What is the meaning of Genesis 47:27? Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt “Now the Israelites settled in the land of Egypt”. • This line confirms the literal relocation of Jacob’s family, fulfilling Joseph’s invitation (Genesis 45:17-18) and God’s promise of protection (Genesis 46:3-4). • It serves as the bridge between patriarchal wanderings and the nation’s formation. Israel is no longer a small clan in Canaan but a people planted in a new soil—exactly as God foretold to Abram that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13-14). • The move also demonstrates God’s sovereign use of apparent calamity—famine—to position His people for future deliverance (Romans 8:28). In the region of Goshen “…in the region of Goshen”. • Goshen, the fertile eastern delta, provided ideal pasture for their flocks (Genesis 46:34). • Isolation in Goshen kept Israel culturally distinct from Egyptian idolatry, preserving their worship (Joshua 24:14). • God’s placement echoes His pattern of setting His people apart: Noah’s ark amid judgment (Genesis 7:1), the land of Goshen spared from later plagues (Exodus 8:22). They acquired property there “They acquired property there”. • Ownership marks stability and divine favor, contrasting with Egyptians who, amid famine, sold land to Pharaoh (Genesis 47:20-23). • The phrase fulfills Joseph’s assurance of provision (Genesis 45:11) and hints at God’s blessing of Abraham’s seed with increase—even in exile (Genesis 12:2). • Material prosperity here prefigures the later plundering of Egypt at the Exodus (Exodus 12:35-36). And became fruitful and increased greatly in number “…and became fruitful and increased greatly in number”. • This echoes the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28) and God’s covenant word to Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2; 22:17). • The multiplication sets the stage for Exodus 1:7, where Israel’s growth alarms Pharaoh. God’s blessing is unstoppable, even under eventual oppression. • It underscores that true fruitfulness is the result of divine promise, not favorable politics; God alone “gives the growth” (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:7). summary Genesis 47:27 shows God transplanting His people into Egypt, settling them in Goshen, granting them property, and multiplying them abundantly. Every phrase testifies that the Lord keeps His covenant promises, blesses obedience, and sovereignly prepares the stage for both Israel’s future bondage and their mighty deliverance. |
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