End of Month ONE (Genesis 46-50)

Genesis 46


Jacob went and settled in a camp. He received a vision from the Lord saying it was okay, not to fear going to Egypt. God is still giving him the land he promised. His decedents will be many in Egypt as well. Joseph finally was able to see his dad, Jacob, again! His brothers, wives, and children were also there. Joseph told the brothers to tell the king they were shepherds. It is noted that Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. However the king not only welcomes them, he offers a job to let them shepherd his flock.

Genesis 47


Joseph presents his family before the king. The king offered them the best piece of land, and the chance to shepherd his own flock. Joseph provided food for them all. The famine became severe. Everyone's money was gone. Livestock was used as money for the exchanging of animals for food. The following year, there was no money and livestock to exchange for food. The people began to sell their land and self (becoming slaves) in exchange for food. This is with the exception of priests who received an allowance from the king himself. One-Fifth of the harvests were given to the king (from those who sold their land in exchange for seed and food.) Jacob made Joseph promise to bury him where his fathers were buried.

Genesis 48


In this section Jacob is dying, and Joseph and his two sons have gone to see him. Even though his eyesight is failing, he blesses Jacob and his two sons. Even when he has no strength to sit up, he sits up and blesses his children (he considered Joseph's sons as his own.)

Genesis 49


Jacob gathers his sons to tell them about their future. Jacob speaks a farewell to each of his sons. These are the twelve tribes of Israel. God is seen as the protector and shepherd as he speaks of Joseph. By his words, it's apparent that Joseph stands out among the rest of his brothers. Jacob gave specific instructions about his burial. He wants to be buried where Abraham, Sarah, Issac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried. He laid back down and died.

Genesis 50


The death left a long preparation period. The time it took to embalmed the body. The time it took for everyone to go. A large group went with Joseph to bury his father, after they mourned for him in Egypt---giving tribute to his life. After Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would harm them. Joseph had to reassure them once again that God used it for good--His good! Many people are alive because of how God worked in that situation. Even on Joseph's deathbed, he continues to reassure them that God will take care of them! Joseph asks them to take his body with them to the promised land. They embalmed him, and put him in a coffin.

Month One Completed.
Update on this month's journey