Genesis 46:5

KJV

¶ And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} rose up {H6965} from Beersheba {H884}: and the sons {H1121} of Israel {H3478} carried {H5375} Jacob {H3290} their father {H1}, and their little ones {H2945}, and their wives {H802}, in the wagons {H5699} which Pharaoh {H6547} had sent {H7971} to carry {H5375} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Ya'akov left Be'er-Sheva; the sons of Isra'el brought Ya'akov their father, their little ones and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives.

American Standard Version

And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:5 vividly portrays Jacob's obedient and decisive departure from Beersheba, leading his entire household—his sons, their wives, and all their little ones—on the momentous journey to Egypt. This pivotal act, facilitated by the substantial wagons sent by Pharaoh, underscores Jacob's immediate faith-response to God's recent command and marks a critical juncture in salvation history, initiating Israel's formative period as a burgeoning nation under divine protection in a foreign land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46:5 immediately follows a profound divine encounter at [Beersheba](/genesis/46-1 "Genesis 46:1 - Jacob's Offerings at Beersheba"), a sacred ancestral site where both Abraham and Isaac had worshipped and received reaffirmations of God's covenant promises. In [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "Genesis 46:3-4 - God's Reassurance to Jacob"), God explicitly commanded Jacob not to fear going to Egypt, promising to go with him, make him a great nation there, and ultimately bring his descendants back to the Promised Land. Jacob's prompt action in verse 5 is a direct, obedient response of faith to this divine assurance, transforming what might have been a desperate flight from famine into a divinely orchestrated migration. This journey is further facilitated by [Pharaoh's generous provision of wagons](/genesis/45-19-21 "Genesis 45:19-21 - Pharaoh's Provision for Jacob's Family"), arranged through Joseph's powerful position as vizier in Egypt, underscoring the intricate divine planning at play.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, long-distance travel, especially for large families with children and possessions, was arduous and typically undertaken by foot or on donkeys. The provision of "wagons" (Hebrew: _'agalah_), specifically sent by Pharaoh, signifies an extraordinary and royal gesture. Such vehicles were substantial, often used for transporting goods or military purposes, and their use for a family's relocation conveyed immense honor and privilege, reflecting Joseph's high standing in the Egyptian court. Pharaoh's authority was absolute, and his command to provide these wagons would have been carried out with utmost diligence, ensuring the comfort and safety of Jacob's large household during their migration from Canaan to Egypt. This royal provision highlights the unique circumstances of Jacob's entry into Egypt, not as a refugee, but as an honored guest of the state.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It exemplifies **Obedience and Faith**, as Jacob's immediate departure from Beersheba demonstrates his profound trust in God's word, even when it meant leaving the Promised Land for an uncertain future. It highlights **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's intricate and often surprising ways of caring for His people, even using a pagan ruler like Pharaoh to ensure the comfort and dignity of Jacob's family (as seen in [Genesis 45:17-21](/genesis/45-17-21 "Genesis 45:17-21 - Pharaoh's Command to Provide for Jacob's Family")). Finally, the collective movement of "the sons of Israel" with their entire household underscores the nascent **Formation of a Nation**, marking a crucial step in the transformation of Jacob's family into the distinct people of Israel, preparing them for their future growth and eventual exodus (themes found in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel's Growth and Oppression in Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** From עָקַב (H6117), meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter." This name, given at birth, reflects his early character and struggles, yet by this point in the narrative, he is also known as Israel (H3478), "he will rule as God," signifying his transformed identity and covenant relationship with God. The return to "Jacob" here emphasizes his personal, familial role as the patriarch leading his household.
* **carried (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** Or נָסָה (H5264), a primitive root meaning "to lift," "bear," or "carry." This word implies more than mere physical transport; it conveys the act of bearing responsibility for, supporting, and lifting up their patriarch and the more vulnerable members of the family. It suggests a careful, deliberate act of conveying precious cargo, reflecting the importance of Jacob and his entire household.
* **wagons (Hebrew, _ʻăgâlâh'_):** From the same as עָגֹל (H5696), meaning "something revolving," specifically "a wheeled vehicle." These were substantial, heavy carts, distinct from lighter conveyances. Their mention here emphasizes the planned and dignified nature of the migration, indicating a well-equipped journey provided by Pharaoh, rather than a hurried or meager escape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob rose up from Beersheba":** This opening phrase signifies Jacob's immediate and decisive obedience to God's command given in [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "Genesis 46:3-4 - God's Assurance to Jacob"). Beersheba, a place of significant covenant encounters for Abraham and Isaac, was where Jacob had just offered sacrifices and received divine reassurance. His "rising up" indicates a prompt, faith-filled departure, leaving behind a familiar, sacred place in the Promised Land to venture into the unknown of Egypt, trusting God's promise to be with him.
* **"and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives,":** This clause emphasizes the collective and comprehensive nature of the migration. "The sons of Israel" (referring to Jacob's twelve sons, the progenitors of the tribes) take responsibility for their aged father, highlighting filial respect and the transfer of leadership. The inclusion of "their little ones" (Hebrew: _ṭaph_, H2945, referring to young children, often collectively) and "their wives" (Hebrew: _'ishshâh_, H802) underscores that the entire household, including the most vulnerable members, was part of this divinely orchestrated move, ensuring their safety and comfort. This detail highlights the burgeoning family unit that would become a nation.
* **"in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.":** This crucial detail highlights the extraordinary nature of God's provision. These were not ordinary carts but substantial vehicles, specifically provided by the most powerful ruler of the time, Pharaoh. This provision, orchestrated by Joseph (as detailed in [Genesis 45:19-21](/genesis/45-19-21 "Genesis 45:19-21 - Pharaoh's Command to Provide for Jacob's Family")), serves as a powerful testament to God's elaborate and unexpected care for His chosen people. It demonstrates that God's providence extends even to secular rulers and their resources to fulfill His divine purposes, ensuring Jacob's family traveled with dignity and ease.

