Topical Bible: Kindness: Pharaoh to Jacob

◄ Kindness: Pharaoh to Jacob ►

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of kindness is prominently illustrated in the interactions between Pharaoh and Jacob, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This account highlights the providential care and favor extended to Jacob and his family during a time of severe famine, underscoring the broader biblical principle of God's sovereignty and provision through unexpected means.

The account begins with Joseph, Jacob's son, who had risen to a position of great power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appoints him as governor over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

When the famine strikes, it affects not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family reside. In search of sustenance, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1-3). After a series of interactions and tests orchestrated by Joseph, he reveals his identity to his brothers and invites the entire family to settle in Egypt, where they will be provided for during the remaining years of famine (Genesis 45:4-11).

Pharaoh's kindness is evident in his response to Joseph's request to bring his family to Egypt. Pharaoh not only grants permission but also offers the best of the land for Jacob and his family to inhabit. He instructs Joseph to tell his family, "Take your father and your households and come to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land" (Genesis 45:18). Pharaoh's generosity is further demonstrated when he provides wagons for the journey and supplies for the family (Genesis 45:19-21).

Upon their arrival in Egypt, Jacob and his family are settled in the land of Goshen, a fertile area well-suited for their livestock and way of life (Genesis 47:6). Pharaoh's benevolence towards Jacob is also seen in his personal audience with the patriarch. When Jacob is presented before Pharaoh, he blesses Pharaoh, and Pharaoh inquires about Jacob's age, showing respect and honor to the elderly patriarch (Genesis 47:7-10).

This narrative of kindness from Pharaoh to Jacob is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people. Despite being in a foreign land, Jacob and his family experience God's provision through the unexpected kindness of a pagan ruler. This account serves as a reminder of the biblical truth that God can use anyone, even those outside the covenant community, to fulfill His purposes and extend His blessings to His people.

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Genesis 45:16-20
And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
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Genesis 47:5,6
And Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, Your father and your brothers are come to you:
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Library

Four Shaping Centuries
... came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy ... them'"never mind about justice, not to
say kindness. Pharaoh's 'politics,' like those of some other rulers who ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/four shaping centuries.htm

Chapter xlvii
... at the time when he stood before Pharaoh, yet he ... By these words Jacob expresses his
respect for one ... hope." Executing the oath is both "kindness and faithfulness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray ... brought in
Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... I gave it thee; and by my kindness it was that ... 6. When Jacob was come to the king,
and saluted him ... and wished all prosperity to his government, Pharaoh asked him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

Chapter xli
... be taught in a language they understood." Men like Jacob and Joseph ... These dreams
are centred in God's merciful kindness; Pharaoh should gratefully record that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... was full of love for them, and he was soon going to show them great kindness; but
when ... Joseph brought his father in also and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... and a released prisoner, who had forgotten Joseph's kindness in explaining ... Pharaoh
said: "Only in the throne will I be ... was the large family of Jacob"his sons ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... to Genesis 46:31, goes up to Pharaoh, and in ver ... of Judah, according to the prophecy
of Jacob." It also ... Nevertheless, My loving-kindness will I not utterly take ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Chapter xl
... a par with the dreams of Abraham and Jacob, in which ... with thee, and do thou, I pray,
show kindness to me and do thou bring me to Pharaoh's remembrance and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... of Jacob, Joseph continued to show kindness to his ... respected by such heathen rulers
as Pharaoh and Abimelech ... Wealthy people as Jacob employed their sons in the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm