Genesis 47:11

And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

And Joseph {H3130} placed {H3427} his father {H1} and his brethren {H251}, and gave {H5414} them a possession {H272} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, in the best {H4315} of the land {H776}, in the land {H776} of Rameses {H7486}, as Pharaoh {H6547} had commanded {H6680}.

Yosef found a place for his father and brothers and gave them property in the land of Egypt, in the best region of the country, in the land of Ra'amses, as Pharaoh had ordered.

So Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 47:11 (KJV)

Genesis 47:11 details Joseph's fulfillment of Pharaoh's command, settling his father Jacob and his brothers in the most fertile region of Egypt, ensuring their well-being during the severe famine. This act signifies a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's early sojourn in Egypt.

Context

This verse is situated within the larger story of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the subsequent reunion of his family. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph was elevated to second-in-command, tasked with managing the kingdom's resources in preparation for a prophesied seven-year famine, as recounted in Genesis chapter 41. When the famine gripped the land, Jacob's family, unaware Joseph was alive, came to Egypt seeking food. Their eventual reunion was filled with emotion and led to Pharaoh's gracious invitation for Joseph's family to settle in Egypt. Pharaoh had explicitly instructed Joseph to place them "in the best of the land" (Genesis 47:6). The "land of Rameses" is widely understood to be the region also known as Goshen, a highly fertile area in the eastern Nile Delta, perfectly suited for the pastoral lifestyle of Jacob's large family and their livestock.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Faithfulness: This verse beautifully illustrates God's meticulous care and overarching plan for His chosen people. Despite the famine and the initial separation of Joseph from his family, God orchestrates events to preserve Jacob's lineage and allow them to flourish in Egypt, fulfilling His promise to make them a great nation (Genesis 46:3).
  • Joseph's Stewardship and Familial Loyalty: Joseph demonstrates exemplary administrative skill and deep familial love. He faithfully executes Pharaoh's command, ensuring his family's comfort and security, reflecting his integrity and devotion.
  • Pharaoh's Hospitality: Pharaoh's generosity towards Joseph's family is remarkable, highlighting a period of unique favor between the Egyptian monarchy and the Hebrew patriarchs. This hospitality provided a safe haven and abundant resources during a time of widespread distress.
  • Provision and Settlement: The act of "giving them a possession" signifies a secure and prosperous settlement. This was not merely a temporary refuge but a designated territory for the family to establish themselves and multiply, laying the groundwork for their eventual growth into a nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the best of the land" (Hebrew: ืžึตื™ื˜ึทื‘ ื”ึธืึธืจึถืฅ, meitab ha'aretz) emphasizes the superior quality and fertility of the region allotted to Jacob's family. This was not just any land, but the prime agricultural and grazing area, ideal for their large flocks and herds. The mention of "the land of Rameses" is significant; while the city of Ra'amses (or Pi-Ramesses) was later built as a store city by Israelite slave labor (Exodus 1:11), in Joseph's time, the region was likely known by another name (Goshen) and later acquired the name "Rameses" in anachronistic fashion or referred to an administrative district that would eventually be associated with the later city.

Practical Application

This passage offers several timeless lessons. It underscores God's sovereign hand in orchestrating human events, even through political leaders and natural disasters, to fulfill His divine purposes. It reminds us to trust in God's benevolent plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Furthermore, Joseph's example teaches us about responsible leadership, compassion, and the importance of caring for our families and communities with integrity and foresight. The narrative reassures believers that God provides for His own, often in unexpected ways, even when they are in a foreign land.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 1:11 (5 votes)

    Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

  • Genesis 47:6 (5 votes)

    The land of Egypt [is] before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest [any] men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

  • Exodus 12:37 (5 votes)

    ยถ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

  • John 17:2 (2 votes)

    As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

  • John 17:24 (2 votes)

    ยถ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

  • John 14:2 (2 votes)

    In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

  • John 10:10 (2 votes)

    The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.