JACOB SERIES: JACOB MEETS PHARAOH

Genesis 47 tells the story of Jacob meeting the Pharaoh. As the story unfolds, Joseph first brought five of his brothers to Pharaoh, and he concurred that the best place for Joseph’s family to stay was Goshen. Pharaoh also instructed Joseph to place his brothers who were capable over His cattle.

After this meeting, Joseph brought Jacob to meet Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. The Pharaoh inquired about Jacob’s age, to which Jacob gave a brief summary of his life experiences. He was a hundred thirty years old, which he considered a short time; his life had been calamitous, and though yet alive, he had not lived as long as his forefathers. At the end of their conversation, Jacob once again blessed Pharaoh, and Joseph settled his family in the land of Goshen and provided for them.

Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years, and after the famine ended, he and his family continued to live there. At age a hundred forty-seven, being feeble and death imminent, Jacob met with Jacob to ensure Joseph would, upon his death, take his body back to Canaan and bury him with his forefathers. The chapter concludes with Joseph solemnly swearing to do as Jacob requested, and Jacob bowed his head in appreciation and reverence.

Here is additional information and nuggets:

Jewish tradition reports that Zebulon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher were the five brothers whom Joseph introduced to Pharaoh.

Following wise protocol, Joseph obtained Pharaoh’s approval before finalizing his family’s residence.

The accomplishments of your children can benefit you in numerous ways.

Speak a blessing over the people you meet.

Like his forefathers, Jacob considered his life a pilgrimage.

God provides employment and nourishment for His people.

There was a reversal of caretaker roles for Jacob and Joseph. For the first seventeen years of Joseph’s life, he was under the care of his father, Jacob, and for the last seventeen years of his life, Jacob was under the care of his son, Joseph.

Make your funeral wishes known while you are yet alive.

Choose a reliable person to handle your burial arrangements.