Genesis Chapter 47 Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on Genesis Chapter 47: Settlement of Israel's family in Egypt.
• Jacob, patriarch of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, meets Pharaoh.

Family of Israel Moves to Egypt (Verses 1-6)

• Joseph's Intervention:
  • Joseph informs Pharaoh about his family arriving from Canaan.
  • The family seeks to live in the land of Goshen due to severe famine in Canaan.
• Pharaoh's Response:
  • Pharaoh grants permission for Israel's family to dwell in Goshen.
  • Offers positions as chief herdsmen to competent men among them.
• Joseph's Influence:
  • Joseph's high status is crucial in gaining Pharaoh's favor.

Jacob Blesses Pharaoh (Verses 7-10)

• Encounter with Pharaoh:
  • Jacob, aged 130, describes his life as a 'pilgrimage.'
  • Highlights his transient life on earth, with true home in heaven.
• Significance of Blessing:
  • Jacob blesses Pharaoh, indicating Pharaoh's recognition of Jacob's spiritual authority.
  • Pharaoh's acceptance significant due to Egyptian beliefs of Pharaoh as a deity.

Provision and Settlement (Verses 11-12)

• Joseph's Role:
  • Joseph arranges for his family's settlement in Egypt.
  • Provides them with bread despite the ongoing famine.

Famine and Pharaoh's Gain (Verses 13-26)

• Severe Famine Impact:
  • Affects entire regions of Egypt and Canaan.
  • Joseph manages grain sales, bringing wealth to Pharaoh.
• Economic Transactions:
  • Money runs out; people trade livestock and land for food.
  • Joseph buys land for Pharaoh, increasing his power.
  • Introduces a 20% tax on produce.
  • Reflects central government's power growth during crises.

Growth of Israel in Goshen (Verse 27-31)

• Multiplication of Israel:
  • Israel's descendants increase significantly over 400 years.
• Jacob's Last Request:
  • Jacob asks not to be buried in Egypt, but in the land of his fathers.
  • Affirms belief in God's covenant promise of Canaan.

Reflections and Themes

• Pilgrimage and Heavenly Home:
  • Life as a journey with ultimate home in heaven.
• Jacob vs. Jesus:
  • Jacob's life is contrasted with Jesus' eternal and sinless existence.
• Joseph as Provider:
  • Mirrors Jesus in caring for and situating his people.

Concluding Prayer

• Recognition of being situated by Jesus in present circumstances.
• Prayer for wisdom and hope in the ultimate promise of heaven.
• Invocation for the return of Jesus.