What is the meaning of Genesis 47?

Introduction to Genesis 47

Genesis 47 represents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel’s sojourn to Egypt, marking the formal settlement of Jacob’s family under Joseph’s protection. This chapter beautifully illustrates divine providence working through human governance and family dynamics. We witness the fulfillment of God’s earlier prophecy to Abraham about his descendants becoming sojourners in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13), while simultaneously showcasing Joseph’s administrative wisdom and filial piety.

The chapter serves as a masterclass in how God’s people can maintain their distinct identity while functioning as a blessing to their host nation, a theme that would become increasingly significant throughout biblical history and remains relevant for believers today.

Context of Genesis 47

The immediate context follows the emotional reunion between Joseph and his family in Genesis 46, where God had reassured Jacob about going down to Egypt. This chapter falls within the final section of Genesis (chapters 37-50) that focuses on Joseph’s narrative and the preservation of Abraham’s lineage through which the Messiah would come.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Genesis 47 serves multiple purposes. First, it demonstrates how God used Egypt as an incubator for His nascent nation, allowing Israel to grow from a family of 70 to a nation of millions. Second, it provides a stark contrast to the later exodus narrative – the Israelites enter Egypt as honored guests under a favorable Pharaoh, making their later enslavement all the more dramatic. Finally, it serves as a profound example of how God’s people can maintain their distinctive calling while serving in secular authority.

The chapter also bridges the patriarchal narratives to the national story of Israel, showing how God’s promises to Abraham began their fulfillment through seemingly ordinary political and economic circumstances.

Ancient Key Word Study

• Presented (וַיַּצֵּג, vayyatzeg) – This word in verse 7 carries ceremonial significance, suggesting a formal introduction rather than a casual meeting. It’s used in contexts of official presentation, emphasizing the dignity accorded to Jacob despite being an immigrant.
• Blessed (וַיְבָרֶךְ, vayevarekh) – The patriarch’s blessing of Pharaoh in verse 7 uses the same word as God’s original blessing to Abraham, suggesting the fulfillment of the promise that Abraham’s descendants would be a blessing to the nations.
• Sojourning (מְגוּרַי, meguray) – Jacob’s description of his life in verse 9 literally means “my sojournings,” emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life and connecting to the broader theme of God’s people as pilgrims.
• Sustained (וַיְכַלְכֵּל, vayekhalkeil) – Used in verse 12, this word implies more than mere feeding; it suggests comprehensive care and provision, reflecting Joseph’s thorough commitment to his family’s welfare.
• Possession (אֲחֻזָּה, achuzzah) – This term in verse 11 is significant as it’s the same word used for Abraham’s first property purchase in Canaan, creating a parallel between these two significant settlements of God’s people.
• Money Failed (וַיִּתֹּם, vayyitom) – The word in verse 15 literally means “to be complete” or “finished,” painting a picture of total economic collapse that sets the stage for Joseph’s revolutionary policies.
• Servants (עֲבָדִים, avadim) – Used in verse 19, this term would later take on profound significance in Israel’s history, creating an ironic contrast with their future status in Egypt.
• Fifth Part (חֲמִישִׁית, chamishit) – This fraction in verse 24 becomes a standard rate in ancient Near Eastern taxation, showing Joseph’s establishment of sustainable economic policy.
• Found Grace (מָצָא חֵן, matza chen) – This phrase in verse 25 echoes throughout Scripture as a formula for divine favor, here showing how Joseph’s administration reflected God’s grace to Egypt.

Compare & Contrast

• Verse 7’s use of “presented” (וַיַּצֵּג) rather than the more common “brought” (וַיָּבֵא) emphasizes the formal, ceremonial nature of Jacob’s introduction to Pharaoh. This choice highlights the dignity and respect accorded to Jacob, despite his status as an immigrant.
• In verse 9, Jacob’s description of his years as “few and evil” uses the term מְעַט (me’at) for “few” rather than קָטֹן (qaton), suggesting qualitative rather than quantitative measurement, emphasizing the pilgrim nature of his life rather than mere chronological shortness.
• The phrase “found grace” in verse 25 employs חֵן (chen) rather than רַחֲמִים (rachamim), indicating that the Egyptians recognized divine favor rather than mere human mercy in Joseph’s administration.
• In verse 11, the use of אֲחֻזָּה (achuzzah) for “possession” rather than נַחֲלָה (nachalah) is significant, as it implies a temporary holding rather than a permanent inheritance, foreshadowing Israel’s eventual exodus.
• The description of Joseph’s economic policy in verse 26 uses חֹק (choq) for “statute” rather than מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), suggesting a civil rather than religious ordinance, maintaining appropriate separation between Egyptian civil law and Israel’s divine law.

