What responsibilities come with the land given to Joseph's family in Genesis 47:5? Setting the Scene “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you.’ ” (Genesis 47:5) The next sentence (v. 6) spells out the practical arrangement: Joseph’s family is to live in Goshen and, if qualified, oversee Pharaoh’s livestock. With that invitation comes a bundle of God-honoring responsibilities. Stewarding Goshen Well • Goshen is called “the best part of the land” (v. 6). Receiving prime territory obligates the family to treat it as a trust from God and Pharaoh, not personal spoil (Psalm 24:1). • Productivity was expected. Pharaoh’s generosity implied that the land should yield abundance, feeding both Israel and Egypt when possible (cf. Proverbs 27:23–27). Managing Pharaoh’s Livestock • “If you know of capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Shepherding wasn’t optional; it was a royal assignment (Genesis 47:6). • Faithfulness in this task modeled the principle Jesus later articulated: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). • Success here guarded Israel’s reputation and protected future privileges. Maintaining Covenant Identity • Living separately in Goshen kept them distinct from Egyptian idolatry (cf. Exodus 8:22). • Circumcision, dietary practices, and worship of the LORD had to continue uncorrupted (Genesis 17:9-14). • Their set-apartness prepared the nation for God’s larger redemptive plan (Exodus 19:5-6). Blessing the Host Nation • Through Joseph, Israel had already saved Egypt from famine (Genesis 45:7). Goshen offered an ongoing platform to bless their neighbors (Jeremiah 29:7). • Responsible land use and honest labor would testify to the goodness of Israel’s God (Matthew 5:16). Submitting to Legitimate Authority • Accepting the land included loyalty to Pharaoh, who had proven himself benevolent. Scripture consistently links land privileges to respectful submission (Romans 13:1-7). • Any rebellion would jeopardize both their witness and their security. Looking Ahead to God’s Promises • Goshen was temporary. Israel possessed a Promised Land still to come (Genesis 46:3-4; Exodus 3:8). • Responsible living in Egypt served as training for faithful living in Canaan. Summary Snapshot Receiving Goshen meant more than settling down: – Cultivate the land diligently. – Care for Pharaoh’s herds expertly. – Preserve distinct covenant identity. – Bless Egypt through godly labor. – Respect Pharaoh’s rule. – Keep eyes fixed on God’s future deliverance. With those responsibilities embraced, Joseph’s family thrived—and God’s unfolding plan moved steadily forward. |
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