Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Genesis 49:  ²² “Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall.
²³ The archers have bitterly grieved him,
Shot at him and hated him.
²⁴ But his bow remained in strength,
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
²⁵ By the God of your father who will help you,
And by the Almighty who will bless you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
²⁶ The blessings of your father
Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors,
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills.
They shall be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.

 

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Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel, the one Jacob loved. Rachel was delighted to finally have children! She said “GOD has taken away my disgrace” when Joseph was born. She named him Joseph or “may he add.”

 

My Observations:

• Jacob got what he wanted when he finally married Rachel, but she suffered greatly, watching other women have children, thinking she could not fill the promise of GOD.
• Joseph suffered greatly because of his brothers, the Ishmaelites, Potiphar and his wife, the baker and butler and the Egyptians.
• Israel's blessing was on his son Joseph versus the tribe.

 

Israel had adopted Ephraim and Manasseh to be his. The blessing did not exclude Joseph, rather gave him a double portion through his sons. They are known as the house of Joseph. His name would disappear from many lists of the tribes, but would reappear in book of Revelation, symbolizing the merge of the house to prepare for the return of CHRIST.

 

Israel’s sons meant evil for Joseph. Their jealousy led them to plot out his murder. BUT GOD intervened greatly in Joseph’s life. He became the ultimate story of a human who held onto GOD despite every obstacle that was thrown at him. GOD did indeed bless Joseph!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s blessing from Israel?
• Do you think your suffering in in vain?
• Do you believe that your suffering can become a huge blessing through GOD who sees you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Naphtali

 Israel’s Prophecy for Naphtali

Genesis 49:  ²¹ “Naphtali is a deer let loose;
He uses beautiful words.

 

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Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachels maidservant. Rachel referred to Naphtali as a “struggle” because she had a strong sibling rivalry with Leah. She named him Naphtali or “struggle.”

 

My Observations:

• Naphtali also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel mixed up the order of birth and went back to talking about Bilhah’s children.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Naphtali’s physical and verbal agility.

 

The tribe of Naphtali would eventually declare curses or warnings to all the tribes of Israel. Through these curses, the people of Israel would refrain from bad behavior. For example, “Cursed is the man who kills his neighbor secretly.”  Naphtali would indeed use beautiful words as Israel prophesied.

 

There were times when the tribe of Naphtali was brave and there were times, they were cowards. I can definitely relate! They would be featured in a son of Deborah and Barak because they risked their lives in a battle against the Canaanites. But unfortunately, this fight came from them being cowards and not wiping out the Canaanites in the first place. I can’t help but to notice Israel’s intentional order of his son’s blessing. Naphtali’s land would eventually become the land of the Gentiles. GOD did bless Naphtali.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this brief, yet powerful blessing over Naphtali?
• What beautiful words has GOD given you to tell others?
• Are you able to fight your feelings enough to tell people that GOD is amazing and caring and powerful?

Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

 

Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

Genesis 49: ²⁰ “Bread from Asher shall be rich,
And he shall yield royal dainties..

 

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Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Asher as a “one who makes me happy” because she was barren. She named him Asher or “happy.”

 

My Observations:

• Asher also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel kept the order of birth and continued talking about Zilpah's children.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Asher’s eventual wealth through baking and raw material for food.

 

The tribe of Asher would eventually declare curses or warnings to all the tribes of Israel. Through these curses, the people of Israel would refrain from bad behavior. For example “Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother.”

 

Asher’s tribe was indeed blessed by GOD. They were able to speak on the LORD’s behalf and all of the tribes took the words to heart. But this does not mean Asher followed GOD all the time. Like you and I, there were moments of doubt. They did not drive out the Canaanites as commanded. GOD blessed them anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this brief, yet powerful blessing over Asher?
• Is there a gift or skill you have that you are overlooking?
• Can you praise GOD for your gifts and talents before you see any of HIS blessings poured out on you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Genesis 49: ¹⁹ “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.

 

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Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the first son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Gad as a “good fortune” because she was barren. She named him Gad or “a troop is coming.”

 

My Observations:

• Gad also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel skipped the order of birth and also switched from talking about Bilhah’s children to speaking about Zilpah’s first born.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Gad’s eventual bravery in battle.

