Genesis Chapter 49

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

49

1. Then Jacob called his sons, and said: "Gather around, that I may tell you what will happen to you in days to come. 2 Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 1 to 2)

During his final moments Jacob beckoned on his sons to gather around him so that he could share with them what God had shared with him about their future and what was to become of it. God does, not only make us aware of our strengths and weakness. He want  us to be happy and prosperous in our life on both a material and spiritual level so that we can share with others whatever He gives to us. Therefore we always try to utilize our strengths and to turn our weakness into assets so that we always be an upgraded tool in God's hand.

3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the first fruits of my vigor, excelling in rank and excelling in power.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 3)

Jacob starts with Reuben since he was his first born child child and therefore the eldest among his sons. We can observe that although Jacob was of an age his mental stability remained intact in the sense that he still respected his customs and traditions. When reflecting the first born is very similar in character traits to the parents. Jacob is confirming at this early stage of time what psychology took years to stumble on. What we can learn is that we are to place our focus on the positive. When sharing with his sons Jacob started by portraying on the positive traits of his sons and not on the negative traits. From a spiritual perspective God is a positive force and not a negative one. All goodness has its roots in God therefore all the goodness that we have is not ours but is given to us by God. As humans and matter it is not natural to us to have inclinations to goodness because our human nature is self-centered and egotistical which was an asset given to us by God in order to ensure our survival when living amongst other animals. However this has become what is called individualism which due to human intervention has become the cancer of our society on a global level.

When referring to Reuben Jacob focussed on the issues of rank and power. On reflecting in the New Testament Jesus also refers to this issue. He says that the first will become the last, meaning that we are to be humble like Jesus and not seek to be proud and mighty. Moreover as humans we have no power if it was not given to us by God as found also in the dialogue between Jesus and Pontious  Pilate at the time when Jesus was being interrogated at the time of His passion. Jesus held the belief that the weak become the strong and that he humbles the mighty and empowers the humble in order to restore a perfect world order and balance. Moreover power is to be used and not abused as it is being done today.

4. Unstable as water, you shall no longer excel because you went up onto your father's bed; then you defiled it - you went up onto my couch!

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 4)

With reference to Reuben he is described as being an unstable person in the sense that at times Reuben stands in favour of justice but on the other hand he is not totally reliable as in the case when Reuben went against the will of his father and had intercourse with Bilhal who was Rachel's maid. On reflecting this act had had a negative impact on Jacob, who on his death bed still recollected such a negative act. Moreover if Jacob as head of household had been hurt by this sinful act, how much would God be hurt when considering the many acts of lust such as masturbation and other illicit or immoral acts of sexual intercourse carried out throughout the world.  

5. Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. 6 May I never come into their council; may I not be joined to their company - for in their anger they killed men, and at their whim they hamstrung oxen. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 5 to 7)

In contrast to our previous comment that Jacob accentuated on the positive aspects of his sons, we now find him highlighting the negative aspects and character traits of Simeon and Levi. They are describes as being a symbol of violence. Moreover Jacob focusses on his sons uncontrollable anger that led to the slaughter of both men and creatures. This highlights our great need to pray God to give us more control over our emotions in order to reduce the chance that our feelings of anger will become a threat both for ourselves and for others.

On reflecting on the given verses the message is that we are to be aware of ourselves so that we may not be unstable both in our thoughts and in our actions. This unstableness may also be reflected on a spiritual level. Those of us who experience such instability may have serious doubts on a spiritual level and may even go against God's will when doing His will may go against our own wishes values and beliefs. Moreover this unstableness can cause us to lose control over our selves so much that our negative emotions may get the better of us.

8 Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 8)

In his address to Judah commented that he would be praised by his brothers who one day would bow before him. Moreover worldly praise is different from the praise that is approved by God. Jacob says that Judah would be praised for his accomplishments against his enemies for his 'hand shall be on the neck of his enemies; on reflecting if God or somebody else was to praise us in the sense of highlighting our good points on which of these would the focus be. This would be an appropriate time to reflect on ourselves during this quiet time and on finding the answer to this question praise God for the positive aspects and gifts that He has given us for our own good and for that of others. 

