GENESIS 46

Verse 1 Unusual verb “journey”signals the beginning of another nomadic existence for the Jews.

Verse 2 Exact verbal parallel to conversation during Abraham's testing by God (binding Isaac). May indicate that there is another test that will end up with a happy conclusion. God calls him by his old name—since his old nature still reigned?

Verse 3 Roundabout way God fulfills his promises—they become a great people far away from the land they were then in and would eventually return to. Reason? To avoid becoming tainted with pagan ideas until they were strong enough to conquer the land?

Verse 4 Important theological point that God is not limited to a particular geographical area. Barnhouse-- “Our Lord is God of the round trip.”

Verse 8 First six words are identical to first six words in Book of Exodus, showing continuity of God's promise.

Verse 27 Hard to make the list come to exactly 70, but importance of number is more symbolic (7 x 10). See Acts 7:14. May include children and grandchildren of Joseph.

Verse 28 It is now clear that Judah is considered the oldest son in terms of the promise.

Verse 29 indicates that Joseph was in too much hurry to wait for others to do his work for him. Contrast with why Joseph did not try to contact his father earlier. “Presented himself” is only used earlier in Genesis to announce a theophany. Maybe used here since Joseph was like one appearing from the dead.

Verses 31-34 Joseph acts very carefully in wording his request to Pharaoh so as not to antagonize him (treatment of those in authority over us). Request provided that his family would not be unduly influenced by pagan culture, but presented so as to indicate that the opposite was the intent.

Shading the truth? Acting wise as serpents but gentle as doves?

Verse 34 Puzzling since pharaoh had his own flocks (see 47:6). Probably indicates that shepherds were considered inferior to city dwellers and agricultural workers (confirmed in extrabiblical sources).