How does Genesis 50:22 connect with God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12? Texts in View Genesis 50:22 — “Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived to be 110 years.” “Then the LORD said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.’” Promise Tracked from Abram to Joseph • God pledged to make Abram’s family a “great nation.” • Centuries later, Joseph’s long life anchors that family in Egypt, giving the clan space and safety to multiply (cf. Genesis 46:3; Exodus 1:7). • The blessing God pronounced on Abram visibly rests on Joseph, whose wisdom saved “many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). • Joseph’s 110 years reflect covenant favor (Deuteronomy 34:7 describes Moses’ similar vigor). Key Links Between the Two Passages • Multiplication of Offspring – Abram’s single household becomes “his father’s household” in Egypt, a sizable tribe. – Joseph’s presence ensures the lineage survives famine and flourishes, advancing the nation-making promise. • Preservation and Protection – God told Abram, “I will bless those who bless you.” Egypt, by welcoming Joseph, is blessed with food and stability (Genesis 41:56-57). – Joseph’s sheltered years fulfill God’s earlier word that Abram’s descendants would sojourn in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13-14). • Channel of Worldwide Blessing – Through Joseph, grain reaches “all the earth” during the famine (Genesis 41:57), a foretaste of the universal blessing promised in Genesis 12:3. • Covenant Continuity – The same Lord who spoke to Abram is plainly guiding Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3, 21). – Hebrews 11:22 cites Joseph’s faith at death, confirming that the patriarchs saw themselves linked in one unfolding promise. The Significance of Joseph’s 110 Years • Longevity signals God’s sustaining hand, giving Joseph time to see three generations of Ephraim’s children (Genesis 50:23). • Extended life allows Joseph to testify often to God’s covenant faithfulness (Genesis 50:24). • His deathbed oath about Exodus (Genesis 50:25) ties Abraham’s promise of land back into the family’s expectation. Take-Home Encouragements • God keeps His word across centuries; what He begins with one believer He continues through their descendants (Psalm 105:8-11). • Even perceived detours—like settling in Egypt—serve divine purposes for growth and blessing. • Personal faithfulness, as modeled by Joseph, becomes a living witness to earlier promises and fuels hope for their complete fulfillment. |
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