Genesis 46:32

And the men [are] shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

And the men {H582} are shepherds {H7462}{H6629}, for their trade hath been to feed cattle {H4735}; and they have brought {H935} their flocks {H6629}, and their herds {H1241}, and all that they have.

The men are shepherds and keepers of livestock; they have brought their flocks, their herds and all their possessions.'

The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’

and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

Commentary

Genesis 46:32 details a crucial part of Joseph's strategy as he prepares his family to meet Pharaoh, explicitly stating their occupation: "And the men [are] shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have." This verse sets the stage for the family's settlement in Egypt and highlights their unique identity.

Context

This verse comes during a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, immediately after Jacob and his entire household have arrived in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise to Joseph. Joseph is about to present five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Knowing that Egyptians viewed shepherds with disdain (as explicitly mentioned in Genesis 46:34), Joseph strategically instructs his brothers to emphasize their long-standing profession. This tactic was designed to secure the fertile land of Goshen for them, a region ideal for grazing but also geographically distinct from the main Egyptian population centers. This separation was vital for the preservation of Israel's unique cultural and religious identity, preventing assimilation into Egyptian society, and allowing them to grow into a nation as prophesied.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The meticulous planning by Joseph, guided by God's overarching purpose, ensures the survival and growth of Jacob's family. Their relocation to Egypt, even with their specific occupation, was part of God's larger plan to bring forth a great nation from Abraham's descendants, as foreshadowed in Genesis 15:13.
  • Preservation of Identity: The occupation of shepherding, while perhaps lowly in Egyptian eyes, was central to the patriarchal lifestyle and helped maintain the distinctiveness of Jacob's family. By being set apart in Goshen, they could preserve their customs, beliefs, and lineage, crucial for their future role as God's chosen people.
  • Joseph's Wisdom and Foresight: Joseph's strategic instructions to his brothers demonstrate his remarkable administrative skills and foresight. He understood both Egyptian culture and the needs of his family, orchestrating a plan that benefited everyone while serving God's ultimate purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "shepherd" is ro'eh (Χ¨ΦΉΧ’ΦΆΧ”), which signifies not just the act of feeding but also tending, guiding, and protecting flocks. This term carries profound theological significance throughout the Bible, often used to describe leaders, kings, and most importantly, God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd of His people (e.g., Psalm 23:1). The phrase "their trade hath been to feed cattle" emphasizes their lifelong dedication and the hereditary nature of their profession, highlighting that their entire livelihood and wealth were intrinsically tied to their livestock.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • God's Purpose in Our Vocation: Like Jacob's family, our occupations, no matter how humble or seemingly ordinary, can be part of God's greater plan. He uses our skills and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even if it means setting us apart.
  • Strategic Living: Joseph's wisdom in navigating a foreign culture while preserving his family's integrity reminds us to live with discernment and wisdom, seeking God's guidance in how we engage with the world while maintaining our distinct identity as followers of Christ.
  • Maintaining Spiritual Distinctiveness: The separation of the Israelites in Goshen foreshadows the call for believers to be "in the world, but not of the world" (John 17:16). Our faith and values may sometimes set us apart from mainstream culture, but this distinctiveness is often essential for preserving our spiritual heritage and fulfilling God's unique call on our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 47:3

    And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What [is] your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants [are] shepherds, both we, [and] also our fathers.

  • Psalms 78:70

    He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

  • Psalms 78:72

    So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Zechariah 13:5

    But he shall say, I [am] no prophet, I [am] an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

  • Genesis 45:10

    And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

  • Genesis 9:20

    And Noah began [to be] an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
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