Introduction
At the end of chapter 46 Jacob’s family had just moved into Egypt because of a famine.
Jacob’s family now settle in Egypt and the famine continues.
Questions
1. What are the two different names in this chapter of the land that the children of Israel occupied?
v 1 ... they are in the land of Goshen."
and v 11 ... in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, ...
2. Why did Pharaoh end up owning all the livestock and most of the land in Egypt?
v 15, 17 and 20 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt ... he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. ... for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s.
3. What instructions did Jacob give to Joseph about his burial?
v 29 and 30 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, ... Please don’t bury me in Egypt, but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.” ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 12 Joseph introduces his family to Pharaoh who allows them to settle in the land of Rameses, in Goshen - one of the best parts of Egypt
- v 13 to 26 The famine continues and the people of Egypt and Canaan sell everything to Pharaoh for food. They are then provided with seed on condition that they give one fifth of future harvests to Pharaoh
- v 27 to 31 Jacob lives for 17 years in Goshen, but he makes Joseph promise that when he dies, Joseph will bury him with his fathers in Canaan