Genesis 47 Commentary
Chapter 47 winds down a truly absorbing story. But in reality, we have the high points here, even as the notes and lights diminish. Jacob settles down in Goshen under the protection of Joseph and the goodwill of Pharaoh. They increase in number and prosper—the blessing of the LORD on Jacob. Israel becomes a nation.
At the same time, the nations are blessed via Jacob. They come to buy food. Joseph’s commercial operation enriches the nation. Pharaoh becomes wealthy and more powerful. This gives us a picture of the saint. But importantly, Isaiah’s depiction of the suffering servant comes to mind (Isaiah 52/53).
The servant suffers. But through the suffering of the servant, the nations are blessed. The servant is elevated in the process. The two stories reflect what the real seed would go through. So Jacob spends his last years in blissful and peaceful contemplation, wonder and appreciation of the LORD’S presence, providence, and sovereignty. What a climax!
Yes, Isaac was increasingly wealthy, powerful, and full of years – a straight life! Jacob’s function is to feed the nations and enrich them as the LORD God expands the definition of the Abrahamic blessing.
But the blessing goes through the “valley of death”. After what we have seen, we can declare with the psalmist, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” God’s constant presence with Joseph is always a comfort to the saint who is in the pit, enslaved, or imprisoned. And she isn’t at fault!
But Jacob must leave instructions for his burial. Joseph is summoned.
Jacob instructs Joseph (not Reuben, Simeon, or Levi) concerning his burial. His body has to be taken back to Canaan to rest with his fathers, Isaac and Abraham. In the immediate context, the importance lies in the claim to the land that the LORD had given them. They needed to connect to that land. They needed to connect to a land where their fathers lay. Egypt was always going to be a temporary residence for them.
And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 47v9. By his own admission, Jacob’s years had been few and difficult. We all agree. He would die about 17 years from this point, but he must first pass on the blessing to the nation of Israel. That’s the function of chapters 48 and 49.
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