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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
Precisely identifies the two beloved sons born to Jacob through his favored wife, Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. This concise statement is an integral part of the meticulous census of Jacob's household as they embarked on their momentous journey from Canaan to Egypt, a pivotal moment in the unfolding history of the covenant people of Israel, underscoring the divine preservation and growth of the nascent nation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:19 and the surrounding verses is Genealogy or Enumeration. This meticulous listing of names serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. It underscores the Precision and Order with which God works in fulfilling His covenant promises, demonstrating His careful preservation of the chosen line. The conciseness of the verse, despite the profound significance of the individuals named, also exemplifies Economy of Language, where every word carries weight without unnecessary embellishment. The specific mention of Rachel as "Jacob's wife" is a form of Apposition or Descriptive Epithet, adding clarity and reinforcing the familial context within the larger genealogical record.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is a vital thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan. It highlights the meticulousness of divine providence, demonstrating how God preserves His chosen people through specific individuals and family lines, even amidst severe hardship like famine. The inclusion of Joseph, a figure of immense providential significance, underscores God's ability to turn human suffering and betrayal into instruments for His glorious purposes, ensuring the survival and growth of the covenant community. The very act of recording these names affirms God's faithfulness to His promises of multiplication and nationhood made to the patriarchs.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:19 might appear as a simple genealogical entry, yet it carries profound implications for our understanding of God's character and His work in the world. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously preserving His people and fulfilling His promises across generations. Just as Joseph was uniquely positioned by God to save his family, we are called to recognize God's sovereign hand in our own lives, trusting that He uses our circumstances, our gifts, and even our struggles for His greater purposes. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual heritage, to understand that our individual lives are woven into a larger divine narrative, and to find assurance in God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, both then and now. It prompts us to consider how our lives contribute to the ongoing story of God's redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are Joseph and Benjamin specifically named here, rather than just stating "Rachel's sons," and what is the significance of their individual identities?
Answer: The specific naming of Joseph and Benjamin serves to emphasize their unique and pivotal importance within Jacob's family and the broader unfolding narrative of Israel. Joseph was the providential savior of the entire family, having been elevated to power in Egypt to prepare for the famine, as described in Genesis 45:5-8. His inclusion here highlights God's foresight and the critical role he played in preserving the covenant line. Benjamin, as Jacob's youngest and last son, held a deeply cherished place in his father's heart, especially after Rachel's death (Genesis 35:18). His lineage would form one of the twelve tribes of Israel, making his individual identity crucial for tribal and national identity. Their specific naming underscores that God works through particular individuals to accomplish His grand purposes, ensuring the continuity and integrity of His chosen people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 46:19, by meticulously recording the lineage of Jacob's family, contributes directly to the grand tapestry of salvation history that ultimately points to Christ. The preservation of this specific family, including the sons of Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin, was absolutely essential for the continuation of the covenant line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Joseph's role in preserving his family from physical starvation in Egypt serves as a powerful type of Christ, who is the ultimate "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) who preserves humanity from spiritual death and offers eternal sustenance. The careful enumeration of each individual in this genealogy underscores God's meticulous, sovereign plan to bring forth the "Seed" promised to Abraham (Galatians 3:16), Jesus Christ, through a specific, preserved lineage. This divine faithfulness in maintaining the genealogical record, culminating in the birth of Jesus, as detailed in the New Testament genealogies (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38), demonstrates that every detail, every name, every preserved family, was part of God's overarching plan to bring salvation to all who believe in the person and work of Christ.