Knowing The Word in Genesis 46:1-4, God Appears to Jacob

[Chapters 46-47 subdivide into 7 scenes:

Scene 1: God appears to Jacob (46:1-4)

Scene 2: Jacob journeys to Egypt (46:5-27)

Scene 3: Joseph meets Jacob (46:28-34)

Scene 4: Joseph’s brothers meet Pharaoh (47:71-6)

Scene 5: Jacob meets Pharaoh (47:7-10)

Scene 6: Joseph cares for his family and Egypt (47:11-26)

Scene 7: Jacob prepares to die (47:27-31)]

[Scene 1]

1 So Israel took his journey [presumably from Hebron] with all that he had and came to Beersheba [26 miles south], and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. [Beersheba is the southernmost point of the land. Beyond there cultivation is difficult until one reaches Egypt. A sacrificial offering at this point is thus appropriate and has been an important place in Jacob’s history with God.] 2 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” 3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt [after all, Joseph is inviting you], for there I will make you into a great nation. [Great nationhood shall be achieved in Egypt rather than Canaan.] 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt [God’s protecting presence guarantees blessing], and I will also bring you up again [the only announcement in Genesis of the exodus and a reference to Jacob being buried in Hebron], and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes [the promise of a peaceful death in the presence of Joseph].” [To immigrate to Egypt was as momentous a move as Abraham’s from Ur or Jacob’s to Paddan-aran or his return to Canaan, all encouraged by divine visions. To leave Canaan is to retreat from the promised land, and without divine approval would seem like unbelief in God’s promises.]