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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 46:9 serves as a precise genealogical entry, listing the four sons of Reuben—Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi—as part of the comprehensive census of Jacob's household journeying from Canaan to Egypt. This seemingly straightforward enumeration is profoundly significant, documenting the foundational members of the nascent nation of Israel whose migration, totaling seventy individuals, was a pivotal, divinely orchestrated step in God's unfolding plan for their growth, preservation, and eventual deliverance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 46:9 is Enumeration, a straightforward listing of names or items. This technique is common in biblical genealogies and serves to provide a precise, verifiable record of lineage. Beyond simple listing, this enumeration functions as a Genealogy, establishing the family tree and tribal structure of Israel. It also subtly employs Foreshadowing, as these listed individuals are the progenitors of the future nation of Israel, hinting at the vast multiplication and tribal organization that will occur in Egypt and beyond. The meticulous detail reflects the biblical emphasis on historical accuracy and the divine preservation of the covenant line.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:9, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The careful listing of each family member demonstrates God's attention to every detail of His redemptive plan, ensuring the preservation and growth of the covenant line through which His purposes would unfold. This verse is a tangible testament to God's commitment to multiply Jacob's descendants into a great nation, as promised to Abraham.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:9, while a simple list of names, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's grand narrative of redemption is built upon countless individual lives, each playing a vital, though sometimes seemingly small, role in His overarching plan. This verse speaks to God's meticulous care for His people across generations and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when circumstances appear dire or the path unclear. For us today, this encourages a deep trust in God's long-term purposes, His attention to every detail of our lives, and the assurance that His ultimate plan will prevail, often through the preservation and growth of seemingly small beginnings. It invites us to consider how our own lives, seemingly ordinary, contribute to God's ongoing work in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are genealogies so important in the Bible?
Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, confirm land rights and tribal identities, demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, and most importantly, they trace the lineage through which the Messiah would come, validating His identity and fulfillment of prophecy. They provide the backbone for understanding God's unfolding plan of salvation.
What is the significance of Reuben's sons being listed first?
Answer: As Jacob's firstborn, Reuben's lineage is naturally listed first in the census of Jacob's household in Genesis 46. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of primogeniture, where the firstborn son held a position of prominence and received a double portion of the inheritance. Even though Reuben later lost his birthright privileges due to his sin with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22), his descendants would still form a distinct and recognized tribe of Israel, and his position as firstborn is acknowledged in this foundational listing.
Does this list imply that only 70 people went to Egypt?
Answer: The number seventy, as stated in Genesis 46:27, refers specifically to the direct descendants of Jacob who entered Egypt, primarily the heads of families and their immediate children. This count typically excludes their wives (except for Jacob's daughter Dinah, who is explicitly mentioned) and any servants, extended family members, or vast livestock. Therefore, the actual number of people accompanying Jacob would have been considerably larger, but the biblical focus is on the covenant family line, emphasizing the foundational group from whom the nation of Israel would grow.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of Israel's lineage, exemplified by lists like Genesis 46:9, profoundly underscores God's sovereign plan to bring forth the promised Seed, Jesus Christ. This specific family unit, preserved and multiplied in Egypt, forms the very nation from which the Messiah would eventually emerge. The integrity of these genealogies, culminating in the tribes of Judah and Levi, ensures the authenticity of Christ's human lineage as prophesied in passages such as Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. God's faithfulness to His redemptive covenant, from Abraham to the Incarnation, is meticulously traced through these very names. Every individual listed, including Reuben's sons, is a thread in the intricate tapestry of salvation history, leading ultimately to the one who would fulfill all promises and redeem humanity, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.