Pharaoh formally acknowledges Joseph’s family’s arrival, marking the start of their settlement in Egypt.
In this verse, Pharaoh, who was the ruler of Egypt around the early 19th century BC, addresses Joseph, the eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, a man who lived around 2006-1859 BC. Pharaoh’s words recognize the arrival of Joseph’s “father and brothers,” who have journeyed from Canaan to Egypt in search of relief during a devastating famine. Thus, Genesis describes how “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you.” (v.5) This arrival sets the stage for Jacob’s family to settle in Goshen, a region in the eastern Nile Delta known for its fertile fields.
By mentioning “Your father and your brothers have come to you” (v.5), Scripture highlights how Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, is now in a position of authority to provide refuge for his own family. This moment underscores the theme of divine providence woven throughout Joseph’s story: God used Joseph’s trials to save his family and ultimately preserve the line through which the Messiah would come (Matthew 1:1-2). Goshen becomes an important harbor of sustenance for the emerging nation of Israel, enabling them to increase and thrive despite being in a foreign land.
In broader biblical theology, Joseph serves as a picture of Christ in his role as a redeemer, forgiving those who wronged him and delivering them from physical hunger. This verse reminds readers that God’s plans often surpass human understanding, transforming betrayal and hardship into blessing (Romans 8:28). “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph...” (v.5) also sets the tone for how God’s favor rests upon Joseph, opening the door for the Israelites to eventually become a great nation, although many obstacles still lie ahead.
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Genesis 47:5 meaning
In this verse, Pharaoh, who was the ruler of Egypt around the early 19th century BC, addresses Joseph, the eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, a man who lived around 2006-1859 BC. Pharaoh’s words recognize the arrival of Joseph’s “father and brothers,” who have journeyed from Canaan to Egypt in search of relief during a devastating famine. Thus, Genesis describes how “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you.” (v.5) This arrival sets the stage for Jacob’s family to settle in Goshen, a region in the eastern Nile Delta known for its fertile fields.
By mentioning “Your father and your brothers have come to you” (v.5), Scripture highlights how Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, is now in a position of authority to provide refuge for his own family. This moment underscores the theme of divine providence woven throughout Joseph’s story: God used Joseph’s trials to save his family and ultimately preserve the line through which the Messiah would come (Matthew 1:1-2). Goshen becomes an important harbor of sustenance for the emerging nation of Israel, enabling them to increase and thrive despite being in a foreign land.
In broader biblical theology, Joseph serves as a picture of Christ in his role as a redeemer, forgiving those who wronged him and delivering them from physical hunger. This verse reminds readers that God’s plans often surpass human understanding, transforming betrayal and hardship into blessing (Romans 8:28). “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph...” (v.5) also sets the tone for how God’s favor rests upon Joseph, opening the door for the Israelites to eventually become a great nation, although many obstacles still lie ahead.