INTRODUCTION: Let us remember that as Jacob's family goes into Egypt, the prophecies given to Abraham are being fulfilled [Genesis 15:13-14]. We tend to emphasis unfulfilled prophecy while forgetting the marvel of prophecies already brought to pass.I. GOING TO EGYPT.
Before we begin a verse-by-verse study of our chapter we should pause to ask why Israel was ever taken to Egypt to begin with. Why did the nation not remain in Canaan and there expand. Following are some of those reasons:A. Because of the segregation practiced in Egypt, the nation of Israel could remain a separate people [verses 31-34; Genesis 43:31-34]. In Canaan they could have easily intermarried and lost their corporate and spiritual identity. After four hundred years in Egypt they were still a distinct and separate nation.
B. In Egypt the people of Israel had the opportunity for a great population increase. Joseph's influence in giving them Goshen was a great help. This was a wonderful area for livestock. Had Israel expanded greatly in Canaan there would have been wars for which they were not ready. (When Israel left Egypt they had grown to around two million souls.)
C. Israel's exodus from Egypt provided a great opportunity for the display of God's power [Romans 9:17; Psalm 78:43]. God's glory and the good of God's people are the two purposes found in all of God's works.
D. When Israel came out of Egypt they were enriched by the wealth of Egypt [Exodus 12:35-36]. This is where much of the material that went into the construction of the tabernacle came from [Exodus 25:1-9].
E. God's longsuffering caused Him to restrain judgment upon the Canaanites until their iniquity had reached a certain level [Genesis 15:16]. How complex are God's purposes.
II. SEEKING GOD'S DIRECTION.
With haste Jacob began his journey to see Joseph. Reaching Beersheba on the border of Canaan he stopped to worship.Several reasons for this suggests themselves:
A. As Jacob was near the border of Canaan he began to question his actions. Was he doing the right thing by leaving Canaan? He knew that it was doubtful that he would ever return in his lifetime. Should he leave the promised land for Egypt? Had not Abraham sinned in doing this? May we learn here to seek God's leadership [Proverbs 3:6].B. Approaching Beersheba he was reminded that both Abraham and Isaac had met God in this place [Genesis 21:33 and 26:26]. Like them he needed God's leadership and assurance.
III. GOD COMFORTS HIS CHILD - verses 2-4.
How wonderful to hear from God and to know that we are in His will. Note God's words in this the final patriarchical vision.A. "Fear not to go down to Egypt" - How wonderful to go where we know God is leading.
B. "I will there make of thee a great nation."
C. "I will go down with thee."
D. "I will also surely bring thee up again."
E. Jacob is promised that Joseph would be with him at his death (to close his eyes).IV. FOLLOWING GOD'S LEADERSHIP - verses 5-7.
Jacob could now proceed with a light heart.V. A SMALL START - verses 8-27.
This small clan became a great nation. What great things God can bring out of the insignificant.VI. A HAPPY REUNION - verses 28-30.
What a wonderful scene. Note, however, the dignity of Jacob. He allows Joseph to come to him. He sensed that to be a patriarch of the Jewish nation was a more important position than any in Egypt.VII. JOSEPH'S INSTRUCTION - verses 31-34.
A. Joseph was more interested in the spiritual purity of his brethren than their material greatness. He used the dislike of the Egyptians toward shepherds as a method of keeping his family separate. Let us learn from this what to desire for our families.B. Egypt is always a type of the world. See here a picture of what the world thinks of the Good Shepherd.
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