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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 46:22 offers a precise numerical account of the direct descendants of Rachel, one of Jacob's beloved wives, who journeyed with him into Egypt. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive genealogical record within the larger narrative of Jacob's family migrating to Egypt to escape famine and reunite with Joseph, meticulously detailing the individuals who formed the nascent Israelite nation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:22 states, "These [are] the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls [were] fourteen." This verse provides a specific numerical summary for Rachel's direct descendants who were part of Jacob's migration into Egypt.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:22, and indeed throughout much of Genesis 46, is Enumeration. This involves the detailed listing and counting of individuals, which serves to emphasize the growth and preservation of Jacob's family. The precise number "fourteen" provides a sense of Accuracy and Verisimilitude, lending credibility to the historical account. Furthermore, the focus on specific family lines, like Rachel's, employs Categorization, organizing the large family unit into manageable and identifiable groups, which was crucial for establishing tribal identities in the future. This meticulous record-keeping also serves as a form of Emphasis, underscoring God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants, even as they enter a foreign land.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:22, by meticulously counting Rachel's descendants, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The detailed enumeration of Jacob's family, even down to specific sub-lineages, underscores the divine faithfulness in preserving and multiplying the nascent nation of Israel, a crucial step towards the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his offspring would become a great multitude. This divine oversight ensures the continuity of the covenant line, setting the stage for the future formation of the twelve tribes and the eventual arrival of the Messiah.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:22, though seemingly a simple numerical record, offers profound insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, even down to the individual members of our families and communities. Just as He meticulously tracked and provided for Jacob's family during a time of severe famine and relocation, He continues to oversee the lives of His people today, orchestrating circumstances for their preservation and growth. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's overarching plan, even when our own circumstances seem uncertain or dire. The emphasis on lineage also highlights the enduring importance of family, heritage, and the role each generation plays in God's unfolding redemptive story. We are called to recognize our place within God's grand narrative and to live faithfully, knowing that our lives contribute to His eternal purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Rachel included in the count if she was already deceased?
Answer: The verse does not imply Rachel herself was alive and present in the migration. Instead, the phrase "These [are] the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob" serves to define the specific family branch being enumerated. The subsequent count of "all the souls [were] fourteen" refers to her direct descendants—her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, and their respective children—who were indeed alive and part of the migration to Egypt. Genealogies in the Bible frequently trace lineage through a deceased matriarch or patriarch to establish the continuity and identity of their family line, focusing on the living descendants who carry on the name and heritage. This method ensures that the full scope of Jacob's family, organized by his wives, is accounted for as they enter Egypt, laying the groundwork for the future tribes of Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogical record in Genesis 46:22 and throughout Genesis 46, detailing the preservation and growth of Jacob's family, ultimately points towards the faithfulness of God in preparing the specific lineage from which the Messiah would come. This detailed accounting underscores God's commitment to His covenant promises, not only to make Abraham's descendants a great nation but also to bring forth the "Seed" who would bless all nations (Genesis 22:18). The preservation of this specific family line, despite famine and migration into a foreign land, foreshadows God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history for the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises and the one through whom all of God's chosen people, from every tribe and nation, are gathered into His eternal family (Galatians 3:16 and Revelation 7:9-10). The journey to Egypt, a place of initial preservation but eventual bondage, also subtly prefigures the greater exodus from sin and death accomplished by Christ, the true deliverer (Luke 4:18-19).