Israel’s family flourished in Goshen as God fulfilled His promise to multiply them.
“Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous” (v.27). This verse reminds us that Israel (whose original name was Jacob, approximately 2006 - 1859 BC) had settled alongside his family in a portion of Egypt known as Goshen. Goshen was located in the northeastern region of the Nile Delta, a particularly fertile area that offered abundant pastureland for flocks. By God’s providence, this land provided a haven for Jacob’s family during a severe famine, fulfilling the promise that they would be preserved and grow into a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
When it says “they acquired property in it” (v.27), this indicates that Jacob’s descendants thrived economically and established many lasting roots. Through Joseph’s position of authority under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39-40), the family had secure standing. This place of security enabled them to accumulate resources despite a world crisis. The note that they “were fruitful and became very numerous” (v.27) not only draws attention to their physical growth but also highlights the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply and fill the land (Genesis 17:6).
This fruitful expansion foreshadows the rising power of the people whom God would later bring out of Egypt under Moses’ leadership (Exodus 1:7). Even though this season of prosperity would eventually lead to tension with future Egyptian rulers, at this juncture, the family of Israel was flourishing. Their presence in Goshen stands as an example of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the remarkable ways in which He accomplishes His plans through historical events that often appear daunting.
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Genesis 47:27 meaning
“Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous” (v.27). This verse reminds us that Israel (whose original name was Jacob, approximately 2006 - 1859 BC) had settled alongside his family in a portion of Egypt known as Goshen. Goshen was located in the northeastern region of the Nile Delta, a particularly fertile area that offered abundant pastureland for flocks. By God’s providence, this land provided a haven for Jacob’s family during a severe famine, fulfilling the promise that they would be preserved and grow into a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
When it says “they acquired property in it” (v.27), this indicates that Jacob’s descendants thrived economically and established many lasting roots. Through Joseph’s position of authority under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39-40), the family had secure standing. This place of security enabled them to accumulate resources despite a world crisis. The note that they “were fruitful and became very numerous” (v.27) not only draws attention to their physical growth but also highlights the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would multiply and fill the land (Genesis 17:6).
This fruitful expansion foreshadows the rising power of the people whom God would later bring out of Egypt under Moses’ leadership (Exodus 1:7). Even though this season of prosperity would eventually lead to tension with future Egyptian rulers, at this juncture, the family of Israel was flourishing. Their presence in Goshen stands as an example of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the remarkable ways in which He accomplishes His plans through historical events that often appear daunting.