 

The tribe of Gad would become a brave fighting tribe of Israel. Even Moses recognized this tribe’s valor in a later blessing. While Gad had his issues with Joseph, He emerged as a leader that seemed to stay with GOD.

 

Some of the other brothers fell away from GOD in their dealings, but Gad seemed to remain faithful. Leah seemed to have influence over Zilpah’s ways. Her sons had their faults, but in the end, followed the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Gad’s valor in war?
• Has your life been a battle?
• Will you remain vigilant by not giving in to the attacks of the enemy?

Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Genesis 49¹⁶ “Dan shall judge his people
As one of the tribes of Israel.
¹⁷ Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path,
That bites the horse’s heels
So that its rider shall fall backward.
¹⁸ I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!

 

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Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Dan’s name means “judge.” Israel prophesied that Dan would provide Judges, but would cause people to fall.

 

My Observations:

• Danites produced famous judges loke Samson.
• Danites committed idolatry and complained about their land inheritance.
• Danites were not listed in the book of Revelation, but were prophesied and one of Israel’s tribes in the book of Ezekiel.

 

Many Bible scholars have tried to guess the reason Dan is not mentioned in the list in Revelation 7. Some believe it was because of the idolatry; others believe it just happened that the people were wiped out. Whatever the case, they are not mentioned.

 

Bilhah influenced Dan. She also voluntarily slept with Reuben, even though he was Jacob’s son. Dan also hated Joseph and Israel could see this. Israel seems to remorsefully state that he has waited on Dan’s salvation.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Dan being a “serpent?”
• Has anything become an idol in your life?
• Have you reviewed your life to see if any idols have formed that you need to give to GOD?

Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Genesis 49: ¹⁴ “Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
¹⁵ He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves.

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Issachar was the son that Leah had after being barren for years. Issachar means “Reward.”  Leah was so happy that she was no longer barren that she felt GOD had “rewarded” her. She traded mandrakes to Rachel for a night with Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• Issachar is referred to as a “strong donkey”” meaning he was a very hard worker.
• Issachar was wise enough to rest between receiving payments.
• Issachar became a tribe that was hard working, but never became slaves of any kind.

 

Hard work and reward for the work is attributed to Issachar. Israel must have seen his son work hard in silence, never complaining about the work. This was Israel’s ninth son, but the fifth son of Leah.

 

I can’t help but notice that Israel named all of Leah’s children together during his blessing. He wasn’t just trying to remember them and forgot the order. He was very intentional in his blessing order. Issachar was older than Zebulun, yet was named after him. He was one of the younger sons, so he may have hung out with the children of Leah and Joseph and Benjamin. GOD blessed Issachar.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Issachar’s hard work?
• Have you ever felt that your life had a lot of hard work?
• Can you wait for the blessing your hard work is going to bring from GOD?

Israel’s Prophecy for Zebulun

 Israel’s Prophecy for Zebulun

Genesis 49: 13 “Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea;
He shall become a haven for ships,
And his border shall adjoin Sidon.

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Not much is said about Zebulun in the Bible. Leah praised GOD for having her sixth son. After Judah, she became barren. Rachel and Leah sent in their handmaids Bilhah and Zilpah. Other children were born. Then came Issachar and Zebulun. Leah was no longer barren.

 

My Observations:

• Israel’s prophecy of Zebulun had to be inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the sixth son of Leah, making him one of the younger of the children.
• Zebulun was closer in age to Joseph and Dinah and may have spent more time with the children of Leah and the Joseph.

 

Zebulun did in fact move close to the sea, fulfilling the prophecy of Israel. This tribe would be known for maritime trade. What is strange is the order Israel chose to present his blessing. Dan, Naphtali, Gad Asher and Issachar were older than Zebulun, yet Israel spoke his name before them.

 

There must have been a special anointing on Zebulun for being mentioned earlier. Israel’s blessing was short and to the point. As brief as this mention was, so is the brevity of mentions in the Bible. But GOD has Zebulun’s name written on a structure in heaven. GOD valued him. HE values you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the prophecy of Zebulun?
• Have you ever felt insignificant?
• Do you know that GOD values you as extremely significant more than you could possibly imagine?

