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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 347

"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy." Psalm 147:11

Text: Genesis 47:1-31

INCIPIENT FEUDAL SYSTEM

The Pharaoh was now literally master of the land of Egypt! But how would he govern the land? Joseph established a system that enabled all to live fairly comfortably.

“Indeed, I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh.
Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.
And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give
one fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed
for the field and for your food, for those of your households
and as food for your little ones.”
GENESIS 47:23-24

A grateful Egypt responded to Joseph’s plan with deep appreciation.

“You have saved our lives; let us find favour in the sight
of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
GENESIS 47:25


ISRAEL IN THE LAND OF EGYPT

The years of the famine were not destined to last forever! How did Israel fare in the land where Joseph ruled in the name of Pharaoh?

“So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen;
and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied
exceedingly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
So the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven
years.
GENESIS 47:27-28


A SOLEMN CHARGE

The last years of Jacob were happy ones. He witnessed the happiness and prosperity of his family. All his children had done well! God had been good to all of them! He lived to the great age of 147!

Israel sensed that his time of earth would soon end. Though he was happy in Egypt, his heart lay elsewhere. He would die in Egypt, but he did not want to be buried anywhere else but in the Promised Land.

“When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son
Joseph and said to him, ‘Now if I have found favour in your sight,
please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly
with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with
my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in
their burial place.’ And he said, ‘I will do as you have said.'”
GENESIS 47:29-30

Israel extracted an oath from Joseph that he would fulfill his last wish. He did not need to do that for Joseph shared the same faith of his father! Understanding his father’s grave concern, Joseph swore that he would perform what his father bade him do.