They came to Egypt as shepherds under Joseph’s provision, and their humble profession became an opportunity for God to display His continued faithfulness to Abraham’s descendants.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph’s brothers, “What is your occupation?” So they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers” (v.3). This exchange took place in Egypt, a powerful kingdom in the northeastern corner of Africa, along the fertile banks of the Nile River. Historically, this event is believed to have occurred during the Middle Kingdom era of Egypt, around the early 1800s BC, when Joseph had become second in command under Pharaoh. Joseph’s brothers were part of the family line stemming from Abraham (around 2000 BC), Isaac (around 1900s BC), and Jacob (later renamed Israel), whose descendants would form the twelve tribes of Israel.
By identifying themselves as shepherds, Joseph’s brothers were declaring the primary means of their livelihood, which they and their fathers had followed for generations. In the culture of ancient Egypt, shepherding was often looked down upon, but Pharaoh favored Joseph’s family because of Joseph’s proven wisdom and guidance in storing grain during times of famine. This moment in the narrative sets the stage for Jacob’s family to settle in the land of Goshen, where they would prosper and grow into a nation. In a broader biblical context, the role of shepherd is frequently used to describe God’s care for His people (Psalm 23), and Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), echoing the ancient tradition seen here.
The announcement “Your servants are shepherds” shows humility and honesty in the presence of worldly power, reminding readers that God can use even humble vocations to unfold His plan. It also highlights how the family’s identity would remain distinct in a foreign land, preserving their heritage and faith over several centuries until the time of the exodus. Through trustworthy leadership, Joseph provided a place for his family to flourish, fulfilling God’s promise to make Israel into a great people.
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Genesis 47:3 meaning
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph’s brothers, “What is your occupation?” So they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers” (v.3). This exchange took place in Egypt, a powerful kingdom in the northeastern corner of Africa, along the fertile banks of the Nile River. Historically, this event is believed to have occurred during the Middle Kingdom era of Egypt, around the early 1800s BC, when Joseph had become second in command under Pharaoh. Joseph’s brothers were part of the family line stemming from Abraham (around 2000 BC), Isaac (around 1900s BC), and Jacob (later renamed Israel), whose descendants would form the twelve tribes of Israel.
By identifying themselves as shepherds, Joseph’s brothers were declaring the primary means of their livelihood, which they and their fathers had followed for generations. In the culture of ancient Egypt, shepherding was often looked down upon, but Pharaoh favored Joseph’s family because of Joseph’s proven wisdom and guidance in storing grain during times of famine. This moment in the narrative sets the stage for Jacob’s family to settle in the land of Goshen, where they would prosper and grow into a nation. In a broader biblical context, the role of shepherd is frequently used to describe God’s care for His people (Psalm 23), and Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), echoing the ancient tradition seen here.
The announcement “Your servants are shepherds” shows humility and honesty in the presence of worldly power, reminding readers that God can use even humble vocations to unfold His plan. It also highlights how the family’s identity would remain distinct in a foreign land, preserving their heritage and faith over several centuries until the time of the exodus. Through trustworthy leadership, Joseph provided a place for his family to flourish, fulfilling God’s promise to make Israel into a great people.