We are moving to the end of the book of Genesis, the foundation of the whole Bible story of God’s redemptive plan. This also means that w are moving towards the end of Jacob’s life story. Remember that whilst our focus has been on Joseph, this is really the story of “what became of Jacob and his generations.” We will begin to see Jacob handing on, blessing his children and reflecting on his own life.
Read Genesis 47:1-13
Joseph takes some of his brothers to meet Pharoah. Remember that the intention had been to put the focus on them as shepherds to guarantee them good land away from the Egyptians. He now puts this into operation and is granted Goshen. Pharoah also requests that they take charge of his own livestock too (v1-5).
Jacob also meets Pharoah. When asked about his age and life, he says that compared to his own ancestors, it has been short and challenging, or that his years have been “few and difficult.” This contrasts sharply with Joseph’s later reflection upon God’s goodness. It perhaps shows how the experiences of being on the run, losing his son for a while and now living in exile dominate his thinking. It also jars with the way that he had done everything to gain the birthright and the blessing. Is this what he expected when he wrestled for those things with his father and then with God? All the same, he still blesses Pharoah (v7-10).
Joseph settles his family in the best part of the land and ensures that they are provided for (v11-13)..
Digging a little deeper
By settling his family in Goshen, away from the Egtpyians, and in a more fertile area, Joseh is doing two things. First, he is ensuring that they remain separated out and do not become integrated with the Egyptians, secondly, he is giving them good land which will be closest in terms of fertility to the promised land. In fact, we might see this as a sign in exile of the continued hope that they have of being a holy nation, a people with their own land and if provided with food then also reminded of God’s provision and blessing. They remain, as per the Genesis 12 covenant with Abraham, God’s people, in God’s place, under God’s rule, blessing and provision.
A look at ourselves
On a side note, I think it is worth thinking about how we will reflect back on our own lives. Do we see them as short and difficult or do we see the goodness of God? How do we talk about our day to day, week to week life? Do we seem content or disaffected?
Joseph’s provision of the best of the land for his family should not encourage us towards a prosperity gospel. However, there is something here about what the church is meant to be like. If we are a people in exile, then church should be the place where God’s people are distinct, holy, different and where we get a foretaste of God’s provision to come.
Faithroots 