Topical Encyclopedia Hospitality in the biblical narrative is a recurring theme that reflects the values of kindness, generosity, and the recognition of God's providence. The account of Pharaoh's hospitality to Jacob and his family is a significant example of this virtue, illustrating the interplay between divine providence and human agency.Context and Background The account of Pharaoh's hospitality to Jacob is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 45 to 47. This period in biblical history is marked by a severe famine that affected the entire region, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. Joseph, Jacob's son, had risen to a position of power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Through God's providence, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicting the famine and advising on the storage of surplus grain during the years of plenty. Pharaoh's Invitation When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he instructed them to bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt to escape the famine. Pharaoh, upon hearing of Joseph's family, extended an invitation to them, demonstrating remarkable hospitality. In Genesis 45:17-18 , Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. Then bring your father and your families and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the richness of the land.'" Provision and Settlement Pharaoh's hospitality was not merely a gesture of kindness but a substantial provision for Jacob's family. He offered them the "best of the land of Egypt," specifically the region of Goshen, which was fertile and well-suited for their livestock. This act ensured the survival and prosperity of Jacob's family during the famine. In Genesis 47:6 , Pharaoh instructed Joseph, "The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen." Significance of Pharaoh's Hospitality Pharaoh's hospitality to Jacob and his family is significant for several reasons: 1. Divine Providence: The narrative underscores the theme of divine providence. Joseph's rise to power and Pharaoh's subsequent hospitality were part of God's plan to preserve the lineage of Israel. This act of kindness was instrumental in the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 2. Intercultural Relations: The account highlights the positive interactions between different cultures and peoples. Despite being foreigners, Jacob's family was welcomed and provided for in Egypt, illustrating the potential for peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit. 3. Moral and Ethical Example: Pharaoh's actions serve as a moral example of hospitality, generosity, and the importance of caring for those in need. His willingness to share the resources of Egypt with Jacob's family reflects a broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and showing kindness to strangers. 4. Foreshadowing Future Events: While Pharaoh's hospitality was a blessing to Jacob's family, it also set the stage for future events in the biblical narrative, including the eventual enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent deliverance through Moses. In summary, the hospitality extended by Pharaoh to Jacob and his family is a profound example of generosity and divine orchestration within the biblical narrative. It highlights the importance of hospitality as a virtue and its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 45:16-20And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 47:7-12 Library From Abraham to Egypt. Genesis The Training of a Statesman. The Nations of the South-East Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. The Letter of the Church of Rome The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Resources Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Monasticism? | GotQuestions.org What is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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