Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Journey

◄ Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Journey ►

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Introduction

Egypt holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the journey of Jacob and his descendants, the Israelites. This entry explores the role of Egypt in the life of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the subsequent sojourn of his family in this ancient land. The account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37 to 50, and serves as a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites.

Joseph's Rise to Power

The account begins with Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt. Despite his hardships, Joseph rises to prominence in Egypt, becoming the second most powerful man after Pharaoh. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, leads him to predict seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:14-30). Pharaoh appoints Joseph as governor, entrusting him with the task of preparing Egypt for the coming famine (Genesis 41:41-44).

Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt

The famine extends beyond Egypt, affecting Canaan where Jacob and his family reside. Hearing of the grain available in Egypt, Jacob sends his sons to buy food (Genesis 42:1-3). Unbeknownst to them, they encounter Joseph, who recognizes them but initially conceals his identity. After a series of tests, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them, understanding that God used their actions for a greater purpose (Genesis 45:4-8).

Joseph invites his father Jacob and the entire family to settle in Egypt, offering them the land of Goshen, a fertile area suitable for their livestock (Genesis 45:9-11). Jacob, reassured by God in a vision, agrees to move to Egypt, marking the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn in the land (Genesis 46:2-4).

The Israelites in Egypt

Upon their arrival, Pharaoh welcomes Jacob and his family, granting them the best of the land (Genesis 47:5-6). The Israelites prosper in Goshen, growing in number and strength. Jacob lives in Egypt for seventeen years before his death, blessing his sons and prophesying their futures (Genesis 49:1-28).

Jacob's death prompts a significant event: his embalming and burial in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, as per his request (Genesis 50:12-13). This act underscores the Israelites' enduring connection to the Promised Land, despite their current residence in Egypt.

Significance in Biblical History

The sojourn in Egypt sets the stage for the subsequent enslavement of the Israelites and their eventual exodus under Moses' leadership. This period in Egypt is crucial for understanding the development of the Israelite identity and God's unfolding plan for His chosen people. The narrative of Jacob's journey to Egypt and the experiences of his descendants highlight themes of providence, forgiveness, and faithfulness, which resonate throughout the biblical text.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 46:5-7
And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xlvi
... to of attributing the presence of "Israel" in v. I ... The road to Egypt from Hebron
runs directly over ... by this name God had designated Himself over against Jacob. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... Near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. In this parcel Joseph
was buried when Israel came up out of Egypt, his bones having been ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... (Perhaps the Flight into Egypt.) There was a whole series of pictures on this Jacob's
Ladder, amongst ... very devout and was hoping for the salvation of Israel. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... He was Jacob's well-beloved son ... Though despised and rejected by the rulers in Egypt,
he, nevertheless ... Subsequently, he became the leader and head of all Israel. ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Pentateuch.
... have the history of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sometimes with ... Now
the sojourning of the children of Israel who dwelt in Egypt, was four ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... It was near this tree that Jacob buried Laban's idols. ... When the children of Israel
were in Egypt, the Egyptian priest Potiphera lived here, and had in his ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Introduction
... The Temporary Emigration of Israel to Egypt (chapter 46 ... Israel Established in Goshen;
Egyptian Famine Measures (47:1 ... Jacob's Preparations for his End (47:27-49:32 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

Chapter xlii
... Luther rightly indicates that such an attitude on Jacob's part is ... 5, 6. And the sons
of Israel came to buy grain ... the fact that many were bound for Egypt on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... It is as if Jacob had said, "Joseph is yet alive; but ... and his household started to
go down into Egypt; for the very next verse reads, "And Israel took his ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... And Jacob"who was now called Israel also"heard that there was food in Egypt and
he said to his sons: "Why do you look at each other, asking what ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm