Genesis Chapter
Special thanks are given to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for the gift of writing and the privilege of sharing this Bible Study. His guidance and blessings have made this work possible, and it is with a grateful heart that can share my study with you. I hope you find it informational and helpful in your spiritual journey. I am asking that you open your hearts and minds to accept the word of Christ into your hearts and accept His word to transform your life in positive ways. This is the first part of my online Christian Bookstore Fellowship and I do accept donations that will further my mission to have a Bookstore in our community, a place where we can sit down face to face and enjoy this Bible Study over open and honest conversation. I will continue this online Study as well to complete the entire year. Thank you for following The Mustard Seed Christian Bookstore Fellowship & Café online Bible Study.
This Bible study is written with inspiration and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, Scripture from the Holy Bible (NIV), NKJV Life Application Study Bible, analytical support and help in organizing and presentation from Grok AI and writing assistance with drafting and editing from Microsoft Co-Pilot.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the gift of Your Word and the opportunity to gather together in study and fellowship. As we open our Bibles to Genesis chapters 46 and 47, we remember how You guided Jacob and his family, providing for them in times of uncertainty and leading them to a place of hope and promise.
Lord, just as You spoke to Jacob and assured him of Your presence, we ask that You speak to us today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your wisdom. Help us to trust in Your plans, even when the path ahead is unclear. May we see Your faithfulness in every detail and learn to rely on Your provision in our own lives.
Bless our conversation and our time together. Let Your Holy Spirit inspire our thoughts, deepen our understanding, and draw us closer to You and to one another. May this study transform us, strengthen our faith, and equip us to serve others with love and compassion.
We dedicate this time to You, Lord, and invite Your presence among us.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Scripture New International Version Bible
Genesis Chapters 46–47 (New International Version)
Genesis 46
So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
These are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:
Reuben the firstborn of Jacob.
The sons of Reuben: Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan).
The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron.
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon and Jahleel.
These were the sons Leah bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, besides his daughter Dinah. These sons and daughters of his were thirty-three in all.
The sons of Gad: Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.
The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah. Their sister was Serah.
The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malkiel.
These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.
The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.
These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob—fourteen in all.
The sons of Dan: Hushim.
The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.
These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel—seven in all.
All those who went to Egypt with Jacob—those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ wives—numbered sixty-six persons. With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.
Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.
Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”
Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’
When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
Genesis 47
Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?” “Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.” Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?” And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children. There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine. Joseph collected all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Canaan in payment for the grain they were buying, and he brought it to Pharaoh’s palace. When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? Our money is all gone.” “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys. And he brought them through that year with food in exchange for all their livestock.
When that year was over, they came to him the following year and said, “We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.” So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other. However, he did not buy the land of the priests, because they received a regular allotment from Pharaoh and had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gave them. That is why they did not sell their land. Joseph said to the people, “Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground. But when the crop comes in, give a fifth of it to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you may keep as seed for the fields and as food for yourselves and your households and your children.” “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh.”
So Joseph established it as a law concerning land in Egypt—still in force today—that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh. It was only the land of the priests that did not become Pharaoh’s. Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number. Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said. “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
God’s message to Us
1. God’s Faithfulness and Guidance
In Genesis 46, God reassures Jacob (Israel) not to fear going down to Egypt, promising to make his descendants a great nation there and to be with him throughout the journey. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises and His presence with His people, even when they face uncertainty or major transitions.
Lesson: God is with us in times of change and uncertainty. We can trust His guidance, knowing that He fulfills His promises and leads us according to His purpose.
2. Provision in Times of Need
The chapters describe how God provided for Jacob’s family during a severe famine by bringing them to Egypt, where Joseph was able to care for them. Joseph’s wisdom and God’s providence ensured that the family survived and even prospered in a foreign land.
Lesson: God provides for our needs, sometimes in unexpected ways. Even in difficult circumstances, He can use people and situations to bring about good for those who trust Him.
3. The Importance of Obedience and Trust
Jacob obeyed God’s command to move to Egypt, even though it meant leaving the land of promise. His willingness to follow God’s direction, despite uncertainty, is a model of faith and obedience.
Lesson: Obedience to God’s leading, even when it is difficult or unclear, brings blessing and fulfills His greater plan for our lives.
4. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations and History
Through Joseph’s leadership, God not only saved Jacob’s family but also influenced the destiny of Egypt and surrounding nations during the famine. God’s hand is seen orchestrating events on a grand scale.
Lesson: God is sovereign over all people and events. He works through history to accomplish His purposes, often beyond what we can see or understand.