Israel’s Prophecy for Judah

Israel’s Prophecy for Judah

Genesis 49: “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father’s children shall bow down before you.
⁹ Judah is a lion’s whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
¹⁰ The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes;
And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
¹¹ Binding his donkey to the vine,
And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,
He washed his garments in wine,
And his clothes in the blood of grapes.
¹² His eyes are darker than wine,
And his teeth whiter than milk.

 

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Judah went along with the original plan to kill his brother Joseph. But when the caravan of slave traders appeared, he was the one who suggested selling Joseph into slavery versus killing him. Later Judah volunteered to become a slave to save Benjamin.

 

My Observations:

• Israel prophesied the lineage of JESUS through Judah.
• JESUS is referred to as the Lion of Judah.
• JESUS will bring Shiloh, or peace through HIS bloodstained garments.

 

Through Judah came King David. Through David, JESUS was ultimately born. Imagine being filled with so much jealousy, that you would go along with a plot to murder someone. That’s where Judah was. BUT GOD intervened and provided an alternative that Judah voiced.

 

This does not make Judah look any better than his brothers. GOD chose Judah to provide the sinless human. A sinful lineage would produce a sinless human. Judah’s siblings would bow down to JESUS just as Israel prophesied.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the prophesy of JESUS through Israel’s words about Judah?
• Do you think your life is all about you?
• How does your life fit in helping GOD tell people about the imminent return of JESUS?

Israel’s Prophecy for Simeon and Levi

Israel’s Prophecy for Simeon and Levi

Genesis 49: ⁵ “Simeon and Levi are brothers;
Instruments of ^[cruelty are in their dwelling place.
⁶ Let not my soul enter their council;
Let not my honor be united to their assembly;
For in their anger they slew a man,
And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox.
⁷ Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce;
And their wrath, for it is cruel!
I will divide them in Jacob
And scatter them in Israel.

 

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Furious at their sister’s assault, Simeon and Levi decided to take matters in their own hands. They killed the man who violated their sister. They tricked the men of the town to get circumcised and in their pain, they murdered them. Jacob did not forget that Simeon and Levi could have put the family in extreme danger.

 

My Observations:

• Rage was addressed by Jacob because all their lives, Simeon and Levi would immediately go to emotions that would cause people harm.
• Cruelty was addressed by Jacob because they used excessive force to deal with their issues.
• Anger was addressed by Jacob, otherwise known as Israel, as he spoke to them as his father and as the tribal nation GOD promised.

 

Simeon’s tribe would eventually shrink in power. The Levites would not inherit land, but be “scattered” in Israel as prophesied. These men were now older and had acted on their internal rage for decades.

 

It was no surprise to anyone that Jacob gave this prophecy about these two sons. Simeon was thrown in jail by Joseph, skipping Reuben who was the oldest. Joseph may have seen Simeone’s rage when he made his choice. Our emotions can make us do and say things that are not well thought out, just like Simeon and Levi. BUT GOD blessed them anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s dislike of his son’s rage?
• Is rage an emotion that causes you to act without thinking?
• Can you look at rage as your enemy and tame it with GOD’s love, peace and joy?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader away from extreme emotional decisions and place YOUR love, joy and peace inside. It does not matter how old he or she is, or what emotional decisions they have made. What matters is that we bow to YOUR grace and mercy. amen

Israel’s Prophecy for Reuben

Israel’s Prophecy for Reuben

Genesis 49: And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days:

 

² “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob,
And listen to Israel your father.

 

³ “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
My might and the beginning of my strength,
The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.
⁴ Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
Because you went up to your father’s bed;
Then you defiled it—
He went up to my couch.

 

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Knowing he was going to die, Jacob called for his sons to hear his last words. He began with the oldest to the youngest. For Reuben he spoke words of excellency of dignity and power, but instability.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob remembered that Reuben slept with one of his wives, Bilhah.
• Jacob may have taught Reuben how to be wealthy and powerful, but recognized his weakness of being doubleminded.
• Reuben crossed a line that could not be repaired, but was not disowned or disinherited.

 

Jacob’s words would come true. No judge, prophet, ruler, or prince came from the tribe or Reuben. Reuben’s decision making would haunt him. Even though Reuben had committed the sin forty years prior, Jacob could never forget it.

