Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 343

"I will meditate on the glorious splendour of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works." Psalm 145:5

Text: Genesis 47:1-31

EGYPTIAN COURT PROTOCOL

Protocol had to be observed. Firstly, Joseph had to meet up with the Pharaoh to report the arrival of his family members in the land of Goshen.

“My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds
and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan,
and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.”
GENESIS 47:1

The next thing was to select a small representation of the family to present to Pharaoh.

“And he took five men from among his brothers
and presented them to Pharaoh.”
GENESIS 47:2

The Pharaoh, on his part expressed interest in the men presented to him, by asking them formally what they did for a living. Though Joseph had already prompted his brothers to speak generally of their occupation, and where possible to avoid the word “shepherd” , the brothers spoke in typical rustic mode.

“Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers…
We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants
have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe
in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants
dwell in the land of Goshen.”
GENESIS 47:3-4

Joseph was concerned that the Pharaoh might despise the family because they were shepherds. Would the Pharaoh grant them permission or would he turn them away?


APPROVAL GRANTED

The Pharaoh proved himself noble enough to rise above the common disdain of the Egyptians towards shepherds. He gave permission for Joseph’s family to dwell in the land of Goshen.

“Your father and your brothers have come to you.
The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father
and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell
in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men
among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.”
GENESIS 47:5-6

The audience with Pharaoh ended on a good and positive note! Beyond the careful observance of protocol, God’s hand of blessing must be acknowledged! It was He who had foretold this event! Israel would become a nation in the land of Egypt. The first part of the prophecy was being fulfilled right before their eyes. The second part of the prophecy – “oppression” would not take place till hundreds of years later!