Genesis 46:2 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Genesis 46:2

Comments

In Jacob’s case, God’s guidance came in the form of a vision; for us the day of visions is now past. God no longer speaks to us in this way, but through his word. Jacob is called by his old name. Although the step he is about to take on behalf of his family warrants the name Israel, since it is affecting the covenant people, as an individual he needs his own guidance. God calls himself ‘the God of thy father’, Isaac, and this is a reminder that in spite of these difficulties God is faithful and will not desert Jacob. The vision is full of consolation. These events which have placed Joseph in Egypt are all being orchestrated by the Lord and long ago he saw the outcome of them. He is doing things for Jacob which, as yet, have not entered into Jacob’s mind. God tells us some of the reasons why he works as he does, but not all. Many things only become apparent afterwards.‘Fear not’ – it is right to go down. It is not going stand in the way of the promise of the land of Canaan given to Abraham’s descendants, where they will be as numerous as the sand by the sea. Although this is a newly revealed part of the plan of God, as far as Jacob is concerned, it is no change to his eternal plan. Now it is revealed that Egypt will be an important part of that plan. It has been fulfilled just as God said. God would go with Jacob and his descendants, and certainly, the believe must not proceed anywhere unless God is with him. This applies to the big decisions, but is also applies to the places we frequent. Why are we there? Would Christ be found in such a place?God would bring him up again. That was clearly necessary in order for the promises given to Abraham – who looked with his eyes on the promised land – to be fulfilled. But Jacob would have understood that this did not apply to him personally, but was God way of saying that his descendants would return from Egypt to the land of Canaan. This is apparent from the next clause which speaks of his death, presumably there in Egypt. There is then this very personal word to Jacob. Jacob will see Joseph, and Joseph will be present at his father’s death to close his eyes in death, and to confirm that both of their lives were lived according to the will of God. Jacob is loved by God and Joseph is loved by God, and that love is the foundation of their lives.

Application

Questions

Why did God determine that the main growth of the nation would take place in Egypt? Because they would be maintained there as a distinct nation. That was not successfully happening in Canaan. Genesis 38 has recorded the evils of Judah’s wanderings. Yes, and Simeon also took a Canaanite wife (Genesis 46:10). But in Egypt they would be parcelled off in some corner, since foreigners were abominated by the Egyptians and especially shepherds. Their separateness guaranteed. The Egyptians were fiercely against intermarriage. They were very distinctive in their religious practices. All of this worked together to maintain their distinctiveness. Egypt may have been a godless place, but it was intensely civilised and refined land. Canaan was coarse and crude. Egypt was a place of planning, buildings. The again, the exodus was going to teach the church in all ages wonderful lessons about conversion, and God’s ability to deliver his people. The plagues were going to be a pattern of his judgments on an unbelieving world, and the time in the wilderness was a picture of the Christian life, as were the battles to occupy the promised land.

Outline

Purpose

Introduction

Genesis 46:2 Commentary and Bible Study