 

Reuben tried to stop his brothers from throwing Joseph in the pit. Reuben was not chose by Joseph to throw in jail, rather he chose Simeon, the second born. There may have been some significance in skipping Reuben, but it is not stated. GOD was preparing how the tribes would later interact.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Israel’s prophecy of the tribe of Reuben?
• Have you made mistakes that you regret?
• Are you glad that GOD removed your mistakes away from HIM as far as the east is from the west?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader today. Let him or her know that YOU have accounted for mistakes and that you have forgiven each one. Please show YOUR grace, and mercy today. amen

Blessing Can’t Be Steered

 

Blessing Can’t Be Steered

Genesis 48: ¹⁷ Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸ And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”

 

¹⁹ But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.”

 

²⁰ So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’ ” And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

 

²¹ Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. ²² Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.”

 

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Joseph saw that Israel was blessing the younger son over the older, so he tried to correct the situation. Israel refused to move his hands and provided an explanation.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was leading Israel to bless Ephraim more than Manasseh because that is what HE planned to do.
• Manasseh was still going to be blessed.
• Joseph did not care about receiving a blessing because he was already taken care of.

 

Trying to control the blessing showed that Joseph did not understand the blessing. We do the same. We try to steer GOD into blessing us, especially when HE seems to be blessing someone else. Instead of praise, we resort to jealousy. BUT GOD knows and understands what you and I are going through.

 

Ephraim and Manasseh did not ask to be blessed. They probably thought that day was going to be the same as the day before. They did nothing to earn a blessing from GOD, so any blessing was incredible! Same for us!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s reaction to Israel’s blessing order?
• Have you ever felt jealous or envious over someone who seemed to be getting blessed?
• Is there room for growth in seeing blessings differently by praising GOD for a hope and a future?

Israel’s Intentional Blessing

Israel’s Intentional Blessing

Genesis 48: ¹² So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. ¹³ And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. ¹⁴ Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. ¹⁵ And he blessed Joseph, and said:

 

“God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has fed me all my life long to this day,
¹⁶ The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil,
Bless the lads;
Let my name be named upon them,
And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

 

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Joseph knew that Israel was about to speak the blessing from GOD. He brought his sons in to receive the blessing. He made sure that Manasseh’s head was in reach of Israel’s right hand and Ephraim’s head on his left. Israel crossed his hands and blessed Ephraim  and Manasseh.

 

My Observations:

• GOD led Israel to cross his hands when blessing Joseph’s sons.
• Israel blessed Joseph, but his focus was on Ephraim and Manasseh.
• The Angel who has redeemed is the preincarnate JESUS.

 

Israel finally got it! His words did not contain any complaint, only blessings. He knew that JESUS guided him and poured out a blessing on Joseph and his sons. He intentionally crossed his hands being led by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

This intentionality would in fact, play out later in the gifts given to each tribe. Israel adopted Joseph’s sons as his own and blessed them with an inheritance that was greater than earthly wealth.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Israel’s intentional crossing of his hands?
• Has GOD intentionally put you somewhere so HIS blessing can be placed on you?
• What blessing is GOD intentionally placing on you?

Extra Blessed

Extra Blessed

Genesis 48: ⁸ Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

 

⁹ Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.”

 

And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.” ¹⁰ Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. ¹¹ And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!”

 

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Israel saw Joseph’s sons and asked “Who are these?” Joseph introduced his sons to Israel who became delighted! He thought he would never see Joseph again, but now he was able to see Joseph and his sons!

 

My Observations:

• Joseph did not spend a lot of time in Goshen due to his responsibilities of running Egypt.
• Joseph’s sons may have been teenagers by the time they met Israel.
• Israel never imagined he would see Joseph or his sons because he was told Joseph was dead.

 

Not only did he see Joseph alive and well, but he also saw Joseph’s sons. Israel was delighted to have been so blessed. He did not know how GOD’s prophecy would play out. All Israel knew was that GOD would make many nations through his lineage.

 

Now that Joseph showed his sons to him, he could see how GOD was working. He had no idea that GOD had a different lineage through which JESUS would be born. All he knew was that Joseph, his beloved son, had children.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the first meeting of Israel’s grandsons?
• How do you react if a blessing came much later than you thought?
• Can you praise GOD when HE blesses you, especially when HIS timing took longer than you expected?

