47:1-6
What we have here is confirmation that the Israelites were staying in the land of Goshen with Pharaoh's approval. They were legally occupying the land. Joseph had gone to Pharaoh with five of his brothers. Joseph explained that they were shepherds by tradition, and that the land of Canaan could no longer support them because of the great famine. Joseph asks for permission for them to stay in Goshen, and this is granted. Pharaoh also asks them to look after his livestock. Earlier we have read that the Egyptians didn’t like shepherds, so one wonders how their livestock were looked after. The famine was a disaster, but God used the famine to move His people to Egypt. Disasters of varying sorts and degrees happen. We don’t like it when they do happen, but we should not fear. They may even mean great disruption to our lives, but even this can be all part of God’s plan.
47:7-12
Joseph now introduces Jacob to Pharaoh. Twice we are told that Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Wherever we are we should proclaim a blessing on the place. God told Abraham (and Jacob) that all nations would be blessed through him. Jacob was putting this into action. It is also worth noting that while Egypt is often associated with evil in the Old Testament, it is also sometimes the recipient of blessings. The land of Goshen is now referred to as the land of Rameses. So Jacob and his family were settled in Goshen, and Joseph ensured that they were properly provided for.
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