Genesis 48:1-6 His children!

1Some time later, Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.

3Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almightyappeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me 4and told me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you; I will make you a multitude of peoples, and will give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’

5And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. 6Any children born to you after them shall be yours, and they shall be called by the names of their brothers in the territory they inherit.

Luz is another name for Bethel.

Jacob  passes down the exact words of the covenant. The exact words of God are important.

Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh and because of this adoption they became his children and became heirs to the Promise.  So there were actually 13 sons of Israel, 12 born and 1 adopted so Joseph was divided into two tribes.

Just like Jacob, God adopts us as His children when we accept His Son and we become heirs to the promise of Jesus Christ and everlasting life.

Are you one of His children?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:27-31 Swear to me.

27Thus the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and became fruitful and increased greatly in number. 28And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years, and the length of his life was 147 years.

29When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise me that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.”

Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”

31“Swear to me,” Jacob said.

So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.

“They acquired property there and became fruitful and increased greatly in number.”

Jacob’s family of 70 grew to over a hundred in fifty years and with a calculated growth rate of 6% grew to several million by the time of Exodus in 430 years later.

Jacob’s lifespan was 147 years! 

He knew Egypt wasn’t his home and wanted to be buried with his fathers.

“Swear to me,”

“The truly good man will never need to take an oath; the truth of his sayings and the reality of his promises need no such guarantee. But the fact that oaths are still sometimes necessary is the proof that men are not good men and that this is not a good world.” (Barclay)

Joseph was a good man and he will keep his word.

Do we keep ours?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:23-26 We have found favor in our Lord’s eyes!

23Then Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh this day, here is seed for you to sow in the land. 24At harvest time, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and food for yourselves and your households and children.”

25“You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” 26So Joseph established a law that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh, and it is in effect in the land of Egypt to this day. Only the priests’ land does not belong to Pharaoh.

One fifth of produce is a 20% tax. Considering the people no longer owned the land I believe that the tax is very reasonable. There are many taxes and fee’s that we pay, sales tax, property tax, telecommunications tax, highway tax, fuel tax, estate tax, license tax, water and sewer tax, home heating tax, and much more!

Benjamin Franklin has a famous quote, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes”

The people said, “You have saved our lives,” “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes”. How many people are grateful to their government and offer to pay a tax? 

If we were grateful wouldn’t we pay more?

I’m grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ, you have saved me! We have found favor in our Lord’s eyes!

Are you grateful?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:18-22 Servitude!

18When that year was over, they came to him the second year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord that our money is gone and all our livestock belongs to you. There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. 19Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”

20So Joseph acquired for Pharaoh all the land in Egypt; the Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields because the famine was so severe upon them. The land became Pharaoh’s, 21and Joseph reduced the people to servitude from one end of Egypt to the other. 22However, he did not acquire the priests’ portion of the land, for it had been given to them by Pharaoh. They ate the rations that Pharaoh supplied; so they did not sell their land.

Famine, the world has experienced it but we, in the land of good and plenty have not. Have you seen or read the experience of a foreigner who went into a supermarket for the first time and stopped in the dog and cat food isle? They couldn’t believe their eyes.

So when we read in this scripture that the Egyptians offered themselves as slaves and their land for food because of famine and starvation you can believe hunger rules over your body and all your senses.

The Egyptians were blessed because of God. They were blessed because God sent Joseph and revealed to him the coming famine so he could carry out the monumental task of preparing Egypt for the severe drought.

I also believe our country is blessed because of God and our forefathers.

Have you watched the monumental movie? It should be required learning for all of our children!

http://www.monumentalmovie.com

Are you in servitude to Jesus Christ?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:16-17 When money failed!

16“Then bring me your livestock,” said Joseph. “Since the money is gone, I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock.” 17So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, the animals of their flocks and herds, and their donkeys. Throughout that year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock.

Money failed because the supply dried up! “Since the money is gone”.

“I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock.” 

Livestock took over as the “exchange” when money failed.

The famine was severe. 

How long will the livestock survive as an exchange for food?

Until the supply of livestock is depleted! Then livestock will fail too.

When everything around us fails, remember God is always with us. 

Life is hard but remember what He said.....

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Our money can fail, our health can fail, we can fail, but He won’t fail you.

Cling to His promises!

Do not be afraid or discouraged, Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:13-15 Give us food!

13Yet there was no food throughout that region, because the famine was so severe; the lands of Egypt and Canaan had been exhausted by the famine. 14Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were buying, and he brought it into Pharaoh’s palace. 15When the money from the lands of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our funds have run out!”

The lands have been exhausted, the funds have been exhausted and the people are famishing. 

The Pharaohs palace had become exceedingly rich under Joseph’s care.

Now imagine that this happened in our country at this present time. 

One day this will happen worldwide when the tribulation comes.

There is only one way to avoid the coming tribulation famine. 

That way is with Jesus Christ. If you are one of His, He will take you away before the tribulation if you don’t die a natural death first. (Yes I’m a pre-trib believer!)

Give us food!

Give me Jesus!

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:7-12 And they lived happily ever after!

7Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

8“How many years have you lived?” Pharaoh asked.

9“My travelshave lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”

10Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from his presence.

11So Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.

“How many years have you lived?” 

Sometimes I think too long! Jesus take me home!

Can you imagine 130 years?

“My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”

Life is hard and some have live harder lives.

I remember performing a charity job for someone and afterwards explained to them exactly what they needed to do. They didn’t do what I recommend and called me in a panic. A friend was present and heard the conversation. Afterwards I said I didn’t understand, why they didn’t do what I suggested? 

His response was, “There’s a reason why people are like that”.

That’s always stuck with me.

Some people live harder lives because there’s a reason.....

