In Genesis 45, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers tearfully. He explains how God has blessed him and he is now Pharaoh’s right hand man. He also wants them to go get the rest of the family and bring them all back to Egypt, where there will be a place for them to live, food to eat, and safety. Pharaoh also extends this invitation, promising they will “eat the fat of the land.” Chapter 45 ends with Israel saying he would go.
In chapter 46, we see Israel stopping at Beersheba, where Isaac had built an altar. This was along the border of the land of Canaan, and was also a last stopping place before he leaves the land that was promised to Abraham. He offers sacrifices, and we can surmise two important things from this: first, he still worships the God of his fathers and second, he wants God’s approval before going all the way to Egypt. This is important since Abraham had gone to Egypt during a famine and it had serious consequences. Later, God forbade him from going to Egypt (12:10-20; 26:1-2). His decision to seek God’s approval is a wise one. God tells him not to be afraid and that He will be with him, that Israel would see Joseph and his life would end with him at his side.
Israel and his family would be settling in the land of Goshen. It’s important to note now that there is going to be a natural separation between Egyptians and Israelites. Chapter 46 ends with an explanation, “for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” They are going to dwell in Egypt, but not to become Egyptians. Pharaoh is honoring them, and even puts them in charge of his own livestock, but they were going to dwell separate from the Egyptians, which will, in my opinion, lend itself to later being seen as an external force and a source of forced labor. God never intended them to be Egyptians, but to set the stage for his plan to make them a great multitude, bring them out of Egypt, and take the land that was promised. That was a very long way off and the people would grow from a sizable family to a large nation.
Trusting God isn’t always easy. Facing the unknown provokes anxiety and fear. God had a plan, but Israel was unsure until God reassured him. God has a plan today — the salvation of souls by the blood of our Savior – Jesus who is the Christ! We need to trust that plan. Search out the details in His word and then follow them, for they ARE a word from the Lord. He wants you to be saved!
