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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 46:17 provides a meticulous record of the immediate descendants of Asher, one of Jacob's sons, specifically naming Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and their sister Serah, along with Beriah's two sons, Heber and Malchiel. This precise genealogical entry is an integral part of the larger divine narrative chronicling the seventy members of Jacob's household who journeyed into Egypt, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to multiply Abraham's seed into a great nation, even amidst challenging circumstances.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 46:17 primarily employs Enumeration and Genealogy as its core literary devices. The verse is a precise list of names, serving as a record of individuals. This Enumeration is not merely a dry list but a purposeful act of divine accounting, emphasizing the growth and preservation of God's chosen family. The structure itself is a classic Genealogy, a common biblical form used to trace lineage, establish identity, and demonstrate historical continuity. Within this, there is a subtle form of Repetition with the phrase "the sons of," which reinforces the patriarchal structure and the clear lines of descent. The inclusion of Serah, a daughter, among the male-dominated list, serves as a point of Emphasis, drawing attention to her unique presence and perhaps her significance within the family unit, making the record more comprehensive than typical patriarchal lists.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:17, as a part of the larger genealogical record, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The meticulous listing of each individual, even a daughter like Serah, underscores God's personal knowledge and care for every member of His chosen people. This preservation of family lines, despite the severe famine and the daunting move to a foreign land, is a testament to God's faithfulness to His oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would make their descendants into a great nation. This passage highlights that God's grand redemptive plan unfolds through the seemingly ordinary details of family life and migration, demonstrating His sovereign hand guiding human affairs toward His ultimate purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogy in Genesis 46:17 invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God sees and values every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure their name might appear in a long list. Just as He meticulously recorded each member of Jacob's household, He knows each one of us intimately, having numbered the very hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). This passage reminds us that God's plans are often unfolded through the ordinary, the familial, and the seemingly mundane events of life. The journey into Egypt, though fraught with uncertainty, was a divinely orchestrated step in the formation of a nation. This should encourage believers today to trust in God's sovereign care and His faithfulness to His promises, even when facing daunting transitions or challenging circumstances. We can rest assured that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), meticulously guiding our lives to fulfill His grand design for His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially considering their detailed nature like in Genesis 46:17?
Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they establish lineage and identity, particularly for the promised Messiah, ensuring the fulfillment of prophecies concerning His descent from Abraham, Judah, and David. Secondly, they confirm tribal identity and inheritance rights for the Israelites, which were vital for land distribution and social structure in the Promised Land. Thirdly, they powerfully demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people across generations, even through periods of hardship, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. Finally, they provide historical and theological continuity, linking disparate events and individuals into a cohesive narrative of God's unfolding work in the world. They are not merely dry lists but foundational records that underscore the precision and reliability of God's promises and His active involvement in human history, as seen in the meticulous record of those entering Egypt in Genesis 46.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 46:17 is a specific genealogical entry for the tribe of Asher, its ultimate significance lies in its contribution to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Every name listed in this chapter, including those of Asher's family, represents a vital link in the unbroken chain that would lead to the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The very act of God preserving and multiplying Jacob's family, even as they entered a foreign land, ensured the continuity of the covenant line that began with Abraham (Genesis 12:3). This lineage culminates in Jesus, who is identified as the "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham" in the opening verse of the New Testament (Matthew 1:1). The detailed record of Israel's formation, of which Genesis 46:17 is a part, underscores God's precise and sovereign plan to bring forth the "seed" who would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15), the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), thereby fulfilling the promise to bless all nations through a descendant of this very family (Galatians 3:16).