How does Genesis 46:28 connect with God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12? Genesis 46:28—A Key Step in God’s Grand Journey “Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they had arrived in the land of Goshen,” (Genesis 46:28) Looking Back to the Original Promise Genesis 12:1-3 records God’s first covenant words to Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3) Connecting the Dots • Direction from God – In Genesis 12 the LORD tells Abram, “Go… to the land that I will show you” (v. 1). – In Genesis 46:28 Jacob dispatches Judah “to get directions to Goshen.” Both scenes highlight divinely guided travel. God is still the Navigator, leading the covenant family step by step. • Formation of a Great Nation – The move to Goshen positions Israel’s family in fertile territory, protected under Joseph’s favor (Genesis 47:6). – Exodus 1:7 reports the result: “the Israelites were fruitful and increased greatly.” The promise of a “great nation” (Genesis 12:2) begins to take visible shape during the centuries in Egypt. • Blessing for the Nations – Joseph, already governor of Egypt, has saved multitudes from famine (Genesis 41:56-57). Abraham’s offspring is literally blessing “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3) by providing grain. • Foretold Sojourning – God told Abram his descendants would be “strangers in a land that is not theirs” (Genesis 15:13-14). Genesis 46:28 marks the exact moment that prophecy turns into history. • Covenant Continuity through the Patriarchs – Abraham received the promise (Genesis 12). – Isaac was assured the same oath (Genesis 26:3-4). – Jacob heard it repeated at Bethel (Genesis 28:13-15). – By Genesis 46:28 Jacob is walking in that promise, trusting God’s word about preservation and future return (Genesis 46:3-4). Why Goshen Matters • Physical separation from Egyptian idol-culture kept Israel distinct (Exodus 8:22). • Rich pastureland sustained their herds, a material token of blessing (Genesis 47:27). • Strategic location near trade routes allowed the family’s later exodus toward Canaan, setting the stage for further fulfillment. Takeaway Summary Genesis 46:28 is not just a travel note; it is the hinge that swings Abraham’s promise into its next phase. God moves His covenant family to the exact place where: 1. They can multiply into the promised “great nation.” 2. They can be a channel of blessing to surrounding peoples. 3. His earlier words about temporary sojourning—yet ultimate deliverance—begin their countdown. Scripture’s storyline proves reliable, literal, and consistent. The same God who guided Abram’s first steps now directs Judah’s path to Goshen, demonstrating that every promise He makes, He keeps. |
    |