Genesis 47:8

Genesis 47:8 records the significant moment when Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, meets Jacob, the venerable patriarch of the Israelite family. Following Joseph's revelation of his identity and the urgent need to bring his family to Egypt due to the severe famine, Jacob and his sons have arrived and been granted the fertile land of Goshen.

Context

This verse takes place shortly after Jacob and five of his sons are presented to Pharaoh. Joseph, as the prime minister, has orchestrated his family's settlement in Egypt, specifically in the land of Goshen, a rich pastureland. Pharaoh's question to Jacob is one of curiosity and perhaps respect, acknowledging the patriarch's evident age and the wisdom often associated with it. It sets the stage for Jacob's subsequent blessing of Pharaoh and his reflection on his own long and challenging life in the following verse, Genesis 47:9.

Key Themes

• Respect for Elders: Pharaoh, one of the most powerful rulers of his time, shows deference to Jacob, a humble shepherd, by engaging him in personal conversation. This highlights a universal value of respecting the aged and their life experiences.
• Divine Providence: The entire narrative of Joseph bringing his family to Egypt, culminating in this meeting, underscores God's intricate plan to preserve His chosen people during a time of famine. This aligns with Joseph's earlier understanding that God had sent him to Egypt for this very purpose (Genesis 45:7).
• The Journey of Life: Pharaoh's question, "How old art thou?", directly addresses the length and nature of Jacob's life, prompting Jacob to reflect on his pilgrimage in the subsequent verse. It emphasizes the passage of time and the accumulation of experiences, both joyful and sorrowful.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "How old art thou?" translates the Hebrew kamah yemei (כַּמָּה יְמֵי), which literally means "How many are the days of your years?" or "What are the days of your life?" This poetic phrasing emphasizes the transient nature of life, viewing it as a collection of days rather than just years. It's a profound way of inquiring about one's journey and experiences over time, underscoring the brevity of human existence even for a long-lived patriarch like Jacob.

Practical Application

This brief exchange offers several insights for believers today:

• Value the Wisdom of Elders: Like Pharaoh, we should seek out and respect the wisdom and experiences of those who have lived long and walked with God. Their journeys often provide valuable lessons and perspectives.
• Reflect on Your Life's Journey: The question prompts us to consider our own "days" and how we are living them. Are we living purposefully, recognizing God's hand in our past, present, and future?
• Trust in God's Providence: The larger context of Jacob's arrival in Egypt reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even famines and displacements. He orchestrates events to fulfill His promises and preserve His people, echoing themes found in Romans 8:28 regarding God working all things for good.