Genesis 46:5

ยถ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Genesis 46:5 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, detailing the departure of Jacob (also called Israel) and his entire household from Beersheba towards Egypt. This verse signifies the immediate obedience of Jacob to God's command and the beginning of a new chapter for the nascent nation of Israel.

Context

This verse follows directly after God's appearance to Jacob at Beersheba, a significant ancestral site where Abraham and Isaac had also worshipped and received divine promises. In Genesis 46:3-4, God reassured Jacob not to fear going down to Egypt, promising to go with him and to make him a great nation there, and to bring his descendants back to the land. Jacob's action in this verse is a direct response of faith to that divine assurance. The journey was not a desperate flight, but an organized migration facilitated by Pharaoh's provision of wagons, arranged by Joseph, who was then a powerful ruler in Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faith: Jacob's immediate departure from Beersheba demonstrates his trust and obedience to God's word, even when it meant leaving the promised land for a foreign one. This act of faith is central to his character.
  • Divine Provision: The mention of "wagons which Pharaoh had sent" highlights God's elaborate provision for His people. Through Joseph's influence, God ensured that Jacob's large family, including "their little ones, and their wives," could travel comfortably and with dignity, rather than as refugees. This foreshadows God's continued care for His people throughout their journey.
  • Family Unity and National Identity: The phrase "the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives" emphasizes the cohesion of Jacob's family. This entire household, soon to become the twelve tribes, is moving as a single unit, solidifying their identity as the burgeoning nation of Israel. This collective movement underscores the beginning of their corporate history in Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "carried" (ื ึธืฉึธื‚ื, nasa) is a common verb meaning to lift, bear, or carry. In this context, it implies not just physical transport but also the act of taking responsibility for and supporting their patriarch and the vulnerable members of the family. The use of "wagons" (ืขึฒื’ึธืœึธื”, 'agalah) specifically denotes heavy carts, indicating a substantial and well-equipped journey, not a hurried or meager departure.

Practical Application

Genesis 46:5 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Leading: Just as Jacob stepped out in faith, we are called to trust God's guidance, even when the path ahead is uncertain or requires leaving familiar comforts.
  • God's Provision in Unexpected Ways: The Lord often uses unexpected means or human agents (like Pharaoh) to provide for His people. This verse reminds us to recognize God's hand in seemingly secular or ordinary provisions.
  • The Importance of Family and Community: The collective journey of Jacob's family highlights the importance of family unity and mutual support in times of transition and challenge.

This journey to Egypt, though initially a means of survival, ultimately became the crucible where God forged a nation, preparing them for their eventual return to the Promised Land, a narrative of God's faithfulness that continues to unfold.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:19 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 31:18 (2 votes)

    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.