Bible Study Online Article
In the last article, we learned that Joseph had instructed his family; on what they should say, when they come before Pharaoh. There were many reasons why Joseph wanted his family to stay in the region of Goshen. For starters, Goshen was rich with resources; although this benefit wouldn't serve them well at this time, for they were still in the midst of the seven year famine.
This region was also located near the outskirts of the land: this is important, for it was in a remote area and separated from the main population. This would also serve as a huge benefit, for the Israelites would have that region; somewhat to themselves. Because of this, they would be somewhat isolated from the Egyptian culture; therefore, limiting the influence it might have had on theirs. Also, we must not forget; that the region of Goshen was located near the borders of Canaan: this is important, because it would help to remind the Israelites about the land that God had promised them -- and where they came from. When it came to Joseph's plan, he had -- already had a head start, when it came to influencing Pharaoh: being that he hadalready placed the Israelites in the region. This was a crucial first step, for it would allow the Israelites to begin unpacking and start setting up their dwellings. All Joseph had to do at this point was to make it official, by getting Pharaoh to commission it. So Joseph headed off to tell Pharaoh of the news: "My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen." Next, Joseph would choose five of his brothers and had them to speak before Pharaoh: "What is your occupation?" the Egyptian ruler asked them. "Your servants are shepherds, just as our fathers were. We have come to live here awhile, because the famine is severe in Canaan; and your servants' flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen." they answered Pharaoh. After hearing this, Pharaoh turned to Joseph and asked him: "Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock." Now, we shouldn't be surprised that Pharaoh would tell Joseph to place some of his family over his own personal livestock as well, being that the Egyptians looked down on shepherds; we could also assume -- that they detested that type of work as well. Perhaps, it would be safe to write, that there weren't; if not at all, many skilled shepherds that resided in Egypt. After Pharaoh had granted an audience with Joseph's brothers, the king would now see; Joseph's father, Jacob. So Joseph went to go and get his father and brought him before Pharaoh. As soon as Jacob came before the king, he showed him great respect; and thanked Pharaoh, for all that he has done for Joseph and his family. Next Jacob would pray to God: asking the Lord, to bless Pharaoh for his generosity and kindness that he had showed towards his family. Soon after Jacob was done, Pharaoh laid his eyes upon him -- as he looked with astonishment: "How old are you?" the Egyptian king would ask Jacob. For we must keep in mind, that the Egyptians very rarely lived to reach such an elderly stage. So, all eyes within the king's court; were on Jacob, as he responded to Pharaoh: "The years of my pilgrimage are one-hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers." Now, it would seem odd; that Jacob would state that his time on earth, were few in years -- being that he was one-hundred and thirty. But, we must understand; that Jacob was comparing his time on earth, to what it would seem like; when compared to eternity. Also, we must remember that Jacob had been in a state of sorrow; after Joseph was taken from his life, some twenty plus years before. The great patriarch, probably thought he was going to die; in the very near future, although he would live for another seventeen years. And being that his grandfather Abraham had lived to be, one-hundred and seventy-five; and his father Isaac had lived to be, one-hundred and eighty. I can understand why Jacob, in his present state of mind and spirit; would make such a statement, when he compared himself to the progenitors that came before him. Now, after Jacob had finished telling Pharaoh his short summary when it came to his life -- he would bless Pharaoh again, just as he did when he first entered the court; after which, he would immediately leave from Pharaoh's presence. So Joseph's plan worked, and it was official; he could now settle his family within the region of Goshen, with total consent -- from the Egyptian empire. Now it's at this time, the Scriptures has revealed, that the seven year famine would become more intense -- for it is still wreaking havoc upon the land, in a major way. Will the people be able to bear it much longer? And if not -- how will Joseph handle it? And why are people critical of how he handle it? Perhaps, we should look beyond the text; and see, if we can justify Joseph's actions.
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 102) Jacob the Stunned & Delighted 105) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 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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