Genesis Chapters 46 & 47
A Picture of the Hope of Israel
To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
For previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies, please visit our archives: http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Prayer:
Father God, Creator and Sustainer of all life, thank You for providing the Way, the Truth and the Life. My Hope is the Hope of Israel. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Introduction:
Traveling with an 87-year-old, not-in-the best-of-health man offers a unique set of concerns mingled with joys. A few weeks ago, we honored my mother’s oldest sister with a celebration of her 91st birthday at a restaurant in Altoona—a two hour drive. Did I mention my father is 87 and not in good health? Getting directions proved to be another obstacle. That little deterrent aside, our biggest concern remained—my father’s ability to endure the car ride to and from as well as the festivities. Much prayer went into it long before the day’s arrival. I’m not sure about anyone else, but Gene and I needed reassurance from our Heavenly Father that the trip was meant to be.
It was. My aunts amused us while we ate. They all love to dine out and part of their amusement is finding fault with their meals. They’ve gotten quite good at it too. We laughed. We cried. We felt connected, accepted and loved. Our need for a family unit never fades.
The Lesson
Although he was very old—130 years according to chapter 47:9—Jacob longed to see his son, Joseph, again and finally reunite his family. The elderly man prayed. And our gracious Father answered, fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes (46:3-4).
Nevertheless, Jacob had a more urgent need that made him pick up stakes and move to Egypt. His entire family was in jeopardy because of the severe draught that had taken the land. Their only hope for survival was to migrate to the area where their livestock could find pasture and their personal food supply would be met. They had to come through Joseph. No other way had been provided. They had to believe that Joseph could do what he promised and to be willing to give up their land temporarily to receive the eternal promise.
No other means of entering into the kingdom of God has been provided except through Jesus Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 emphasis mine). We must give up our standing, our possessions and our pride, trust that Jesus will do what He says He will do and move toward Him to receive the eternal promise.
When Jacob and his clan arrived in Egypt, Joseph gave them the choicest land for their herds. The tribes of Israel were set apart from the other peoples living in Egypt at the time. We, too, are called to live our lives set apart from the world. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). Throughout the Bible, God continually cautions His people to separate themselves and live a holy life before the world.
Joseph cautions his family to declare themselves shepherds before Pharaoh even though shepherds are considered an abomination among the Egyptians. This advice must have been meant to bring and to show humility among Israel’s children. Again, Joseph seems to be testing his brothers. Previously, they were prideful, unwilling to humble themselves before anyone—now in Egypt, they must live a life of humility. A lesson Israel struggled with throughout their history, a lesson all humanity must repeatedly learn, if we want to be forgiven and have our land healed. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Nevertheless, humility was not only for the Hebrew children. Chapter 47 shows us the plight of all people at the time of the great famine. Again Joseph depicts Jesus as the only “door” to survival.
1. As their money depleted (v. 14 & 15), Joseph had compassion on the people when they cried out for food and he traded sustenance for their livestock.
2. One year later, they had no more livestock to offer for food (v.18) so they bartered with their land and their bodies in exchange for seed. (v. 19).
With all their wealth used up, the Egyptians had no alternatives other than submit to Joseph. No matter how they may have felt about him, they had to humble themselves before a stranger and do exactly what he said in order to preserve their lives. Remember Chapter 43:32—Egyptians thought it detestable to sit at the same table with a Hebrew for a meal. Imagine the humility the Egyptians must have felt when it became necessary to beg a Hebrew for food.
Conclusion and Challenge
Some day every man, woman and child will have to humble themselves before Jacob’s descendent, Jesus Christ for eternal sustenance. For many it will be too detestable and they shall perish because of pride.
Let us learn a lesson from the Egyptians and offer even our bodies in exchange for the Bread of Life. No amount of wealth can purchase eternal life. But Isaiah 55:1 calls to the poor, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” And John 7:37 tells us, “. . . Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Therefore, let us not deprive ourselves of that which we so dearly need for survival. Instead, let us humble ourselves before “The Hope of Israel” and live.
Prayer Requests:
Phil and Kathy, Clayton and his family, Dodie, Adrian, Hans and Erin, those who recently lost their jobs and are seeking employment, children with cancer, Melinda & Barry and family, Ryan, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
The LORD graciously met Tammy’s needs this week. He knows what is best for us and gives us far more than we can ask for or imagine.
Hallelujah!!
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 33:3 paraphrased by me).”
WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Our Next Bible Study
In preparation, read Genesis Chapter 48 & 49
To read previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies,
please visit our archives:
http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@verizon.net . Be sure to mention today’s Bible study in the subject line to get my attention.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.
