Genesis 47-48

Genesis 47-48 

Joseph was a leader. Probably it would normally be the oldest brother to take over for caring for the family since Jacob was much older.... But, it was Joseph... He led his brothers in how to talk to Pharaoh, taking them to talk with Pharaoh, and providing for the people of the land..

Joseph presents his family to the Pharaoh. First, 5 of his brothers are presented to the Pharaoh where they are given the opportunity to live in Goshen and are able to shepherd the Pharaoh's livestock. Then, Jacob was presented before the Pharaoh…

In this conversation between Pharaoh and Jacob, Jacob reflected that his life did not measure up to the life of his forefathers (Isaac; Abraham). When Pharaoh asked about Jacob's age, a blessing is what he is getting around to. He was seeking a blessing, or wanting to know how blessed this man was, to see if Jacob had divine favor. While Jacob experienced favor from God, his life was much different than those of his father. In his life, he experienced much evil from how he treated Esau to the evil of his children. (47:7-10) Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Joseph provided a land for his father and brothers. His brothers were given work. They were given the best. Even in a time of great famine, God provided for them!

Joseph was a leader, whether it is for his family, that of his father's house, to Pharaoh, or to the people of Egypt. God used Joseph greatly by making Joseph a leader. Only God can give us the ability to lead. God called Joseph to lead. 

He gave Joseph the direction he needed to lead the people. When all the money had been spent in the land, all the Egyptians came to Joseph. They still needed food. Even with no money, they still needed a way to be fed. Joseph sought God's discernment. It shows through how he led. In verse 16, Joseph tells the people: “Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone (47:16).” For some time, this is how the Egyptians were able to get food during the time of famine. When all the livestock belonged to Pharaoh, Joseph would purchase the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. Did Pharaoh need the land? No he had plenty, but this would give the Egyptians a way to have food to eat for their families. The people were also able to sell themselves to purchase food.

The way Joseph led was not harsh, but loving. He was able to find a way (through God's guidance) to provide for the land of Egypt. In a time of severe famine, God greatly blessed Joseph and he led the people. Israel, as a whole, settled there and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. Israel never ran out of work as shepherds, because the livestock were bought by Pharaoh: giving Israel more livestock to take care of. God continually provided for His chosen people!
 

1. Jacob counts Joseph's two sons as full sons.
2. Joseph is counted as the first born instead of Reuben.
3. Ephraim (younger son of Joseph) would be a greater tribe than Manasseh (older). Ephraim would become a multitude of nations.
4. As Jacob is dying, he is reminding them that God will be with them and bring them to the promised land!