Foreshadowed

Foreshadowed

Genesis 48: Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. ² And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. ³ Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, ⁴ and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ ⁵ And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. ⁶ Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. ⁷ But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

 

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Some time after Israel made Joseph promise to bury him near his fathers, he got sick. Joseph got word of his sickness and took his two sons to see him. What Israel said, would come to pass.

 

My Observations:

• Ephraim and Manasseh would become tribes of Israel.
• The tribe of Joseph would be replaced by his sons and referred to as the house of Joseph.
• Rachel died in Bethlehem, birthplace of JESUS.

 

On Israel’s deathbed, he foreshadowed things to come. One day Joseph’s children would become prominent tribes, receiving earthly inheritances as great as the other tribes. He then recalled the death of Rachel.

 

She died on the way to Ephrath in a little town called Bethlehem. This would be the birthplace of CHRIST two-thousand years later. Her deathplace was significant. GOD’s plan was far greater than expected. Most people think it’s about earthly possessions, but it is about JESUS establishing an everlasting Kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Israel’s prophetic words?
• Do you think the places you have been, are insignificant?
• Can you accept that everything you do and everything you are has significant meaning to GOD?

World’s Best Isn’t Good Enough

World’s Best Isn’t Good Enough

Genesis 47: ²⁷ So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. ²⁸ And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. ²⁹ When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Now if I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, ³⁰ but let me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.”

 

And he said, “I will do as you have said.”

 

³¹ Then he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed.

 

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After living in the land of Egypt for seventeen years, Israel spoke to Joseph. His one request was to be buried outside of Egypt, back in the land of his fathers.

 

My Observations:

• Goshen was the best land Egypt had to offer and the Israelites prospered more than they ever had.
• Israel and Joseph got to spend a great amount of time with each other during the seventeen years he was there.
• Israel saw the ways of the Egyptians and did not want any parts of it, so he made Joseph promise to bury him with Abraham and Isaac.

 

Israel’s request was a strong rejection of the Egyptian ways. Egyptians regarded Pharaoh as a god. They believed in multiple gods and worshiped the sun and even frogs. Israel had spoken to the one and true GOD. I believe he had encountered the preincarnate JESUS.

 

Israel’s desire to be physically buried near his fathers was highly symbolic. He made Joseph place his hand under his thing, similar to Abraham’s oath he made his servant take. This is something Joseph would never forget! Goshen represents wealth and the best. But the world’s best falls short of GOD’s glory.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Israel making Joseph take an oath?
• Are you pursuing the world’s best, thinking it will save you from your current situation?
• Have you placed a priority of obtaining the world and watching a little piece of your soul go away in the pursuit?

The Famine was Over

The Famine was Over

Genesis 47: ²³ Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. ²⁴ And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones.”

 

²⁵ So they said, “You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” ²⁶ And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s.

 

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In the final year of the famine, Joseph told the Egyptians what to do with the land he purchased. Each household were now under the rule of Pharaoh and had to give one-fifth of their harvest annually. This became a law that was pleasing to Pharaoh.

 

My Observations:

• Every household had to clearly divide the way they planted their fields so it could be monitored by the Egyptian enforcers.
• Five fields had to be planted and one of the best would go to Pharaoh.
• The people gladly bought into this new way of life because they did not have seed to plant in their fields during the famine.

 

Joseph essentially developed commerce amongst the Egyptians that did not exist before the famine. Pharaoh would get a twenty percent cut and the people could do as they pleased with the rest. GOD put Joseph in a position to make

 

This shrewd move would keep Pharaoh wealthy without having to lift a finger. There were only seventy Israelites at this time. They would tend the best land and plant food for themselves and their animals. Joseph had developed a semi-harmonious lifestyle for Pharaoh, the Egyptians and the Israelites. The Egyptian priests, did not have to pay. The famine was over. GOD brought them out of the famine.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the tax Joseph placed on the Egyptians?
• Have you ever been put in a position where you had to do something different and you gladly did it?
• When GOD takes you out of your famine, will you stay with HIM and be a new creation for HIM?