Jacob had a reason, actions have consequences. 

“Joseph settled his father and brothers” and provided for them as Pharaoh commanded.

And they lived happily ever after!

Sorry, couldn’t resist!

Stay tuned.

Blessings, David 

Genesis 47:1-5 Fulfillment!

1So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My 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.”

2And he chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.

3“What is your occupation?” Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers.

“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied, “both we and our fathers.”

4Then they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for the flock of your servants, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please allow your servants to settle in the land of Goshen.”

5Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you, 6the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”

Fulfillment! God reunited Joseph with his family.

Joseph was second to none in Egypt but he still had to ask permission of the Pharaoh for his family to settle in Goshen.

His brothers were competent herdsmen and their occupation was passed down from their fathers. 

Gods timing is not our timing. It took Joseph twenty two years from being sold as a slave to achieve the status of second in command of Egypt.

Next time you pray for something, remember Joseph’s plight!

Blessings, David 

Genesis 46:28-34 The Advocate!

28Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob’s family arrived in the land of Goshen, 29Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.

30Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

31Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. 32The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’

33When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

Judah had a changed heart and it was right to send him ahead to represent the family.

The reunion, the weeping, the satisfaction!

The great longing of Jacob’s soul has been satisfied, he is content whenever God willed, to be gathered to his fathers.

Joseph the advocate, represents his family to the Pharaoh. The Egyptians find sheep detestable and Goshen is a location suitable for livestock in Egypt. Joseph will prepare a place for them there.

Jesus is our advocate, and He represents His family to the Father. (His family, those that accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior are adopted children of God). 

John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Are you part of His family?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 46:8-26 Seventy!

8Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:

Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.

9The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

10The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.

11The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

12The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

13The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah,a Job,b and Shimron.

14The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.

15These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram,c in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three.

The Children of Zilpah

16The sons of Gad: Ziphion,d Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

17The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.

The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

18These are the sons of Jacob born to Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.

The Children of Rachel

19The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.

20Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

21The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.

22These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all.

The Children of Bilhah

23The son of Dan: Hushim.

24The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.

25These are the sons of Jacob born to Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel—seven in all.

26All those belonging to Jacob who came to Egypt—his direct descendants, besides the wives of Jacob’s sons—numbered sixty-six persons. 27And along with Joseph’s two sonswho were born to him in Egypt, in all there were seventymembers of Jacob’s household in Egypt.

Why does God give us all the names of the descendants we can’t pronounce in scripture?

Answer, because He wants us to be able to trace the lineage on Mary, Joseph and Jesus. 

“in all there were seventymembers of Jacob’s household in Egypt.”

How many come out of Egypt in Exodus?

https://www.gotquestions.org/Israelites-exodus.html

600,000 able bodied men, plus the women and children. Estimated 2.4 million people!

Can you trace all of your descendants back to Adam and Eve?

God can!

Blessings, David 

Genesis 46:5-7 Stepping out in faith!

5Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. 6They also took their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. 7He took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.

In our previous study we saw God call out to Jacob and say;

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt”.

In these verses we see Jacob stepping out in faith, the faith of the Promise God made to Abraham but also his faith in the Lord.

So Jacob gathers up everyone and everything and steps out in faith and moves to Egypt. This is an important reason for his blessings from God, He was obedient and stepped out in faith. 

Are you stepping out in faith?

Blessings, David 

Genesis 46:1-4 Here I am!

1So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said.

“Here I am,” replied Jacob.

3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”

“Here I am,” Several times throughout his life Israel replies to God when He calls out to him in a vision.

God speaks to us too! It may be with His word (Bible), it may be in a dream, it may be through another believer. It’s up to us to discern the truth by our knowledge of the Bible. All you have to ask yourself; is it biblical?

AND you have to have a open and loving heart. Just reply, “Here I am,”.

Can you spot the blessings God gave Israel in these verses?

Communication with God,

And “Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”!

I find both of the blessings to be a great honor and the last one is especially touching. It reveals Gods love for Israel, to have the son whom he loved to be with him when he dies and to close his eyes!

Lord please use us for Your glory, my heart is open for You!

Here I am Lord.

Blessings, David 

Genesis 45:25-28 Before I die!

25So the brothers went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!”

But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. 27However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.

28“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

“But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.”

However, the news took awhile to sink in and when they explained more Jacob believed and was revived!

“I will go to see him before I die.”

How many of you have wayward children? Our son is living in the world and we haven’t heard from him for four years. 

Jacob’s comment “ I will go to see him before I die.” reminds me of a dream, a vision I’ve had concerning our son. I’m short for the world, in my deathbed and he comes to visit me.

I pray he comes to see me before I die!

Life is hard but I cling to Jesus’s promise, I am with you always!

Matthew 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go andmake disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Blessings, David 

Genesis 45:16-24 Culture shock!

16When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

17Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. 18Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’ 19You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back. 20But pay no regard to your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt will be yours.’”

21So the sons of Israel did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had instructed, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekelsb of silver and five sets of clothes. 23And he sent to his father the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provisions for his father’s journey.

24Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”

Try to imagine the picture painted by this scripture, the carts, the donkeys, the provisions, the best clothing coming over the horizon and entering Canaan.

Then read Boice’s commentary!

“To return to Canaan with ‘carts from Egypt’ was the cultural equivalent of landing a jumbo jet among a tribe of isolated savages. It would be the stuff legends are made of.” (Boice)

What a picture!

Now read this Promise and try to imagine this picture painted by Jesus!

John 14:2In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

We will be awestruck and speechless when we see Jesus and what he has prepared for us!

What will Jacob (Israel) say when see’s the caravan and he’s told Joseph is alive?

Blessings, David