We can continue to reflect that our focus is not only to be on ourselves in the sense of focusing on our achievements but those achievement are to be offered back to God, for all our skills and goodness has its source in Him. Therefore we are to foster an attitude of thanksgiving to God.

9 Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He crouches down, he stretches out like a lion, like a lioness - who dares rouse him up?10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and the obedience of the peoples is his.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 9 to 10)

Moreover Jacob continues to comment positively on Judah. I can only wonder what his brothers may have felt on hearing their father shower their brother with such praise.  The metaphor used by Jacob is that of a lion's cub who is fearless and strong like a lion and that nobody would even think of subjecting him by their orders. On the other hand Judah is described as being a born ruler and that people would respect and obey him. In the face of his enemies Jesus was also fearless. He faced Satan under many forms and spoke openly the truth which His Father sent Him to proclaim to us. Although Jesus was challenged by the opposition nobody could take the sceptre from Him for He is the King of Kings forever. 

11. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey's colt to the choice vine, he washes his garments in wine and his robe in the blood of grapes; 12. his eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 11 to 12)

Moreover Jacob continues to comment that Judah would become a very rich and powerful person. The images used by the biblical author in order to project this luxury and wealth are choice vine, washes his garments in wine which signifies the abundance of such a rich resource that would be plentiful enough to consume in abundance so much that Judah's eyes would darken due to the effect of the consumption of wine. Although God is not against our becoming rich, famous and powerful, He still would have a word of praise for us if we were humble and obedient to His Holy Will.

13. Zebulun shall settle at the shore of the sea; he shall be a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 13)

Jacob refers to his other son Zebulun, whom he describes as being as person of peace who offers shelter and security to others.  God is also the base of our life he not only looks after us but also gives a meaning to our life by becoming the path of life in which we travel on our way to our salvation. When we are young it is important to have that safe and secure base on which to turn to especially  when we start experimenting with our selves and our environment in order to make our first steps and may even fall time and time again. Having a safe base to return to softens the injury of the fall. With God it is the same. He has been nurturing us before we were born and is always waiting for us with arms, outstretched in order to give us the necessary comfort and support especially during our down and moments of depression. God is our comfort in times of trouble and our sweet and loving father all year round.

14. Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds 15. he saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant; so he bowed his shoulder to the burden, and became a slave at forced labor.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 14 to 15)

Issachar is compared to a donkey, which has negative connotations that of being lazy, however although this donkey is lazy he has the potential to succeed because he is a strong donkey. However it seems that Issachar is easily pleased.On finding the satisfactory conditions he becomes the passive workaholic and becomes a slave to his occupation. This is something that we are to be aware of. When God does not have an active place in our lives, life becomes boring, doing the same thing one day after another is a real bore, however God is the spark of life which gives us the extra speed boost to go on. God gives new meaning to our lives, thus what we do we do not do specifically for the money or to please our employer but to please God ,who is our main provider.

16. Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17. Dan shall be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path that bites the horse's heels so that its rider falls backward.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 16 to 17)

Jacob now refers to his son Dan. Dan is portrayed as being a future leader of the tribes of Israel. As a leader Dan is compared to the viper who, is skilled at finding the weak point of his victim and attacking his prey and claiming a victory over his enemy. On reflecting these qualities can be attributed to the Devil who is also intelligent and is able to catch us by surprise by attacking us where we are most weak. On reflecting  everybody has ones weak spot. Typical examples could be a person's background such as having a mother or father who deserted the family, or a parent who abuses alcohol or who had spent time in prison, other examples could be personal weaknesses such as stuttering or being physically unable to procreate amongst others, however our greatest deficiency is our tendency to sin against God and our fellow persons. On reflecting now is the perfect time to stop and reflect on our strengths and our weaknesses and thank God for them, for He is able to change our weaknesses into assets at any time for our own good.