#### Literary Devices
This verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. The phrase "Jacob rose up" functions as a **Symbolic Action**, representing not merely a physical movement but a decisive act of faith and obedience in response to divine command. The repeated emphasis on "Jacob" and "the sons of Israel" highlights the **Thematic Juxtaposition** of the individual patriarch's journey with the collective identity of the nascent nation. The meticulous listing of "Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives" is an example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts stand for the whole, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the migration, encompassing all generations and vulnerable members. Finally, the explicit mention of "wagons which Pharaoh had sent" serves as **Foreshadowing** of God's continued use of powerful, even pagan, figures and resources to protect and provide for His people throughout their history, a pattern seen repeatedly in the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:5 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous providence. Jacob's journey into Egypt, though seemingly a departure from the Promised Land, is in fact a divinely ordained step towards the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation (as first declared to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). God's sovereign hand is evident in orchestrating events through human agents like Joseph and Pharaoh, ensuring the safety and flourishing of Jacob's family, even in a foreign land. This collective movement of Jacob's household marks a crucial stage in the development of Israel from a family into a distinct nation, preparing them for their future role in God's redemptive plan and foreshadowing the greater exodus to come.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "Deuteronomy 26:5 - Israel's Confession of Their Humble Beginnings")
* [Psalm 105:23](/psalms/105-23 "Psalm 105:23 - Israel's Entry into Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:5 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers navigating their own journeys of faith. Just as Jacob, despite his age and the uncertainty of leaving the Promised Land, responded with immediate obedience to God's command, we too are called to trust God's leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain or requires significant life changes. This verse reminds us that God's provision is not limited to conventional or spiritual means; He often uses unexpected channels, even secular authorities, to fulfill His purposes and care for His people, as seen in Pharaoh's wagons. We are encouraged to cultivate a discerning eye to recognize God's hand in seemingly ordinary or surprising provisions in our lives. Furthermore, the collective journey of Jacob's family—sons carrying their father, protecting their wives and little ones—underscores the enduring importance of family unity, mutual support, and community cohesion, especially during times of transition, challenge, or divine redirection. As we embark on God's callings, we are not meant to journey alone, but to lean on and support one another within the family of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Beersheba" might God be calling you to "rise up" from, and what "Egypt" might He be leading you towards?**
* **How does Jacob's immediate obedience challenge your own willingness to follow God's direction, especially when it involves leaving your comfort zone?**
* **In what unexpected ways has God provided for you or your family, and how can you cultivate a greater awareness of His sovereign hand in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Pharaoh's wagons in this verse?**

Answer: The wagons sent by Pharaoh are profoundly significant, representing not only extraordinary divine provision but also the elevated status and dignity afforded to Jacob's family. In an era when long-distance travel was arduous, these were not meager carts but substantial, comfortable vehicles, indicative of a well-equipped and honored journey rather than a hurried flight. This detail powerfully highlights God's intricate and sovereign providence, demonstrating how He used Joseph's influence with the most powerful ruler of the time to ensure the safe and comfortable relocation of His chosen people. It underscores that God's care is not limited to conventional or spiritual means but extends even through secular channels and powerful human agents to fulfill His divine purposes, as seen in [Genesis 45:19-21](/genesis/45-19-21 "Genesis 45:19-21 - Pharaoh's Command to Provide for Jacob's Family").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The journey of Jacob and his family into Egypt, facilitated by divine provision and leading to the formation of a great nation, serves as a profound **type** or foreshadowing of God's ultimate redemptive plan in Christ. Just as God sovereignly led Israel through a foreign land to protect, grow, and prepare them for their inheritance, so Christ leads His people—the new Israel, the Church—through the wilderness of this fallen world, providing for them and gathering them into a spiritual nation. The temporary refuge in Egypt, which eventually led to a period of bondage and a greater exodus, points to the spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin and death accomplished by Jesus Christ through His sacrificial death and resurrection (as prophesied in [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - God Calls Israel Out of Egypt") and fulfilled in [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Jesus' Return from Egypt")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), leading His people not to an earthly promised land, but to an eternal inheritance and rest in Him, the true King and Shepherd ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 45:19

Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Genesis 45:21

And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.

Genesis 45:27

And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:

Exodus 10:24

And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

Exodus 10:26

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.

Genesis 31:17

¶ Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Genesis 31:18

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.