What lessons on humility can we learn from the request in Genesis 47:4? Setting the Scene • Genesis 47:4: “They also said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to dwell in the land for a time, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now please, allow your servants to live in the land of Goshen.’ ” • Joseph has presented five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Though they carry the covenant promise, they stand before Egypt’s king as needy petitioners. Marks of Humility in the Brothers’ Request • Self-identification as servants – Three times in one verse they speak of themselves as “your servants,” recognizing Pharaoh’s authority rather than asserting their own lineage (cf. Proverbs 15:33). • Admission of need – “We have no pasture… the famine is severe.” No excuses, no masking of poverty—just honest acknowledgment of weakness (Psalm 34:6). • Request rather than demand – “Please, allow your servants…” They seek permission, not entitlement, modeling the posture commended in Philippians 2:3–4: “in humility consider others more important than yourselves”. • Contentment with sufficiency – Goshen was fertile yet separate from Egypt’s core. They ask for what is adequate, not extravagant, echoing Proverbs 30:8: “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” Why This Matters for Us • God exalts the lowly – James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”. Their humble stance opens the door for Pharaoh’s favor and ultimately God’s preservation of Israel. • Humility aligns with trusting God’s provision – By laying need bare, they rely on God to supply through Pharaoh. 1 Peter 5:6–7 ties humility to casting cares on the Lord. • True greatness can serve – Though heirs of Abraham, they embrace servant language, foreshadowing the Messiah who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Practical Takeaways • Speak honestly about need; hiding weakness is pride in disguise. • Address authority figures with respect, even when holding divine promises. • Request what is necessary; shun a spirit of entitlement. • Trust that God works through humble appeals to accomplish His larger redemptive purposes. Looking Ahead God grants the request: Israel settles in Goshen, flourishes, and is positioned for the Exodus (Genesis 47:11–12). Humility became the door God used to unfold His covenant plan—reminding us that He still works through contrite hearts today. |
    |