The Vision of Jacob at Beer-Sheba is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 46:1-4. This vision marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob, also known as Israel, as he prepares to journey to Egypt during a time of severe famine. The vision serves as divine reassurance and guidance for Jacob as he embarks on this critical transition for his family and the future nation of Israel.

Context and Background

Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelite tribes, is living in Canaan when a severe famine strikes the region. His son Joseph, whom Jacob believed to be dead, is revealed to be alive and serving as a powerful official in Egypt. Joseph invites Jacob and his family to come to Egypt, where he can provide for them during the famine. Before undertaking this journey, Jacob seeks divine guidance, as moving to Egypt represents a significant departure from the land promised to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac.

The Vision at Beer-Sheba

Beer-Sheba holds historical and spiritual significance as a place where both Abraham and Isaac had encounters with God. It is here that Jacob offers sacrifices to "the God of his father Isaac" (Genesis 46:1). In response, God speaks to Jacob in a vision at night, providing him with assurance and direction.

Divine Assurance and Promises

In the vision, God addresses Jacob by name, saying, "Jacob, Jacob." Jacob responds, "Here I am" (Genesis 46:2). God then delivers a message of comfort and promise:

1. Fear Not: God tells Jacob, "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there" (Genesis 46:3). This assurance addresses any fear Jacob might have about leaving the Promised Land and entering a foreign nation.

2. Divine Presence: God promises His presence with Jacob, saying, "I will go down with you to Egypt" (Genesis 46:4). This promise of divine accompaniment reassures Jacob that he will not be alone in this journey.

3. Future Return: God assures Jacob of a future return, stating, "I will surely bring you back again" (Genesis 46:4). This promise indicates that Egypt is not the final destination for Jacob's descendants, reaffirming the covenantal promise of the land of Canaan.

4. Joseph's Role: God concludes the vision with a personal note, "And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes" (Genesis 46:4). This promise of a peaceful death in the presence of his beloved son provides Jacob with personal comfort and closure.

Significance in Salvation History

The Vision of Jacob at Beer-Sheba is a crucial moment in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with the patriarchs. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign plan to preserve and multiply the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The move to Egypt sets the stage for the eventual Exodus, where God will deliver the Israelites from bondage and lead them back to the Promised Land, fulfilling His covenantal promises.

Jacob's vision at Beer-Sheba exemplifies the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It highlights the continuity of God's plan and His unwavering commitment to His people throughout generations.Genesis 46:2
And God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
Nave's Topical Index

Of Jacob's Mission to Mesopotamia to Get a Wife, and of the vision ...
... indeed, in whom is no guile!" [964] because Israel who saw this vision is no ... We do
not read that Jacob sought any but one, or that he used many ... 962] Beer-sheba. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 38 of jacobs mission to.htm

Joseph's Loyalty to his Family
... He first went to Beersheba and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
God spoke to him in a vision by night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." He answered ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs loyalty to his family.htm

The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
... 'And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went ... Jacob's vision was meant to teach him,
and is meant to teach us, the nearness of God, and the swift directness of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the heavenly pathway and the.htm

Chapter xlvi
... and all who belonged to him, and he came to Beersheba and sacrificed to the God
of his father Isaac. And God said to Israel in a night vision: Jacob, Jacob! ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been Barren, at Length, through the ...
... Thus Jacob, setting out for Mesopotamia, is said in sleep to have had a vision of
the Lord; and on ... [260] This is the meaning of the Hebrew word, Beersheba. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter viii now rebecca having.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... for six generations. No revelation was given between Jacob's vision at
Beersheba[288] and the vision of the burning bush. We may ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... At Beersheba Jacob stopped and worshiped God, where his father had ... a prophet speaks
who has a vision of things ... Jacob was an hundred and forty-seven years old ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Chapter xxviii
... let him cover the entire distance from Beersheba to Bethel ... Whether Jacob again fell
asleep or not is not told ... the precise spot where the dream-vision had occurred ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... 7. The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I ... O Dan, liveth: and, The
manner of Beer-sheba liveth; even ... We have first to note the vision and its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

Introduction
... Abraham's Covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba (21:22-34).13. ... 3. Isaac blesses Jacob
(27:1-45). 4. Jacob's Dismissal from Home and His First Vision (27:46 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

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