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"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

Text: Genesis 46:1-34

IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN

It was Joseph who marked out the land of Goshen for his father and his family to live in (Cf. Genesis 45:10). The Pharaoh had endorsed Joseph’s decision. He gave his promise that Israel would have “the best of the land of Egypt” (Cf. Genesis 45:18). Israel and his sons made their way straight to the land of Goshen.

“Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph,
to point out before him the way to Goshen.
And they came to the land of Goshen.”
GENESIS 46:28

Judah was given the honour and privilege of being the advanced party. Perhaps this was Israel’s way of expressing his approval of Judah’s part in securing the release of Benjamin!

A WONDERFUL REUNION

Joseph must have been informed that his father had arrived in the land of Egypt. Swiftly he made his way to the land that he had chosen for his father to live in.

“So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen
to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him,
and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.”
GENESIS 46:29

Understandably, the focus in this text is on the reunion between Israel and Joseph! Tears flowed freely from both father and son. Tears of sorrow that they had not been in touch with each other. Tears of joy that they were now able to see and touch each other! How good the Lord had been to bring about this reunion! As Israel composed himself, he said,

“Now let me die, since I have seen your face,
because you are still alive.”
GENESIS 46:30

What Israel meant was that if he were to die now, he would die with great contentment. His wish to see his favourite son was fulfilled! Had he not been able to see his beloved son Joseph, he would have expired with sorrow in his heart (Cf. Genesis 37:35). Israel saw only his beloved son Joseph standing before him. The Egyptian trappings that he wore as the powerful governor of Egypt made little or no impression on Israel. He had seen Joseph’s face! He had ascertained that he was alive! That was enough!

Many years had passed. There had been absolutely no contact between father and son, but the love that had existed between them continued to be true and steadfast. The years did not dim the love both kept for each other! How good the Lord was to give them this special moment where they could experience the joy of reunion!