What is the meaning of Genesis 47:3? What is your occupation? Pharaoh opens the conversation with a straightforward question that goes deeper than mere curiosity. In this meeting, livelihoods determine where Joseph’s family will live and how they will relate to Egypt. Similar moments of identity-revealing questions surface throughout Scripture—God asking Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) or Jesus asking the blind men, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32). Here, Pharaoh’s query sets the stage for: • Clarifying the brothers’ suitability for Goshen, “the best of the land” (Genesis 47:6). • Maintaining Israel’s distinctness; Egyptians considered shepherds detestable (Genesis 46:34). • Preserving the covenant line in a setting that protects it from assimilation, foreshadowing Exodus 8:25–27 where Israel again seeks space to worship separately. Pharaoh asked Joseph’s brothers Pharaoh addresses them because of Joseph’s favor (Genesis 41:39–41). Joseph, elevated to power, functions as mediator—anticipating Christ, who presents His brethren before the Father (Hebrews 2:11). This encounter illustrates: • How God positions His people through faithful servants (Psalm 75:6–7). • The blessing promised to Abraham being extended to nations via Joseph’s role (Genesis 12:3; 45:7). • Earthly authority recognizing and cooperating with God’s purposes (Proverbs 21:1). Your servants are shepherds, The brothers answer with humility, calling themselves “servants,” aligning with Joseph’s earlier counsel (Genesis 46:31–34). Their vocation as shepherds: • Echoes the patriarchs—Abraham (Genesis 13:2, 5), Isaac (Genesis 26:14), and Jacob (Genesis 30:31-43). • Prefigures Jesus, the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), and David, the shepherd-king (1 Samuel 17:15; Psalm 78:70–71). • Models faithful work despite Egypt’s disdain, reminding believers that honorable labor pleases God (Colossians 3:23). they replied, The brothers respond together, underscoring unity (Psalm 133:1). Their collective voice: • Reflects obedience to Joseph’s guidance, portraying mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21). • Demonstrates courage to confess an occupation looked down upon—a lesson in integrity (Proverbs 10:9). both we and our fathers By linking their present to their past they affirm continuity with God’s covenant dealings. This phrase underlines: • Generational faithfulness—“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked” (Genesis 48:15). • The passing down of calling and identity (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:5). • A reminder that God’s purposes span lifetimes, encouraging trust in His unfolding plan (Psalm 100:5). summary Genesis 47:3 captures more than a job interview; it reveals God orchestrating events so His covenant family remains set apart in Egypt. Pharaoh’s direct question allows the brothers to declare their humble, inherited vocation, positioning them in Goshen where their identity and faith can flourish. Their unified, honest answer shows integrity, honors Joseph’s leadership, and keeps them aligned with God’s centuries-long plan to make Israel a distinct people through whom He will bless the world. |
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