Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. In the land of Goshen, Egypt

2. Jacob and his entire family had arrived in Goshen

3. It was a tearful reunion for Jacob and Joseph

THE NAMES OF THE SONS OF JACOB

1. The listing of the sons of Jacob was not exactly according to their birth order

a) The birth order is noted in Genesis 29-30

b) The actual birth order is not the same as in Genesis 46

2. The listing was according to their mothers:

a) Leah and her maid-servant, Zilpah Genesis 46:8-18

b) Rachel and her maid-servant Bilhah Genesis 46:19-24

INTERESTING THINGS TO NOTE

1. All the sons of Jacob were married

2. Each son had a number of children Genesis 46

3. Benjamin was also married and he had a number of children too Genesis 46:21

4. Total number of people who went to Egypt were 66 people Genesis 46:26

5. Total number of Jacob’s family in Egypt was 70 Genesis 46:27 (Including Joseph, Asenath, Manasseh and Ephraim)

REUNION IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN

28 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.
29 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.
30 And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.”

Genesis 46:28-30

1. Judah was chosen to lead the way to Goshen

a) His honour

b) He had stood out among his brothers

2. Joseph

a) He prepared his chariot to see his father Israel

b) He presented himself

i) Alive and well

ii) The governor of the land of Egypt

iii) Jacob’s son

c) It was a special reunion

i) Tearful

ii) Emotional

iii) Affectionate

iv) Grateful

v) In awe of God’s hand of mercy

vi) Joyous

3. Israel

a) Now let me die

b) Since I have seen your face

c) Because you are still alive

i) Joseph would not go to his grave in sorrow

ii) He can die with happiness now that he has seen his son alive

PREPARING TO SEE THE PHARAOH

31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.
32 And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’
33 So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’
34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

Genesis 46:31-34

1. Joseph will inform the Pharaoh

a) He will introduce them as his family

b) Newly arrived from Canaan

2. The occupation of the brothers

a) They had sheep
Thus, they were shepherds

b) They also had livestock
Thus, they may say that they feed livestock

3. If the Pharaoh were to ask about their occupation

a) They were to highlight their work as those who look after livestock

b) They were to avoid mentioning that they were shepherds

c) The Egyptians despised shepherds!

4. Joseph had to prepare his brothers

a) They were not familiar with the court life of the Pharaoh

b) They did not know the customs and culture of Egypt too

c) He hoped that they would make a good impression on the Pharaoh

CONCLUSION

1. The mighty hand of God

a) Protecting

b) Providing

c) Absolutely unmistakable

2. Our Challenge

a) To have a deeper knowledge of God

b) To have a stronger faith in Him

c) To appreciate the Lord for all that He has done for us