Genesis 47:10

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

And Jacob {H3290} blessed {H1288} Pharaoh {H6547}, and went out {H3318} from before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}.

Then Ya'akov blessed Pharaoh and left his presence.

Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from his presence.

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Commentary

Genesis 47:10 records a significant moment during Jacob's first encounter with Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt. After their initial conversation, where Pharaoh inquired about Jacob's age and Jacob described his life as a pilgrim, the patriarch concludes the audience by bestowing a blessing upon the Egyptian monarch.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jacob's presentation to Pharaoh by his son Joseph. The entire family of Jacob had come to Egypt to escape a severe famine, a plan orchestrated by God through Joseph's earlier rise to power. The meeting highlights a unique reversal of fortunes: the once-shepherd Jacob, representing God's chosen family, stands before the world's most powerful ruler, not merely as a supplicant but as one who confers a blessing. This interaction is part of the larger narrative of God's providential care for Israel during a time of crisis.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Authority over Temporal Power: The act of Jacob, an aged shepherd and patriarch of God's covenant people, blessing Pharaoh, the head of a mighty empire, subtly asserts a higher spiritual authority. It's a demonstration that true power and ultimate blessing originate from God, not from worldly positions or human might.
  • The Nature of Blessing: The Hebrew word for "blessed," barak (Χ‘ΦΈΦΌΧ¨Φ·ΧšΦ°), signifies more than a polite farewell. It implies conferring favor, prosperity, and divine well-being. Jacob, as a recipient of God's covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:2), was in a unique position to invoke God's favor.
  • Divine Providence: This encounter underscores God's meticulous plan to preserve the lineage of Israel and prepare them for their future as a nation. The blessing serves as a spiritual seal on the arrangements made for their settlement in Goshen, ensuring their protection and prosperity in Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The term "blessed" (Hebrew: barak) is significant. It's used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's favor upon individuals or nations, and also the act of a superior bestowing favor upon an inferior, or a priest/patriarch invoking divine favor. In this context, it is Jacob, representing the spiritual lineage chosen by God, pronouncing a benediction upon the secular ruler, implying that Pharaoh's well-being is ultimately dependent on the God whom Jacob serves.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:10 offers several insights for believers today:

  • The Power of Blessing: It reminds us of the spiritual significance of blessing others, whether through prayer, encouragement, or invoking God's favor upon them. This act can carry profound spiritual weight.
  • God's Sovereignty in All Spheres: Even in interactions with powerful worldly leaders, God's servants carry a unique spiritual authority and represent a higher kingdom. This reminds us that God's plan transcends human power structures.
  • Interacting with Authority: Jacob demonstrates a respectful but spiritually authoritative engagement with a non-believing ruler, setting an example for how believers can interact with secular governments and figures with grace and conviction.

This simple act of blessing by Jacob marks the conclusion of a pivotal meeting, setting the stage for the Israelites' prosperous, albeit temporary, stay in Egypt.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 47:7 (6 votes)

    And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

  • 2 Samuel 8:10 (4 votes)

    Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And [Joram] brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

  • Deuteronomy 33:1 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ And this [is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

  • 2 Samuel 19:39 (4 votes)

    And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

  • Hebrews 7:7 (4 votes)

    And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

  • Genesis 14:19 (4 votes)

    And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

  • Psalms 129:8 (4 votes)

    Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD [be] upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.