How does Genesis 47:4 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2? The Promise Remembered • Genesis 12:2: “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.” • God’s pledge to Abram (later Abraham) contained three core elements: nationhood, blessing, and influence. Everything that unfolds in Genesis traces those threads. The Present Need • Genesis 47:4: “They also said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to live in the land for a time, because there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks; for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Therefore, now please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.’” • Jacob’s sons stand before Pharaoh pleading for relief from famine. What appears to be a crisis is actually God steering the family into position for growth. How the Two Texts Intersect • Physical survival becomes the launchpad for national expansion. • Egypt—specifically Goshen—offers: – Fertile pastureland, perfect for shepherds (v. 6). – Political protection under Joseph’s favor (v. 11–12). – Geographic separation from Egyptian urban centers, preserving Israel’s distinct identity (46:34). • What began as seventy people (46:27) becomes “exceedingly numerous” (Exodus 1:7), fulfilling the “great nation” clause of Genesis 12:2. • The move also positions Israel for the Exodus, displaying God’s power to surrounding nations—another layer of the promise, “you will be a blessing” (cf. Exodus 9:16, Joshua 2:9–11). Additional Threads • Genesis 15:13–14 foretells a 400-year sojourn and deliverance with “great possessions,” tying Egypt directly to covenant fulfillment. • Psalm 105:17–24 reflects on Joseph’s role in bringing Israel to Egypt so “the LORD made His people very fruitful.” • Acts 7:17 emphasizes that “as the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt.” Takeaways for Today • God uses unexpected circumstances—famine, relocation, even foreign rule—to advance His unbreakable promises. • What looks like a detour often proves to be essential preparation for greater blessing. • Trusting God’s providence means viewing present trials through the lens of His long-range covenant purposes. |
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