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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 46:8 initiates the detailed genealogical record of Jacob's household, now identified as Israel, as they journey into Egypt. This verse specifically introduces Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, commencing the enumeration of the family members who would collectively form the nascent nation of Israel. This migration, divinely orchestrated, represents a crucial step in the unfolding of God's covenant plan and redemptive history, ensuring the preservation and growth of the chosen lineage.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of Genesis. It immediately follows the emotional reunion of Jacob and Joseph in Egypt, detailed in Genesis 45. Having received Pharaoh's generous invitation to settle in the fertile land of Goshen (Genesis 45:10), Jacob and his entire household are now making the journey from Canaan. Chapter 46 then meticulously lists all the individuals who accompanied Jacob into Egypt, emphasizing the scale of this migration and setting the stage for the growth of Israel into a nation, which is further elaborated in Genesis 47. This detailed census underscores the importance of lineage and identity within the biblical narrative, serving as a foundational record for the subsequent history of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt occurred during a severe regional famine, a common and devastating natural disaster in the ancient Near East. Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile River, often served as a granary for the surrounding regions, making it a natural refuge during such crises. The meticulous recording of names and genealogies was a widespread practice in ancient cultures, serving to establish lineage, inheritance rights, social status, and national identity. For the Israelites, these records were particularly vital as they traced the fulfillment of divine promises through specific family lines. The hospitality extended by Pharaoh to Joseph's family, though exceptional, reflects the power dynamics and diplomatic relations that could exist between rulers and foreign dignitaries in that era, often driven by mutual benefit or respect.
Key Themes: Genesis 46:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding Jacob's family to Egypt, not merely as a response to famine but as a necessary step for their growth into a great nation, as prophesied to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14. Secondly, it underscores the Fulfillment of Covenant Promises, particularly the promise that Abraham's descendants would multiply and become a great nation (Genesis 12:2). The detailed enumeration of individuals signifies the nascent stage of this nation-building. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the Preservation of Lineage, meticulously tracking the family through whom God's redemptive plan, including the eventual coming of the Messiah, would unfold. The naming of "Israel" for Jacob's family also reinforces the theme of Corporate Identity as God's chosen people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 46:8 states: "And these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn."
This verse serves as the formal introduction to the comprehensive list of Jacob's descendants who accompanied him into Egypt. It is more than a mere roster; it is a foundational document for the emerging nation of Israel, meticulously detailing the lineage that would carry God's covenant promises.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 46:8 is Enumeration, as the verse serves as the introduction to a detailed list of individuals. This specific form of enumeration functions as a Genealogy, meticulously recording the lineage of Jacob's family. The precise naming of individuals, starting with "Reuben, Jacob's firstborn," employs Emphasis to highlight the importance of birth order and the structured nature of the family unit. The act of listing itself also serves as a form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the future growth of this family into a numerous nation, a key component of God's covenant promises. The careful record-keeping throughout this passage underscores the divine attention to detail in the unfolding of redemptive history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The entry of Jacob's family into Egypt, meticulously documented in Genesis 46, is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over history. This migration, seemingly a desperate measure against famine, was in fact a divinely orchestrated step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was in Egypt that this small family would multiply into a great nation, preserved and prepared for their eventual Exodus and the reception of the Law. The detailed census underscores that every individual within God's plan matters, and His purposes are meticulously brought to fruition through specific people and lineages, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a powerful reminder that even in moments of profound uncertainty, hardship, or forced relocation, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His sovereign purposes. Jacob's family was not merely fleeing famine; they were being divinely positioned for a crucial stage in their development as a nation. The detailed record-keeping reflects God's intimate care and attention to every individual life within His larger, overarching plan for humanity. For us today, this encourages profound trust in God's providence, knowing that He orchestrates events for the ultimate good of His people, even when circumstances seem dire or when our path is unclear. It invites us to consider how our own lives, seemingly ordinary, are woven into God's grand tapestry of redemption, and how our faithfulness, like that of Jacob's family, contributes to His unfolding story. The growth of Jacob's family into a multitude in Egypt (Exodus 1:7) is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, assuring us that His plans will always come to fruition, often in ways we cannot initially perceive.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies?
Answer: Genealogies like the one introduced in Genesis 46:8 serve several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish the historical authenticity and continuity of the biblical account, demonstrating that these are real people and events, grounding the spiritual narrative in concrete history. Secondly, they meticulously trace the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of a great nation descending from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:2). Thirdly, these lists are vital for preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, ensuring the continuity and integrity of God's redemptive plan from creation to Christ. They underscore God's faithfulness to His word across generations.
What is the significance of Jacob being referred to as "Israel" here?
Answer: Jacob's name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28) after he wrestled with God, signifying a new identity and a deeper, more profound covenant relationship. In Genesis 46:8, referring to "the children of Israel" emphasizes that this is not just Jacob's personal family but the nascent nation, the collective people chosen by God with whom He has made a special covenant. It highlights their corporate identity as God's covenant people, distinct and set apart for His purposes, marking the transition from a patriarchal family to a national entity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of Jacob's descendants entering Egypt, beginning with Reuben, profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, a commitment that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This growing family, destined to become a great nation, was the very lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, as prophesied from the earliest chapters of Genesis (Genesis 3:15). The preservation and multiplication of Israel in Egypt, despite hardship and eventual slavery, demonstrate God's sovereign hand guiding the redemptive story towards the birth of the Savior. Just as God meticulously tracked each member of Israel for His purposes, so too does He orchestrate all of history to bring about the salvation offered through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham (Galatians 3:16) and the head of a new, spiritual Israel, the Church (Galatians 6:16). Every name listed in Genesis 46 is a testament to the divine faithfulness that culminates in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).