Day 28: Genesis 46-47

The story of Jacob (Israel) is now winding down. In today’s reading, he and his clan head to Egypt. On the way, Jacob stops in Beersheba, the land of his fathers. This is where God tells him ina vision that He will multiply him into a great nation in the land of Egypt. He also tells Jacob that He will bring them back to Canaan at the appointed time. This was probably the comfort and confirmation that Jacob needed as he decided to leave his family’s promised land to head to Egypt. The Egyptians were enemies of God’s people, the Hebrews.

While reading the genealogical list of Jacob’s sons, I personally ended up on a bunny trail, exploring the chosen Messianic lineage. Jacob and Leah bore Judah. Judah and Tamar (his daughter-in-law) bore Perez and Zerah. Perez (wife is unnamed) bore Hezron. And Hezron can be traced all the way to King David, which can continue to be traced to both Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus.

Here is a chart I looked at, which served as a great visual: Genealogy Chart Credit: Lincoln Park Hub

Another thing that I found interesting is that both Mary and Joseph came from King David’s line through different branches. 

God promised that the Messiah would:

• Come from Abraham (Gen 12)
• From the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10)
• From the house of David (2 Sam 7; Isa 11:1)

So Jesus had to be a biological descendant of David and have the legal right to David’s throne.

Joseph provided the legal lineage. It is a royal bloodline and establishes legal kingship. But one of Joseph’s ancestors is Jeconiah (Jer 22:30)—a cursed king whose descendants were barred from sitting on David’s throne. So if Jesus were Joseph’s biological son, He could not be king, which is why Joseph is not Jesus’ biological father. But since Joseph legally adopts Jesus, Jesus receives the legal right to the throne and royal legitimacy in Jewish law.

Mary provided the biological lineage. This means that Jesus physically descended from David through Mary without inheriting the curse because it avoids the cursed royal line of Jeconiah.

Tribal identity is passed through the men (the father), but Numbers 27 allows inheritance to pass through daughters if no sons exist. This would preserve tribal identity. Mary most likely had no brothers. Also, Mary and Joseph were both from Judah. Luke 1:27 already tells us Mary was of the house of David. This states her Davidic identity.

So, Joseph provided legal rights to David’s throne, a royal bloodline (King Solomon), and adoption. At the same time, Mary provided a biological descent from David and an uncursed bloodline. This allowed for Jesus to be sinless and fully human. Incredible!

Back to the text: Jacob is finally reunited with Joseph. Joseph tells his family to communicate to Pharaoh that they are shepherds and keepers of livestock. This ensures they will dwell in the land of Goshen, which is a suitable place for raising livestock, and it’s away from the Egyptians. Shepherds were detestable to the Egyptians.

In chapter 47, Jacob is 130 when he arrives in Egypt and blesses Pharaoh as a firstfruits fulfillment of God’s promise to bless the nations through this lineage. 

The famine is so bad that it leads the people to first sell their livestock, and then sell their land and themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for food. They will work for Pharaoh for seed to plant and grow food, and they must give ⅕ of their harvest to Pharaoh while they keep the remaining ⅘ as seed and food for themselves and their families. The people are happy with this arrangement.

Jacob dwells in Egypt for 17 years, and at the age of 147, he makes Joseph promise to bury him in the promised land with his fathers.

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

toddlermomdiaries.com