Genesis 46:28
Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When Jacob's family arrived in the land of Goshen,
Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him
The name "Jacob" is derived from the Hebrew "Ya'akov," meaning "he who supplants" or "he who follows." Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites, is a central figure in Genesis, representing the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham and Isaac. His decision to send "Judah" ahead is significant. Judah, whose name means "praise," is a leader among his brothers and the one through whom the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ is traced. This act of sending Judah ahead demonstrates Jacob's trust in Judah's leadership and foreshadows the prominence of the tribe of Judah in Israel's history.

to Joseph
Joseph, whose name in Hebrew is "Yosef," meaning "He will add," is a pivotal character in the Genesis narrative. He is a type of Christ, having suffered betrayal and risen to a position of power to save his family. Joseph's role in Egypt as a provider during famine is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. Jacob's sending of Judah to Joseph signifies a reunion and the fulfillment of God's promises to preserve and prosper Jacob's family.

to get directions to Goshen
The phrase "to get directions" indicates a practical need for guidance, reflecting the human aspect of the journey. Goshen, a fertile region in Egypt, becomes the dwelling place for Jacob's family. The Hebrew root for "Goshen" is uncertain, but it is historically recognized as a place of abundance and provision. This move to Goshen is orchestrated by God to ensure the survival and growth of the Israelites, setting the stage for their eventual exodus and return to the Promised Land.

When they arrived in the region of Goshen
The arrival in Goshen marks a significant moment of transition and fulfillment. It is a place of refuge and blessing for Jacob's family, symbolizing God's provision and faithfulness. The "region of Goshen" is historically identified with the eastern part of the Nile Delta, known for its fertility and suitability for shepherding. This settlement in Goshen is a divine arrangement, allowing the Israelites to grow into a great nation while remaining distinct from the Egyptians, preserving their identity and faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, father of the twelve tribes. In this passage, he is leading his family to Egypt during a time of famine.

2. Judah
One of Jacob's sons, who is sent ahead to Joseph. Judah's role here signifies his leadership and trustworthiness within the family.

3. Joseph
Jacob's son, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. He is the reason Jacob's family is moving to Egypt.

4. Goshen
A region in Egypt where Jacob's family is to settle. It is fertile and suitable for their livestock, symbolizing God's provision.

5. Egypt
The land where Joseph has become a ruler and where Jacob's family seeks refuge from famine.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Trust
Judah's role in leading the way to Goshen highlights the importance of trustworthy leadership within families and communities. We should strive to be leaders who guide others with integrity and wisdom.

God's Provision
The move to Goshen is a testament to God's provision for His people. Even in times of famine or hardship, God provides for our needs. We should trust in His provision and guidance.

Family Reconciliation
The journey to Egypt is part of a larger account of reconciliation within Jacob's family. We are called to seek reconciliation and healing in our own relationships, following the example of Joseph and his brothers.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's journey to Egypt is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises to make his descendants a great nation. We are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, even when the path is uncertain.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities did Judah demonstrate that made him a suitable leader to go ahead to Joseph? How can we cultivate similar qualities in our own lives?

2. How does the region of Goshen symbolize God's provision for Jacob's family? Can you identify a time in your life when you experienced God's provision in a surprising way?

3. In what ways does the account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt foreshadow the future enslavement and eventual exodus of the Israelites? How does this shape our understanding of God's long-term plans?

4. How does the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers inspire us to address conflicts in our own families or communities?

5. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does Jacob's faith in God's promises encourage you in your own journey of faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37-50
The broader account of Joseph's life, including his dreams, betrayal by his brothers, rise to power in Egypt, and eventual reunion with his family.

Exodus 1
The beginning of the Israelites' time in Egypt, which eventually leads to their enslavement and the need for deliverance.

Hebrews 11:21
Jacob's faith is highlighted, showing his trust in God's promises even as he moves his family to a foreign land.
Duty and Filial Piety CombinedJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 46:28-34
Jacob and JosephJ. G. Gray.Genesis 46:28-34
Kindness to ParentsOne Thousand New IllustrationsGenesis 46:28-34
Not Ashamed of ParentageJ. Trapp.Genesis 46:28-34
The Meeting of the Aged Jacob and His Lost Son JosephR.A. Redford Genesis 46:28-34
The Settlement of the Children of Israel in GoshenT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:28-34
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Ahead, Appear, Arrived, Direct, Directions, Face, Goshen, Joseph, Judah, Notice, Point, Region
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:27

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     5681   family, nature of

Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 46:28 NIV
Genesis 46:28 NLT
Genesis 46:28 ESV
Genesis 46:28 NASB
Genesis 46:28 KJV

Genesis 46:28 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 46:27
Top of Page
Top of Page