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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 46:5–27.
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 46:13 meticulously lists the four sons of Issachar—Tola, Phuvah, Job, and Shimron—as an integral part of the comprehensive genealogical record of Jacob's household journeying into Egypt. This seemingly simple enumeration is crucial, highlighting God's providential preservation of the nascent nation of Israel and laying the foundational identity for one of the twelve tribes, all in preparation for the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within Genesis 46, a pivotal chapter that marks a significant transition in the patriarchal narrative. Following Joseph's revelation to his brothers and Pharaoh's invitation, Jacob (now called Israel) prepares to move his entire family to Egypt to escape the severe famine. The chapter meticulously enumerates Jacob's descendants who accompanied him, serving as a comprehensive census of the nascent nation. Verses Genesis 46:8-27 provide a detailed list of the "seventy souls" who entered Egypt, organized by their mothers and then by their father's lineage. Genesis 46:13 specifically focuses on the sons of Issachar, Jacob's ninth son, placing this detail within the broader framework of establishing the complete demographic foundation of Israel before their sojourn in Egypt. This careful record-keeping underscores the divine precision in preserving the covenant line.
Historical & Cultural Context
The journey to Egypt was not merely a migration but a divinely orchestrated event, as confirmed by God's direct instruction to Jacob in Genesis 46:3-4. In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they served as vital legal, social, and theological documents. They established tribal identity, land rights, inheritance, and lineage, especially for covenantal purposes. The meticulous listing of each family member, including sons and grandsons, was crucial for validating the identity and legitimacy of a people group. The famine, a common threat in the ancient world, forced this migration, but God's providence turned a potential disaster into a strategic move to preserve and multiply His chosen people in a protected environment, setting the stage for their eventual exodus and nationhood.
Key Themes
Genesis 46:13 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's Covenant Faithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation, as promised in Genesis 12:2. Secondly, the detailed enumeration highlights Divine Sovereignty and Providence, showing God's meticulous involvement in the lives of individuals and the precise unfolding of His plan, down to the names of specific family members. This preparation for nationhood, moving from a family unit to a burgeoning people, is a foundational step toward the establishment of Israel as God's chosen people, distinct and preserved for His redemptive purposes, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah. The preservation of the family through famine, orchestrated through Joseph, is a testament to God's care for His people, a theme echoed throughout the Pentateuch.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 46:13 presents a concise but significant detail within the larger genealogical record: "And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron." This verse, like others in the chapter, serves a specific theological and historical purpose beyond mere record-keeping.
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1121) denotes a male offspring, but its root meaning, "from בָּנָה" (to build), emphasizes the son's role as a "builder of the family name." In this context, it highlights how these individuals are not just biological descendants but foundational figures who will contribute to the construction and perpetuation of the tribal identity of Issachar, thereby building up the larger nation of Israel.
The name (H3485) means "he will bring a reward," a meaning attributed by Leah at his birth in Genesis 30:18. Here, it identifies the patriarchal head of the family whose direct male lineage is being recorded. The listing of his sons underscores the continuity of the tribal structure originating from Jacob's direct offspring.
This name (H3102) is noted as "perhaps a form of יוֹבָב, but more probably by erroneous transcription for יָשׁוּב." While the name "Job" is famously associated with the patriarch of the Book of Job, the Strong's data here clarifies that this is a distinct individual, "an Israelite," a son of Issachar, and not the well-known figure from the wisdom literature. This distinction is crucial for understanding the genealogical context without conflating figures.
Verse Breakdown
"And the sons of Issachar"
This introductory phrase establishes the familial relationship, identifying the immediate descendants of Issachar, Jacob's ninth son. It signifies the continuation of the patriarchal line and the specific branch of Jacob's family being enumerated, contributing to the overall census of those entering Egypt.
"Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron"
This clause provides the specific names of Issachar's four sons. These individuals represent the foundational heads of the clans that would later constitute the tribe of Issachar. Their inclusion ensures the completeness of the genealogical record, emphasizing the meticulous detail with which God's chosen people were tracked and preserved, laying the groundwork for their future tribal organization and identity within the nation of Israel.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:13, and indeed throughout much of Genesis 46, is Genealogy or Enumeration. This precise listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. It underscores the Completeness and Order of God's providential care, ensuring that every individual who contributes to the covenant nation is accounted for. The repetitive structure of "And the sons of [father]; [son 1], and [son 2], etc." creates a rhythmic Parallelism that reinforces the systematic nature of the record, highlighting the divine intention behind the formation of a distinct people. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration is a powerful testament to the Historical Foundation of Israel and the meticulous way God builds His chosen people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 46:13, though a simple list of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to Abraham of countless descendants who would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 15:5). The meticulous preservation of each family line, even through the severe famine, demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history and caring for every individual within His chosen lineage. This verse, therefore, is not just a historical record but a foundational stone in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the people through whom the Messiah would eventually come.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 46:13, a seemingly minor detail in a long list, offers profound encouragement for our lives today. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of human history and individual lives, even those that appear insignificant. Just as He meticulously preserved the lineage of Issachar, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people, so too does He orchestrate the circumstances of our lives and the broader sweep of history for His divine purposes. This encourages us to trust in His sovereign care, even when our circumstances seem small or our role appears minor. Every individual, every family, and every generation plays a part in God's grand narrative. We are called to faithfulness in our own sphere, knowing that our seemingly small contributions are woven into God's magnificent tapestry, leading to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. This verse invites us to find comfort in God's meticulous attention to detail and to recognize the value He places on every life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies like this so important in the Bible?
Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people through generations. They confirm the fulfillment of covenant promises, especially regarding numerous descendants, as seen in God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 15:5. Most significantly, they meticulously trace the lineage leading to the Messiah, providing a historical and theological anchor for the New Testament's claims about Jesus Christ. They are not merely dry lists but foundational elements of the biblical narrative, showing how God works through specific individuals and families across generations to accomplish His redemptive plan.
Is Job, son of Issachar, the same Job from the Book of Job?
No, Job, son of Issachar, is a different individual from the patriarch Job, the central figure of the Book of Job. The name "Job" (Hebrew: אִיּוֹב, ʾIyyôḇ) was not uncommon in ancient times. The Job of the Book of Job is presented as a righteous man living in the land of Uz, and his story is generally considered to predate the time of Moses and possibly even Abraham, or at least to exist outside the direct lineage of Israel. The Job mentioned in Genesis 46:13 is a direct descendant of Jacob and a progenitor of one of the Israelite clans within the tribe of Issachar, firmly placing him within the historical narrative of Israel's formation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The meticulous preservation of Jacob's family, including the sons of Issachar listed in Genesis 46:13, is a vital link in the unfolding narrative of God's grand redemptive plan, ultimately finding its glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Each name enumerated, though seemingly minor, contributed to the formation and preservation of the nation of Israel, from whom, according to the flesh, the Messiah would come. This divine oversight ensured the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant, which promised that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). The very existence of these tribes, meticulously recorded, underscores God's sovereign hand guiding history to the precise moment when, as Paul declares, God "sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons". Thus, this genealogical detail, far from being insignificant, is a profound testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the Incarnation and the ultimate salvation offered through Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham and the hope of all nations (Galatians 3:16).