Moved for a Reason

Moved for a Reason

Genesis 47: ¹⁸ When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. ¹⁹ Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.”

 

²⁰ Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh’s. ²¹ And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end. ²² Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands.

 

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Another year passed and the famine was still in full effect. The people had given Egypt all of their money and now they were willing to give up their land. Joseph bought their land in exchange for some bread.

 

My Observations:

• GOD used the famine to move people around who would otherwise never move.
• GOD had a long-term reason for moving the Egyptians to specific locations.
• GOD seemed to be guiding people with the famine to do things they would not have ordinarily have done,

 

Giving up the land that their ancestors lived for centuries was huge. The Egyptians may have had people who fully believed in the polytheistic ways and some did not. There may have been people who simply wanted to live life quietly while tending their land.

 

BUT GOD made a famine so severe that people had to give up their lifestyles and move to places built for them. Joseph must have created a massive building plan to move people into the cities of Egypt. GOD put the Israelites and the Egyptians in close proximity to each other for HIS incredible plan.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the request of the people of Egypt?
• Have you ever wondered why GOD has taken options away from you?
• Can you praise GOD for moving you to where HE wants you, so you can witness HIS deliverance firsthand?

When the Money Failed

When the Money Failed

Genesis 47: ¹³ Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. ¹⁴ And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.

 

¹⁵ So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.”

 

¹⁶ Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.” ¹⁷ So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year.

 

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After putting his family in the best territory of Egypt, Joseph had to return to his duties of running Egypt. This as now year two- or three of a seven-year famine. The people came to Joseph with their money and bought bread. But they ran out of money.

 

My Observations:

• The famine could not be prayed away because GOD had a purpose for it.
• Joseph was put into leadership of Egypt and had to deal with some very difficult issues.
• Egypt prospered because of Joseph.

 

Horses, flocks and cattle were given to Egypt so that the people would survive. The Canaanites and the Egyptians who could care less about GOD, were losing everything. Meanwhile, the family of Israel prospered. They were placed over the herds that were given to Egypt.

 

When the money fails, it changed the people. Survival was the new mindset and the people gave up everything simply to survive. Joseph used the wisdom given to him by GOD to make the Egyptians and Israel strong.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the severe famine HE caused?
• Are you in the middle of a severe famine?
• What is GOD doing to make you prosper in the middle of the famine in your life?

Journey Through Life

Journey Through Life

Genesis 47: ⁷ Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. ⁸ Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

 

⁹ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” ¹⁰ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

 

¹¹ And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. ¹² Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.

 

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Joseph brought “Jacob” to Pharaoh and the first thing out of Jacob’s mouth was a blessing. Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was. Jacob’s answer was interesting.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob mentioned he was younger than his father’s age who died at one hundred eighty and his grandfather died at one hundred seventy five.
• Jacob said his days were “few and evil” as if he regretted being a swindler.
• Jacob finally changed into the leader GOD wanted him to be, so he blessed Pharaoh.

 

All of his adult life, Jacob pursued what he wanted. He tried to circumvent tradition from a swindler who gave him a wife he did not want. He took his brother’s birthright and blessing. He lived in fear of many people groups because of his actions.

 

Jacob seemed to have regrets. BUT GOD used him anyway. GOD was the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. HE is the same GOD to you and me. Once we truly realize we are inadequate to save ourselves, we can turn to CHRIST for salvation.

 

But it does not stop there. We then have to realize that we are HIS creation and our lives are not to be squandered with our own pursuits. As we approach the finish line, we have an opportunity to serve GOD to our fullest each day!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Pharaoh?
• Have you ever looked back on your life in regret?
• Do you realize that today is given to you to start serving GOD despite the past?

Undeserved Favor Again

Undeserved Favor Again

Genesis 47: ⁵ Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. ⁶ The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.”

 

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After Joseph’s brothers told Pharaoh that they were shepherds, Pharaoh told Joseph to give them the “best of the land.” He also asked if there were others and if so, make them chief herdsmen.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s brothers hated him, BUT GOD showed them favor despite their actions.
• Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, BUT GOD raised Joseph to rule over Egypt.
• Joseph’s brothers lied about what they did as a cover up, BUT GOD blessed them to have the best land in Egypt during a famine that was causing people to starve.

