Bible Study Online Article
In the last article we learned, that Jacob had found out; that his son Joseph was still alive -- after some twenty plus years. Even though, Jacob had not physically seen Joseph: just the mere thought of him being alive, brought peacefulness upon Jacob's mind and heart. Jacob would end up accepting Joseph's offer, when it came to him; moving his family down into the land of Egypt. This decision, on Jacob's part would be a wise one; being that the seven year famine -- was still, wreaking havoc upon the land. So Jacob would pack up his family, along with their belongings; and head out to Egypt. On his way there, he would stop off at the place called Beersheba and offer up sacrifices to the one true God. It would be at this point, that God would visit Jacob; and give the great patriarch His okay -- when it came to him, going down into land of Egypt. This was a crucial moment for Jacob, for it wouldn't have been wise for him to make such a move; without consulting God first. Although, I think Jacob would have went to Egypt; anyway, for he loved Joseph; who after all, was his favorite son before the two were ripped away from each other. After Jacob and his family began to move away from Beersheba, he would send his son Judah ahead of him. For Jacob had sent him to Joseph, so he could get directions to the land of Goshen. Judah would do as his father had instructed him, and it wasn't long; before Jacob and his family would arrive in the region of Goshen. Joseph would get the report that his father had arrived, and so therefore; he had his chariot made ready, and then headed down to Goshen to meet his father. Once Joseph had seen his father standing before him, he went up to him and put his arms around Jacob; and he wept for a long time. Jacob was also moved when he saw his son Joseph, for he said these words: "Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself -- that you are still alive." After the two of them had settled their emotions, Joseph would speak a plan to them all: "I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.' "When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, 'What is your occupation?' You should answer, 'Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just like our fathers did.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." Now, let's look at a few things that Joseph had stated; before we go forward. This is an important first step that could have been easily overlooked by Joseph. Being that Joseph already had the go ahead from Pharaoh, when it came to his family dwelling in the land of Egypt. Also, with the position that Joseph held from within the Egyptian kingdom; you would think, he would place his family were he saw fit -- without further approval from Pharaoh. But Joseph did not take this approach, for he didn't want to abuse Pharaoh's generosity; or put his family in a position, to where it may seem like they were imposing on the Egyptians; even though he already had Pharaoh's consent. For we must keep in mind, that Joseph's family will have to live amongst the Egyptians for awhile, so therefore; the place in which they were to settle would have to make good sense, in order to keep the peace between the two nations. This is important, because this information would keep Pharaoh from assigning them positions; that may have placed them within the king's court, army, or the cornfields. Plus, this was Joseph's way of letting them know; that they shouldn't be ashamed of whom they are -- for their trade and skills will benefit them greatly in this situation. This is why he instructed them to do this next: "When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, 'What is your occupation?' You should answer, 'Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just like our fathers did.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." Now, in today's world; people would be insulted and become angry, if someone thought of them as being "detestable." But, in this case; the negative perception that the Egyptians would have of them -- will serve them well. For the overall objective at this point, was for them to settle in the region of Goshen. By Pharaoh, and the Egyptians not wanting anything to do with "shepherds" -- it all but guaranteed, that the two nations would be kept apart. And the Goshen region was the best place, that would allow that arrangement to happen -- between the two nations After all, Joseph had his reasons on why he chose Goshen; to put it simply, it was the idea place for the nation of Israel. With its location near the outskirts of the land, the Egyptian population was minimum; because of this, the nation of Israel would basically have the region of Goshen all by themselves. This would help to keep the nation of Israel apart from the Egyptian culture, limiting the influence it may have had; if they dwelt in the midst of them. The Goshen region, was also located near the borders of Canaan: this is important, for it would help; to remind the Israelites about the land that God had promised them. Now that Joseph had instructed his family on what to say when they come before Pharaoh, we will see -- if Joseph's plan will work, and see if the Israelites get to stay in the region of Goshen. Or perhaps, Pharaoh will have -- different plans for the Israel nation?
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 102) Jacob the Stunned & Delighted 104) <-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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