Genesis 47:1

ยถ 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.

Then Joseph {H3130} came {H935} and told {H5046} Pharaoh {H6547}, and said {H559}, My father {H1} and my brethren {H251}, and their flocks {H6629}, and their herds {H1241}, and all that they have, are come out {H935} of the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}; and, behold, they are in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}.

Then Yosef went in and told Pharaoh, "My father and brothers have come from the land of Kena'an with their flocks, livestock and all their possessions; right now they are in the land of Goshen."

So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: โ€œMy father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.โ€

Then Joseph went in 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.

Commentary

Genesis 47:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's family, detailing Joseph's official announcement to Pharaoh regarding their arrival in Egypt. This verse sets the stage for the Israelites' temporary settlement in the land of Goshen, a crucial step in their history.

Context

Following years of severe famine (Genesis 41:56) and a dramatic family reunion, Jacob (Israel) and all his descendants, along with their extensive livestock, have journeyed from the land of Canaan to Egypt. Joseph, who had risen to become the vizier or prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41:40), had previously secured Pharaoh's permission for his family to settle in the fertile region of Goshen. This verse describes Joseph fulfilling his duty by formally informing the king of their successful relocation, specifically mentioning their flocks and herds, which were their primary source of wealth and sustenance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The arrival of Jacob's family in Egypt, under Joseph's care, is a clear demonstration of God's overarching plan to preserve His chosen people during a time of crisis. This relocation was not accidental but divinely orchestrated to ensure the survival and future growth of the nascent nation of Israel.
  • Joseph's Stewardship: Joseph continues to exemplify faithful stewardship, using his high position to protect and provide for his family. His report to Pharaoh is a responsible act, ensuring transparency and adherence to royal protocol.
  • Family Reunion and Relocation: The verse highlights the successful culmination of the family's journey, bringing Jacob's entire household into a secure place where they could thrive. This move prepares them for a significant period of growth before their eventual exodus.

Linguistic Insights

The mention of "the land of Goshen" (Hebrew: ื’ึนึผืฉึถืืŸ, Goshen) is significant. Goshen was a particularly fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta, ideal for grazing livestock and geographically distinct from the main Egyptian population centers. This separation would allow Jacob's family to maintain their distinct cultural and religious practices, preventing assimilation and preparing them for their future identity as a separate nation. Pharaoh's willingness to grant this prime land underscores Joseph's high standing and the divine favor on the family.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:1 reminds us of God's meticulous care for His people, even in challenging circumstances like famine. It illustrates how God uses individuals, like Joseph, in positions of influence to fulfill His purposes. For believers today, it serves as an encouragement to trust in God's sovereign providence, knowing that He orchestrates events for the good of those who love Him. It also emphasizes the importance of family and the responsibility we have to care for our own, as Joseph did.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:10 (4 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 46:31 (4 votes)

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which [were] in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

  • Genesis 46:28 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 9:26 (2 votes)

    Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail.

  • Hebrews 2:11 (2 votes)

    For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

  • 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 45:16 (2 votes)

    ยถ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.