The Reunion

Genesis 46

Here we see Jacob packing everyone and leaving to go to Egypt. From Canaan to Egypt was about a 200 mile journey. They did not have cars or motors, they just had camels and donkeys for transportation. Have you ever been on a long trip with a big group of people? When you stop everyone stops, and it takes some time getting food, stretching, and rested for your journey. Imagine now adding animals and over 66 people on this 200 mile journey.

Beersheba..

Jacob takes a quick break from the trip and wants to offer God a sacrifice in this area called Beersheba. This is where Abraham made a oath with Abimelech in Genesis 21 and Isaac made an oath as well in Genesis 27. Now it is Jacob’s turn to talk to God in this spot. God reassures Jacob that he was not going to leave him and that he will be safe on this journey. He will be able to see his son and God is in control.

The Reunion..

Joseph got word that his father was arriving so he loaded up his chariot and set off to meet his father. Once Joseph saw Jacob he got off and grabbed his father and clung to him. He wept on Jacob’s neck for some time. How great this must have been for Jacob to see his son that he thought for all those years was dead.We too are alive now because of what Christ did for us on the cross. We were a slave to sin and were a prisoner to it, but the death of Christ has set us free. We now have access to the father and can cling to our heavenly father.Joseph then told Pharaoh that his family was there and their occupation was shepherds. To the Egyptians a shepherd was despised. This was good in the long run because that meant that Israel did not have to adapt completely to Egyptian culture. They received their own land called Goshen and we will see God’s plan for Israel in the next few chapters.