 

There was nothing the brothers did to deserve this much favor. BUT GOD used their evil for good. This is an important lesson for us. We may talk bad about oppressors or avoid patching up a relationship, thinking we are doing the right thing.

 

GOD’s ways are higher than our ways. HE sees solutions way beyond the current situation. HE gave grace and favor to people who could care less about changing. HE did this for the ultimate purpose of saving you and me. If HE wiped out evil people, there would be no human who could open the scroll that sentenced Satan and redeemed humans. GOD sees around our shortcomings to achieve a greater purpose. That’s favor.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the favorable statement given by Pharaoh?
• Have you ever received favor and thought it was because you were temporarily being good?
• Can you praise GOD today for the undeserved favor in your life?

Occupation Preparation

Occupation Preparation

Genesis 47: Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.” ² And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. ³ Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

 

And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” ⁴ And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

 

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After the wonderful reunion with his father, Joseph presented five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Just as Joseph warned, Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation/” They replied “Your servants are shepherds.”

 

My Observations:

• Joseph prepared his brothers to accept the lowest occupation in Egypt that was seen as beneath the Egyptians status.
• Pharaoh may have thought he was getting another blessing by having willing workers join his team.
• No one knew that GOD was orchestrating extreme blessing on the people of Israel.

 

Goshen was the best land for herds and flocks. It was probably spacious, flat and provided water for animals to thrive. But the Egyptians did not want to tend to animals and loathed anyone who did. So Goshen was a great place for shepherds and herdsmen.

 

GOD used the Egyptians superstitions and narrowminded thinking to bless Israel. Eventually HE would bless this area so much that it would almost burst at the seams. This occupation would prove to be exactly what GOD wanted them to do in order to provide blessings beyond imaginations.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s meeting with Pharaoh?
• Have you ever viewed your occupation as “less than” something you wanted to be?
• Can you praise GOD for the occupation GOD has you in because HE is preparing you for a major blessing?

Moved to the Best

 

Moved to the Best

Genesis 46: ²⁸ Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. ²⁹ So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him, and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.

 

³⁰ And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.”

 

³¹ Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. ³² And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ ³³ So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ ³⁴ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

 

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Jacob sent Judah as the guide to Goshen. All of their possessions were loaded on carts and their herds had to walk to Egypt. Joseph came out to be reunited with his father. He then told his brothers what to say in order to live in Egypt peacefully.

 

My Observations:

• The move to Egypt took a long time because seventy people and their cattle had to walk.
• Israel was delighted to see Joseph alive!
• Joseph gave the brothers insight into Egyptian culture from his vast experience with them.

 

Being reunited with Jacob was the pinnacle of Joseph’s life. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would ever see his father again. Jacob may have felt the same way. BUT GOD orchestrated a strange move that brought Israel to Egypt.

 

Goshen was a land made for cattle and sheep. The flocks would flourish there if the right people tended to them. Joseph told his brothers that shepherds are loathed, so tell the Egyptians that you tend livestock. He wanted them to put a positive spin on their occupation to live in the land in peace. GOD used what was meant for evil to bring good to the p[people of Israel.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what Joseph did and said to Israel?
• Have you ever got a new occupation and did not know what to say?
• Is GOD using your experience to move you to a new occupation where HIS plan will continue through you?

Jacob’s Seventy

 Jacob’s Seventy

Genesis 46: ²⁶ All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. ²⁷ And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy.

 

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Jacob settled in the land of the Canaanites where his father Isaac was a stranger. There he raised his children. One wife, Rachel, had passed away giving birth to Benjamin. Joseph was hated by his brothers and was sold into slavery, ultimately to be raised by GOD to be the head of Egypt. Now Jacob and the entire family was ready to move to Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• GOD orchestrated the famine which in turn would send Israel to Egypt.
• GOD allowed evil thoughts and actions to come from Joseph’s brothers, but HE used them for good.
• GOD brought Jacob’s family back together in an unusual way.

 

Hindsight is twenty, twenty people would say. It is easy to question what GOD did and why HE did it when it comes to the move of Israel. But the account of history is more complex than you and I could ever imaging. GOD was preparing for JESUS to come as a human and needed certain people to be in certain places at the right time.

