Knowing The Word in Genesis 47:1-6, Jacob's Family Settles in Goshen

[Scene 4—constitutes the central scene in this episode, the encounter between Pharaoh and the sons of Jacob, in which he grants permission for them to settle in Egypt.]

1 So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” 2 And from among his brothers he took five men [why only five?] and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” 4 They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” [This fulfills the prophecy of 15:13: “Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.” Looking back on this sojourn, the Israelites understand it as a period of oppression from which they were rescued by God. Because of their experience as immigrants, they are often urged in the law to be considerate toward immigrants and their needs.] 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” [Rameses III is reported to have employed 3,264 mostly foreign men to take care of his herds. The appointment of some of the brothers means they will be officers of the crown and enjoy legal protection.]