Genesis 46:28

¶ And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

And he sent {H7971} Judah {H3063} before him {H6440} unto Joseph {H3130}, to direct {H3384} his face {H6440} unto Goshen {H1657}; and they came {H935} into the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}.

Ya'akov sent Y'hudah ahead of him to Yosef, so that the latter might guide him on the road to Goshen; thus they arrived in the land of Goshen.

Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen,

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to show the way before him unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

Commentary

Genesis 46:28 marks a significant moment in the unfolding narrative of Jacob's family, signaling their arrival in Egypt and the highly anticipated reunion with Joseph.

Context

Following a severe famine that afflicted the land of Canaan, Joseph, who had become the powerful prime minister of Egypt, invited his father Jacob (also known as Israel) and his entire household to settle in Egypt. Initially hesitant, Jacob received a divine assurance from God in a vision at Beersheba, promising to go with him to Egypt and make him a great nation there (Genesis 46:3-4). This verse describes the final leg of their journey, specifically the strategic arrangement for their arrival in Egypt's fertile region.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: This verse underscores God's meticulous planning and care for His chosen family. The journey to Egypt, born out of famine, was part of a larger divine purpose to preserve Jacob's lineage and set the stage for the growth of the nation of Israel. God's hand is evident in directing them to a specific, fertile region.
  • Judah's Emerging Leadership: Jacob sends Judah, not Reuben (the eldest) or Simeon (who had acted violently), to precede the family. This highlights Judah's growing prominence and trustworthiness within the family, a role that will continue to develop and culminate in his prophetic blessing as the ancestor of the Messiah (Genesis 49:10).
  • Strategic Settlement in Goshen: The instruction "to direct his face unto Goshen" indicates that Judah was sent to ascertain the precise arrangements for their settlement. Goshen was a rich pastureland, ideal for Jacob's large flocks and herds, and strategically separated from the main Egyptian populace, which would help preserve their distinct identity and avoid cultural assimilation (Genesis 47:6).
  • Anticipation of Reunion: The verse builds suspense towards the emotional reunion between Jacob and Joseph, a moment long awaited since Joseph was sold into slavery many years prior (Genesis 37:28).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to direct his face unto Goshen" (Hebrew: לְהוֹרֹת פָּנָיו גֹּשְׁנָה, l'horot panav Goshnah) implies more than simply showing the way. It suggests Judah was sent to get specific instructions, to prepare the meeting, and to receive guidance from Joseph regarding their entry and establishment in Goshen. It speaks of seeking clear direction and establishing the proper order for their arrival.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of God's faithfulness in providing for His people, even through challenging circumstances like famine. It illustrates the importance of seeking wise counsel and making necessary preparations when entering new phases of life. Furthermore, it highlights how God often uses individuals in unexpected ways, elevating those like Judah to positions of responsibility, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs and His plan for future generations.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:10 (5 votes)

    And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

  • Genesis 31:21 (2 votes)

    So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead.

  • Genesis 49:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

  • Genesis 44:16 (2 votes)

    And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we [are] my lord's servants, both we, and [he] also with whom the cup is found.

  • Genesis 44:34 (2 votes)

    For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad [be] not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

  • Genesis 46:34 (2 votes)

    That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

  • Genesis 47:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they [are] in the land of Goshen.