 

Israel would have never left the home he made for many reasons. He was old, Rachel was buried nearby and he had plenty. BUT GOD wanted him and his family to be somewhere else. This famine would last five more years, so Jacob had to go. He was delighted though. He would be reunited with Joseph.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD complete the recount of Jacob’s family to Moses?
• Have you ever gone through a difficult time and wondered why?
• Is GOD moving you to a place that HE needs you to be so HE can provide deliverance that you don’t understand yet?

Bilhah’s Seven

Bilhah’s Seven

Genesis 46: ²³ The son of Dan was Hushim. ²⁴ The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. ²⁵ These were the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, and she bore these to Jacob: seven persons in all.

 

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The last account of the tribes of Israel was Bilhah’s children. Dan and Naphtali. Bilhah was Rachel’s handmaid given to her by Laban.

 

My Observations:

• Bilhah may have believed she was the property of Rachel and also believed in household gods.
• Bilhah worked for Laban, possibly to pay off a debt that her family made.
• Bilhah had Dan and Naphtali which would become smaller tribes.

 

The tribe of Dan was eventually removed from genealogies. Naphtali’s genealogy was short. Both sons came from Bilhah through Jacob. Rachel insisted he sleep with her handmaid because she saw how many children Leah had and was jealous.

 

This plot to have children seemed to make matters worse. The Bible does not say what Jacob’s relationship with Dan was, but Dan ended up as a tribe who committed idolatry. GOD was still with all of Jacob’s children, but Bilhah produced the fewest descendants.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Bilhah’s children?
• Has GOD ever put you in a situation where you were a substitute?
• Can you accept GOD’s grace that HE has on you?

Rachel’s Fourteen

Rachel’s Fourteen

Genesis 46: ¹⁹ The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, were Joseph and Benjamin. ²⁰ And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. ²¹ The sons of Benjamin were Belah, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. ²² These were the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: fourteen persons in all.

 

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Jacob was told to go away from the women who were around him in the land of the Philistines. He was sent to Rebekah’s brother Laban to look for a wife. He fell in love at the first sight of Rachel. But he was given Leah as a wife because it was tradition. Jacob worked another seven years to finally marry Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was the only woman labeled as Jacob’s wife.
• Rachel believed in household gods and magic from mandrakes.
• Rachel was barren the longest and died when she had benjamin.

 

Joseph and Benjamin were special to Jacob because he loved Rachel. He treated them differently than his other sons. This unequal treatment would cause jealousy amongst his sons that would cause Joseph to be sold into slavery, but ultimately rule Egypt.

 

Rachel did not raise Benjamin and barely raised Joseph who was a young teen when she died. Rachel did not experience her nephews attempted murder like Jacob. But she did experience the pain of watching everyone else have children when her husband was supposed to be the one who would produce many nations. GOD kept HIS promise, but not he way she thought.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Rachel being Jacob’s wife?
• What promise has GOD made to you that may look different than you think?
• Has GOD appointed you for something special but it looks way different than what you are used to?

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Genesis 46: ¹⁶ The sons of Gad were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. ¹⁷ The sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel. ¹⁸ These were the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to Jacob: sixteen persons.

 

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Leah had children, but wanted more. She became barren and decided to “own” her handmaid’s children as her own. Laban, her father had given her Zilpah as her handmaid, or property. Zilpah and Jacob had children.

 

My Observations:

• Zilpah was born in the land of the Philistines and picked up some of their ways.
• Zilpah’s beliefs influenced her children.
• Leah, Zilpah, Rachel and Bilhah all believed in magic and ancestor worship.

 

As GOD was moving the tribes of Israel to Egypt, HE also was moving a variety of beliefs. Slavery was a belief that was deep rooted. Zilpah may have considered herself as property, because she was told she was. She easily had children when Leah went barren.

 

Leah and Rachel had a sibling rivalry that also involved the handmaids. When one handmaid had a child the other was told to have another child. This rivalry and belief in slavery would shape the nation of Israel in a not so good way.  GOD knew who would truly follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Zilpah’s children?
• What limiting beliefs have you possibly picked up?
• Is it possible that you may have placed limits on GOD because you are forcing HIM to act a certain way versus how HE is blessing you?