Genesis 47-50

Jacob Enters Egypt
Jacob's journey from Canaan to Egypt is summarized in Gen. 47:27. "So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt...and multiplied exceedingly." This event marks the move of the Israelite people from Canaan, the Promised Land, to Egypt, the land of slavery. As such, it became part of Israel's basic statement of faith. Israel's faith started with the retelling of her historical origins, often beginning with Jacob's descent to Egypt. For instance, the ritual retelling of Deut. 26:5-9 begins "My father was a Syrian, about to perish, and he went down to Egypt..."

Jacob was 130 years old when he entered Egypt (Gen. 47:9). This figure is sometimes used to relate Abraham to the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. Abraham fathered Isaac when he was 100 years old (Gen. 21:5). Isaac fathered Jacob 60 years later (Gen. 25:26). Adding the numbers makes a passing of 290 years between Abraham's birth and this entry into Egypt (100+60+130=290). This is found in Genesis 47:1-50:26.

Jacob Enters Egypt (Gen.47:1-12)
Blessed Are the Blessed:
Bestowing a blessing on another was a common act in the ancient Near East. Inherent in the blessing process was the assumption, by both parties, that the one doing the blessing was superior to the one being blessed. Such superiority arose from a relationship to God, who was considered the source of the blessing. God occasionally gave a blessing directly (Gen. 2:3.32:26)

To pronounce a blessing was not thought of as merely a ceremonial event. Rather the pronouncement was seen as actually conferring a specific change in status. Since the name and power of God was used, the blessing, once given , could not be retracted, even if bestowed by deceit. Once Isaac mistakenly pronounced the blessing for the firstborn son upon Jacob, his younger son (Gen. 27:27-29), he could not reverse the action in order to bless Esau, his firstborn (27:33-37).

A subordinate could also bless. Years later, Jacob, a foreigner in Egypt, blessed the pharaoh of Egypt. Since many died at a young age, old age was a sign that God's power resided with the one having a long life. Thus, Jacob, and old man, was superior to the younger pharaoh, who could benefit from Jacob's blessing him (Gen. 47:7,10). Sometimes the Bible describes humans as "blessing" God (Ps.34:1,115:17,18). In these cases "blessing God" probably conveys the idea of giving all that a human can rightfully give to God---praise.



Joseph Deals with the Famine (47:13-26)
Joseph's vow to Jacob (47:27-31)

Jacob blesses Joseph's sons (Gen. 48:1-22)

Jacob's Last Words to His Sons (Gen. 49:1-28)
Jacob's death and burial (49:29-33 and 50:1-14)
Joseph Reassures His Brothers (50:15-21)
Death of Joseph (50:22-26)

What an honor it is to know that God receives the blessings that we give to Him. Our praises that we lift to Him with a grateful heart are received by Him with joy. Give Him all you have. Every part of you....all the time!!! AMEN