5. Blessing Others and Bearing Witness
Jacob blesses Pharaoh, and Joseph’s actions bring blessing to both his family and the Egyptians. God’s people are called to be a source of blessing and to bear witness to God’s goodness wherever they are.
Lesson: We are called to bless others and reflect God’s love and faithfulness in our relationships and communities.
In summary: Genesis 46–47 teaches us to trust God’s faithfulness, obey His guidance, rely on His provision, recognize His sovereignty, and be a blessing to others. These chapters encourage us to open our hearts to God’s leading, especially in times of transition or challenge, and to remember that He is always working for our good.
How do we apply these lessons to our lives?
1. Trust God’s Guidance in Times of Change
Just as Jacob trusted God’s promise and guidance when moving his family to Egypt, we can learn to trust God when facing major transitions or uncertainties in our own lives. This means seeking God’s direction through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, and moving forward in faith even when the path is unclear.
Practical Application:
Pray for God’s wisdom before making decisions.
Reflect on past experiences where God has guided you and remember His faithfulness.
2. Obey God’s Leading, Even When It’s Difficult
Jacob’s obedience brought blessing and fulfilled God’s greater plan. We are called to obey God’s Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping out of our comfort zone.
Practical Application:
Take steps of faith, even if you feel uncertain.
Be willing to let go of old habits or situations that God is calling you away from.
3. Rely on God’s Provision
God provided for Jacob’s family during famine through Joseph’s leadership. In our lives, we can trust that God will provide for our needs, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Practical Application:
Thank God for His daily provision.
Be open to receiving help from others and recognize God’s hand in those moments.
4. Recognize God’s Sovereignty
Genesis 46–47 shows God orchestrating events for the good of His people and even for the nations. Remember that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
Practical Application:
Surrender your worries and plans to God.
Trust that God is working behind the scenes for your good.
5. Be a Blessing to Others
Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and Joseph’s actions benefited both his family and the Egyptians. We are called to be a source of blessing and encouragement wherever we are.
Practical Application:
Look for opportunities to serve and encourage those around you.
Share your faith and God’s love through your words and actions.
6. Embrace Change with Faith
Jacob’s journey required leaving behind the familiar and embracing God’s new direction. We can apply this by being willing to step into new seasons with faith, trusting that God’s timing and plans are perfect.
Practical Application:
Be open to new opportunities and changes.
Ask God to help you see change as a chance for growth.
7. Live as Part of God’s Family
Genesis 46 lists all of Jacob’s descendants, emphasizing the importance of community and belonging. We are called to live in fellowship with other believers, supporting and being accountable to one another.
Practical Application:
Get involved in a faith community or small group.
Build relationships that encourage spiritual growth.
Summary: Applying the lessons of Genesis 46–47 means trusting God’s guidance, obeying His leading, relying on His provision, recognizing His sovereignty, blessing others, embracing change, and living in community. These actions help us grow in faith and reflect God’s love in our daily lives.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What reassurance did God give Jacob before he went down to Egypt, and why was this significant?
2. How did Joseph provide for his family and the Egyptians during the famine?
3. What role did obedience play in Jacob’s journey, and what was the outcome?
Application Question
How can you trust and obey God’s guidance in your own life, especially when facing uncertainty or major changes?\ (Reflect on a situation where you need to rely on God’s direction, and consider practical steps you can take to seek His wisdom and move forward in faith.)
So what did we learn today?
We learned that God is faithful to guide and provide for His people, even in times of uncertainty and change. Jacob trusted God’s promise and moved his family to Egypt, where God used Joseph’s leadership to save many lives during famine. These chapters remind us to trust God’s guidance, obey His leading, rely on His provision, recognize His sovereignty over all circumstances, and be a blessing to others. By applying these lessons, we can grow in faith and reflect God’s love in our daily lives.
Isn’t God great. He is so faithful and provides for His people if we just have faith and listen to what he tells us to do. We have to trust and believe that He knows our lives better than we do and he will provide for us. It is hard to let go of this world and believe in Him but we have to overcome that fear and let go. Jesus believed in God when he was sent to the Cross to die for us and save us. He believed that God would resurrect him and save His people like He promised He would do so. We need to have that same faith, that belief, that strength. There is nothing that we are going through that is even close to the pain and suffering that Jesus went through for us. I know we can do this for him. God loves us! He wants us to love Him! I love him with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. Just as I am trying to love each and every one of you. It takes time to erase what you learn over 63 years, to say I love you without condition, just as you are. But I am getting there. My eyes are more clear, my heart is more open and my mouth is less hateful. I am glad you are with me. I thank God for you, and I love you. See you tomorrow for the last Chapter of Genesis 48 - 50, then we go in to Exodus. Stay in God’s path.
