 46:7. It is probable that they had continued to live together in common with their father; and therefore when he went they all went, which perhaps they were the more willing to do, because, though they had heard that the land of Canaan was promised them, yet, to this day, they had none of it in possession. We have here a particular account of the names of Jacob's family, his sons' sons, most of whom are afterwards mentioned as heads of houses in the several tribes. See Num 26:5, etc. Bishop Patrick observes that Issachar called his eldest son Tola, which signifies a worm, probably because when he was born he was a very little weak child, a worm, and no man, not likely to live; and yet there sprang from him a very numerous offspring, Ch1 7:2. Note, Living and dying do not go by probability. The whole number that went down into Egypt was sixty-six (Gen 46:26), to which add Joseph and his two sons, who were there before, and Jacob himself, the head of the family, and you have the number of seventy, Gen 46:27. The Septuagint makes them seventy-five, and Stephen follows them (Act 7:14), the reason of which we leave to the conjecture of the critics; but let us observe, [1.] Masters of families ought to take care of all under their charge, and to provide for those of their own house food convenient both for body and soul. When Jacob himself removed to a land of plenty, he would not leave any of his children behind him to starve in a barren land. [2.] Though the accomplishment of promises is always sure, yet it is often slow. It was now 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make of him a great nation (Gen 12:2); and yet that branch of his seed on which the promise was entailed had increased only to seventy, of which this particular account is kept, that the power of God in multiplying these seventy to so vast a multitude, even in Egypt, may appear the more illustrious. When God pleases, a little one shall become a thousand, Isa 60:22.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 46:10 meticulously lists the six sons of Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons, as part of the detailed census of Jacob's household journeying to Egypt. This verse uniquely highlights the heritage of Shaul, noting his mother was a Canaanitish woman, a detail that underscores the Bible's precise genealogical record-keeping and hints at the complex, yet divinely guided, formation of Israel, even amidst diverse familial origins.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:10 is Genealogy, which serves to meticulously record the lineage and establish the continuity of the covenant family. Within this genealogical framework, there is a clear use of Emphasis through Detail, specifically regarding Shaul's mother. By singling out her Canaanitish origin, the text highlights this particular fact as noteworthy, inviting the reader to consider its significance without explicitly stating it. This unique detail creates a subtle Contrast with the unmentioned backgrounds of the other sons' mothers, drawing attention to the diverse origins within the nascent Israelite community.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of genealogies, including seemingly minor details like Shaul's mother, demonstrates God's precise oversight in preserving the promised seed. Each name, regardless of its background, contributes to the grand narrative of salvation history and the tracing of the Messiah's lineage. This verse illustrates God's sovereign plan operating through imperfect human situations and choices. Despite the complexities of intermarriage that would later be prohibited, God continued to preserve and multiply Jacob's family, ensuring they would grow into a mighty nation. The presence of a Canaanitish woman in the patriarchal lineage, though an isolated instance, subtly foreshadows God's broader redemptive plan, which would eventually extend beyond ethnic Israel to encompass all nations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:10 reminds us that God's intricate plan unfolds through the diverse and sometimes unexpected tapestry of human lives. The inclusion of Shaul's Canaanitish mother demonstrates that God's work of preserving His people and fulfilling His promises often operates through imperfect human situations and varied backgrounds. It underscores the Bible's commitment to presenting a full, unvarnished picture of the ancestors of Israel, acknowledging the complexities and realities of their lives. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God uses all kinds of people and circumstances to accomplish His sovereign will, and that every individual, regardless of their background, perceived imperfections, or social standing, plays a part in His grand redemptive narrative. It encourages us to embrace the diverse tapestry of God's people and to trust in His sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem unconventional.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Shaul's mother's ethnic background specifically mentioned when others are not?
Answer: The Bible often includes specific details that hold historical, social, or theological significance for its original audience, even if the explicit reason isn't stated. The mention of Shaul's Canaanitish mother is unique in this chapter's extensive genealogy, suggesting it was noteworthy. It might highlight the diverse origins within the early Israelite families before the formal establishment of the Mosaic Law, which would later strictly prohibit intermarriage with Canaanites (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This detail could also serve as a factual historical record, indicating a particular family dynamic within Simeon's household, or it might subtly foreshadow the broader inclusivity of God's plan that would eventually extend beyond ethnic Israel, as seen in the New Testament.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of genealogies, as seen in Genesis 46:10, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Every name recorded, including that of Shaul, contributes to the unbroken chain leading to Christ. The inclusion of a Canaanitish woman, though an anomaly in the patriarchal line given later Mosaic prohibitions, serves as a subtle, yet profound, foreshadowing of the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant in Christ. Jesus's own genealogy, as recorded in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, notably includes Gentile women like Rahab (a Canaanite, Matthew 1:5) and Ruth (a Moabite, Matthew 1:5), demonstrating that God's redemptive plan was always intended to transcend ethnic and national boundaries. Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, breaks down all dividing walls of hostility, uniting people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into one family of God (Ephesians 2:14; Revelation 7:9). Through His atoning work, the Abrahamic promise that all nations would be blessed through his seed is fully realized, welcoming all who believe into the spiritual lineage of faith (Galatians 3:8).