18. I wait for your salvation, O LORD, 19, Gad shall be raided by raiders, but he shall raid at their heels.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 18 to 19)


Gad is also described as being a good raider or attacker of his enemies. Gad would be attacked but, he would also be given the faculty to defend oneself.  God does not want us to be door mats or victims and let everybody walk over us. God gave us human dignity to defend ourselves without harming others. Therefore it is our duty to defend ourselves bothy physically and spiritually against the forces of evil both within us and around us.


20. Asher's food shall be rich, and he shall provide royal delicacies.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 20)


Asher would have good food or material benefits, however on the other hand he would not be selfish but provide from the goods that God bestowed on him. This reflects the positive quality of generosity and kindness.


21. Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears lovely fawns.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 21)

Naphtali is described as being a doe that bears lovely fawns. For some reason Jacob is comparing Naphtali who is a male to a female by using the analogy of the doe. However like the doe Naphtali would produce positive qualities and good deeds or offspring would come out of him. If a human is said to have been a source that generates goodness, how more can God generate. (I mean he created you and me!) Amongst natural beauty we also partake spiritual beauty which is far better than physical beauty that deteriorates with age and eventually comes to and end, but spiritual beauty lasts forever.

22. Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 22)

Jacob describes Joseph as being a strong a productive person as in the analogy of the bough. Moreover the bough is found by a spring that means it is always watered, God is our life giving source as in the analogy of the spring. If we spread our roots away from our source of life we can easily die because we do not have our required vitamins to live. Moreover Joseph's branches would reach over the wall, which means grow so much that they cross borders and spread into other peoples territories. This could mean that Joseph's offspring would increase so much that they would spread far and wide in the world.

23. The archers fiercely attacked him; they shot at him and pressed him hard. 24. Yet his bow remained taut, and his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25. by the God of your father, who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26. The blessings of your father are stronger than the blessings of the eternal mountains, the bounties of the everlasting hills; may they be on the head of Joseph, on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 23 to 26)

Jacob then continues by adding that although Joseph would experience tribulations, God would always be with him and would assist him in his needs. Jacob granted God's blessings to fall on Joseph with an intensity that was beyond all blessings. Such blessings would be special because Joseph had faced many tribulations such as being separated from his brothers.

27. Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey, and at evening dividing the spoil."

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 27)

According to Jacob Benjamin would be very strong and powerful. He is described as being wise and productive, however Benjamin would also be generous and divide the spoils of his prey amongst others. 

28. All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, blessing each one of them with a suitable blessing.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 28)

As God has promised Abraham and his descendants God would make a nation out of Abraham's descendants that would grow as much as the sand of the beach and the stars in the sky. The mentioned children of Jacob would become, twelve tribes of Israel meaning Jacob. On reflecting each given blessing matched the character traits of each of Jacob's sons, so that God's plan for our salvation could continue to unfold.

29. Then he charged them, saying to them, "I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors - in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30. in the cave in the field at Machpelah, near Mamre, in the land of Canaan, in the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried; there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried; and there I buried Leah 32 the field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites."

(Genesis chapter 49 verses 29 to 32)

Upon having blessed all his sons, Jacob reveals to them that his end was near and that soon enough he would die and be reunited with his ancestors. Moreover Jacob showed the wish to be buried in the same place meaning in the cave that Abraham had bought from Machpelah the Hittite. With reference to this cave and field which has now become a holy shrine please click on the following link: ;Cave of Machpelah

33. When Jacob ended his charge to his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

(Genesis chapter 49 verse 33)

Upon fulfilling his duty and knowing that his is end was near drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last breath and peacefully relaxed so that his soul  could be reunited with that of God and that of his ancestors. and was gathered by his family.

Mr.Devain Ajit Pawar who compiled this chapter would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

Thank you God for being the base of my life and helping me in the different stages of my life. Thank you for introducing me to the Micallef family whom have been a good friends, supporters and a source of motivation in  the spreading Your Word through this blog as they have given me a chance to contribute in the blog. I pray that you keep them happy and safe as you have kept me. Thank you for having helped us in compiling and editing this chapter which along with chapter 50 brings us to the end of the book of Genesis.Thank you God for all your love and support and also for your guidance because without your guidance it would have been impossible to finish all the Chapters of the book of Genesis and more to come

Thank You God 

Genesis Chapter 48

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

48

1. After this Joseph was told, "Your father is ill." So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2. When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you, he summoned his strength and sat up in bed.