Genesis 47 Unique Insights

The Midrash Rabbah offers a fascinating insight into Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh, suggesting that through Jacob’s presence, the Nile began to overflow its banks again, ending a famine that had plagued Egypt. This reflects the rabbinic understanding that the righteous bring blessing wherever they dwell, even in exile.

Early church father Origen saw in Joseph’s economic reforms a prefiguring of Christ’s kingdom, where all people voluntarily submit themselves to divine authority for their ultimate benefit. He particularly noted how Joseph’s provision of seed for planting (verse 23) paralleled the church’s role in distributing spiritual seed – the Word of God.

The chapter presents a unique economic model that balances central authority with individual dignity. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern systems where people became property of the state, Joseph’s reforms maintained personal freedom while establishing a sustainable taxation system. This created a framework that would influence Middle Eastern economics for centuries.

The detail about Israel dwelling in Goshen carries geographical significance often missed by casual readers. Goshen served as a buffer zone between Egypt proper and potential invaders from the east, suggesting that Pharaoh’s settlement of the Israelites there may have had strategic as well as agricultural motivations.

Genesis 47 Connections to Yeshua

Joseph’s role as provider and sustainer during the famine prefigures Yeshua’s role as the bread of life (John 6:35). Just as Joseph’s wisdom saved both Egyptians and foreigners, Yeshua’s sacrifice provides salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.

The theme of voluntary servitude in this chapter (verses 18-19) foreshadows the believer’s relationship with Messiah, where we willingly submit ourselves to His lordship in exchange for His provision and protection. This parallels Paul’s description of being “bondservants of Christ” (Ephesians 6:6).

The way Joseph used his position of authority to save and provide for his family points to how Yeshua, through His exaltation, became the source of salvation for His brethren according to the flesh (Israel) and ultimately for all who would believe in Him.

Genesis 47 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes of sojourning and blessing echo throughout Scripture. Abraham’s sojourn in Egypt (Genesis 12:10) provides a parallel to Jacob’s experience, while the concept of being blessed to be a blessing reflects God’s original promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3).

The motif of God’s people living as foreigners yet rising to prominence appears repeatedly in Scripture, from Joseph to Daniel, pointing to the believer’s dual citizenship as referenced in Philippians 3:20.

The economic reforms instituted by Joseph find interesting parallels in the later Mosaic law, particularly in provisions for the poor and the concept of jubilee. Both systems sought to balance necessary taxation with human dignity and provision for the vulnerable.

Genesis 47 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider how we can maintain our distinct identity as believers while serving effectively in secular contexts. Joseph’s example shows that it’s possible to hold high office and implement major social reforms while remaining faithful to God’s calling.

Jacob’s reflection on his life as a pilgrimage invites us to examine our own perspective on earthly existence. Do we see ourselves as permanent residents here, or as sojourners waiting for our true home? This mindset affects how we interact with material possessions and worldly success.

The chapter also prompts us to consider how we use our positions of influence. Joseph used his authority to save lives and implement just policies. How are we using whatever influence God has given us to benefit others and glorify Him?

Did You Know

• The Egyptian practice of storing grain in good years for use in lean years was well documented in ancient texts, showing the historical accuracy of Joseph’s administrative reforms.
• The land of Goshen, where Israel settled, was known as some of Egypt’s most fertile grazing land, indicating Pharaoh’s genuine favor toward Joseph’s family.
• Ancient Near Eastern documents confirm that the 20% tax rate established by Joseph was considered reasonable by ancient standards, with some cultures imposing much heavier burdens.
• Jacob’s age of 130 years was actually younger than his fathers – Abraham lived to 175 and Isaac to 180 – lending poignancy to his description of his years as “few.”
• The phrase “gathered to his people” used regarding Jacob’s death was a common Hebrew euphemism suggesting belief in an afterlife where one would rejoin deceased relatives.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that Semitic peoples often held high positions in Egyptian government during the Middle Kingdom period, supporting the historical plausibility of Joseph’s rise to power.
• The Egyptian practice of doctors being specialists in specific parts of the body (referenced in the embalming process) is confirmed by other historical sources.
• The location of Goshen provided a degree of cultural isolation that helped preserve Israel’s distinct identity during their sojourn in Egypt.