Bible Study Online Article
In the last article we learnt, that Joseph had finally revealed himself to his brothers: "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. "For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of this entire household and ruler of all Egypt." (Genesis 45:4-8) Joseph would continue to give his brothers assurance, for he would tell them; how they could all come and stay in Egypt. The seven year famine still had five years left, before it would completely run its course. Joseph had promised to put them up, in the region that was called -- Goshen: "You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me: you, your children, and grandchildren, your flocks, and herds and all that you have." (Genesis 45:10) Now, the region that was called "Goshen" was located near the Nile Delta and the Egyptian border, that faced towards the land of Canaan. This was an idea place for the Israelites, for it would allow them to be reminded from whence they came, being that they could see the land of Canaan in the distance. Goshen was also, well watered; which worked well, with the large volume of flocks that Jacob possessed. With Goshen being located near the borders, this means; that it probably had the least inhabitants, being that it was far from the court and the inward parts of Egypt. Word would get back to Pharaoh, that Joseph had been reunited with his brothers. Pharaoh and his servants were pleased when they heard the news. Pharaoh would show tremendous kindness towards Joseph and his family. This should not be, too much of a surprise; being that Joseph had stayed obedient to God, and because of this -- Egypt benefited greatly. Pharaoh provided Joseph's brothers with plenty of provisions, and some carts for their journey back home. The Egyptian king would also provide Joseph's brothers, with two sets of new clothes a piece; but Benjamin, received five sets of new clothes and three-hundred shekels of sliver. Pharaoh also sent Jacob some gifts as well, for he had ten male donkeys loaded with the finest things of Egypt; and ten female donkeys, loaded with grain, bread and other provisions. Pharaoh also warned Joseph's brothers, not to quarrel with each other; while they set off on their journey. For he knew, that they might play some type of blame game between each other; when it came to the topic of, who actually betrayed Joseph. Being that their past, might shine a light on their deceit; against their father, that they would soon be meeting. Be as it may, Joseph's brothers finally left Egypt; and headed home to the land of Canaan, to meet with their father: "Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all of Egypt." They proclaimed to their father. After Jacob had heard this, he became stunned; for he didn't believe the report they were telling him. So his sons proceeded to tell their father all that had happened while they were down in Egypt. Jacob listened to their story, and began to look around. He saw everything that Joseph and Pharaoh had sent his sons home with. And after Jacob had saw the things that his sons had, his spirit revived, and he said: "I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive; I will go and see him before I die." After Jacob had heard and believed that his son Joseph was still alive, his spirit was revived from the state of sorrow he had fallen into. After Rachel, the wife he loved with all his heart; passed away while giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob would begin to lose sight of God, and he became more focused on Rachel's children -- Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob would make the mistake of placing his hope, and trust into the two boys; instead of keeping his hope and trust in God. Jacob loved Rachel so much, that after she had died; he used her children, to fill the void that was created; after she was taken from his life. Now, Jacob had became sad after Rachel had died, but he was able to cope; by leaning on Joseph -- who would soon, become his favorite son from out of the twelve. And when he lost Joseph and was deceived into thinking that he was dead, Jacob would be saddened again. Now, it was at this time, that Jacob; would become very protective of Benjamin. For he couldn't lose the only person that would remind him of Rachel, since he believed that Joseph was no more. It's moments like these, that reveals the Sacred Scriptures immense value. Jacob couldn't see nothing when it came to God, and felt nothing -- but heartache and sorrow. As for him, Jacob thought that he was all alone; and that the future of his household rested solely on Benjamin -- now that Joseph was gone. But the Sacred Scriptures gave us the ability to see how God was moving in Jacob's life, when Jacob couldn't. For we must know, that it's these type of experiences, that presents the opportunity; for us, to be able to see and recognize; how God is moving in our own lives. Since God did it for Jacob, He surely will -- do it for us. And although we make the mistake, by giving in to the idea -- that God is invisible. The Sacred Scriptures, gives us the ability; to identify His movements, therefore; allowing our Heavenly Father to become very clear, and track-able; within our own lives -- daily. Jacob decides to go to Egypt, so he packs up his family; and journey off towards Egypt. But, while he was en route to Egypt, he stops off at Beersheba and presents God; with an offering. God would visit Jacob that very same night: what did He tell Jacob in regards to Egypt?
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 102) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 105) Israel's Blessing to Pharaoh 107) The Promise Between Father & Son 108) Jacob Becomes Ill 109) Jacob Adds Manasseh and Ephraim 110) Jacob Places Ephraim Before Manasseh 111) Joseph's Expectation and Disappointment 112) The Promise Covenant with Humanity 113) The Prophecy of Reuben, Simeon and Levi 115) The Tribe of Kings 116) Representation of the Scepter 117) The Importance of the Sanhedrin 118) The Gathering of the People  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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