What is the meaning of Genesis 46:7? Jacob took with him to Egypt – “So Jacob arose and went… ‘Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there’ ” (Genesis 46:5-4; note God’s promise before the journey). – This move is an act of obedience and trust. Jacob leaves the land God promised yet clings to the God who promised it (compare Genesis 28:15; 31:3). – The relocation fulfills what God had foretold to Abraham—his descendants would be “strangers in a land that is not theirs” (Genesis 15:13) and eventually come out with great possessions (Exodus 12:35-36). – Jacob’s going “with” his family highlights his shepherd-like leadership; he will not send them ahead alone (contrast John 10:4). his sons and grandsons – Twelve sons already listed in Genesis 35:22-26 form the tribal foundations; the grandsons expand each clan. – By taking every male heir, Jacob ensures the covenant line continues undiluted (Exodus 1:1-7 echoes the list). – Joseph has called for them (Genesis 45:9-11), and Acts 7:14 reminds us that seventy-five in all were invited—Stephen’s sermon affirming the historicity. – Each name recorded in Genesis 46:8-25 is evidence that God keeps personal track of His people (Isaiah 43:1). and his daughters and granddaughters – Scripture seldom lists daughters, so their inclusion is striking. Dinah is known (Genesis 34), but “daughters” and “granddaughters” signals more than one female; they matter in God’s record. – Their presence means whole households are preserved, not just fighting men (Numbers 26:33; Joshua 17:3 show later female heirs). – God’s redemptive story values women: cf. Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4-5), and later Mary (Luke 1:46-55). —all his offspring – Verse 27 totals “seventy” (Genesis 46:27), a symbolic fullness, echoed in Deuteronomy 10:22: “Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy in all, and now the LORD… has made you as numerous as the stars.” – “All” underscores none were left in Canaan; the budding nation relocates intact, setting the stage for Exodus 1:7: “the Israelites were fruitful… and became exceedingly numerous.” – God is faithful to multiply Abraham’s seed (Genesis 22:17) even in foreign soil (Psalm 105:23-24). summary Genesis 46:7 captures a complete, obedient migration. Jacob does not parcel out God’s promises but gathers every child and grandchild—sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters—trusting the Lord to preserve and multiply them in Egypt. The verse testifies that covenant families thrive when they move together under God’s guiding word. |
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