Israel Moves to Egypt

Israel Moves to Egypt

Genesis 46: ⁵ Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. ⁶ So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. ⁷ His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.

 

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GOD promised Abraham that HE would make him a great nation. GOD also promised Isaac and Jacob the same thing. Jacob had twelve sons and one daughter. He also had many possessions and livestock.

 

My Observations:

• The move to Egypt was a focus on lineage rather than an inventory of people who went to Egypt.
• The herdsmen and personal servants must have stayed in the land of Canaan when Jacob’s family left.
• The famine had five more years, so there was probably no argument about leaving to go to a better place.

 

Moving can be difficult. BUT GOD wanted Israel to be in another place. HE moved this young nation to Egypt for HIS purpose. HE knew the nation was about to experience a period of plentiful living because HE chose this family to bless mankind with a Savior.

 

Not only was Judah blessed, but all of the families that came from Israel. Israel’s children, grand children and great grand children packed up and went to Egypt. This was the birth of a great nation, just as GOD promised. Humans may think it’s about numbers or race, BUT GOD saw it as a way to bring everyone back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Jacob as Jacob and Jacob as Israel in the same sentence?
• Are you missing GOD’s plan because you cannot see why HE is moving you?
• Has GOD moved you to a temporary place to grow you and prepare you for the promised land?