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 1 to 2)

On reflecting Jacob was very ill. In fact it could be said that he was on death's doorstep. However, the news that Joseph had come to visit him gave him a special extra boost of energy, that was surely not his own. It was beyond his capacity as a weak human. God had not yet finished using Jacob. He wanted to deliver a very important message by means of Jacob.

At times we may feel strongly compelled to do something for others or maybe for ourselves. Moreover the energy and motivation may be beyond our capacity. A typical example may be that of a woman who is constantly abused by her husband who abuses alcohol and regularly beats his wife. God is able to give this woman, the victim of such abusive treatment, to escape from her house along with her children and seek help in a shelter for abused women. This can also apply to men who may also be experiencing abuse from their female counterparts. Another typical example is that of a person who is in a critical situation, where the only way to escape route is to make a leap from a very high tower. God gives us the courage and motivation in order to make important decisions at the right moment in order to ensure our physical, social, spiritual and psychological well being.

3. And Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and he blessed me, 4. and said to me, 'I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers; I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for a perpetual holding.' 5. Therefore your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are now mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are. 6. As for the offspring born to you after them they shall be yours. They shall be recorded under the names of their brothers regard to their inheritance. 7 For when I came from Paddan, Rachel, alas, died in the land of Canaan on the way, while there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath" (that is Bethlehem).

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 3 to 7)

Jacob shared with Joseph that in Luz God had ratified the original promise that He had originally made to Abraham. Now was the time when Joseph and his generation would witness the unfolding of God's promise to Abraham after all those years of waiting. Moreover Jacob insisted that Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh who were born in Egypt, were also partakers of the promise, as much as we are as Christians who were the offspring from the line of Abraham that led to the birth of Jesus Christ who is our one and only father.

Moreover as found written in verse 6, through the voice of Jacob God was sort of ordering Joseph that the history of the descendants of Abraham was to be recorded in the sense of written and documented. This was the go ahead for the Word of God to be recorded and compiled in a written form, covering the period from the beginning of time onwards, thus also including the time that God's people were in the land of Egypt and the following eras leading to the New Testament and even the acts of the Apostles and also the the books that reveal to us news regarding the events that are to take place at the end of one time, and the beginning of Eternal time, when God will renew everything to its original perfect state in His presence.

8. When Israel saw Joseph's sons, he said, "Who are these?"9. Joseph said to his father, "They are my sons, whom God has given me here." And he said, "Bring them to me please, that I may bless them." 10. Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, and he could not see well. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them.

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 8 to 10)


As a loving father Jacob asks Joseph to bring him his sons close to him that he may bless them. Jacob kissed them and embraced them, although they were not part of his family. God the father whom as Christians we identify as being our God is also a loving father who is always ready to welcome his other children and bless them, even if they are from other religions and sects. God is still worshiped in many forms and cults as there are many forms and trends throughout the world. The Holy Spirit of God has no limitations, biases or impositions, He is open and welcoming to all, who as sinners desire his love, grace, justice and mercy, therefore nobody in the world, is to be left out we are all one big family, black, white, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and even atheists amongst others. In the New Testament Jesus referred to the other 'sheep' who are not yet part of the 'fold' and how he wished that all would reunite and He would be the one 'Shepherd' of all the flocks and there would be unity amongst all diversity, so that the body Jesus Christ would be 'Whole' instead of 'hole' with dissensions, biases and barriers as it is today.


11. Israel said to Joseph, " I did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also."

(Genesis chapter 48 verse 11)


God is full of surprises and is beyond human logic and comprehension. He is able to make the humanly impossible possible. Moreover God has no limitations of time and space, and can be at anywhere and at any time.


12. Then Joseph removed them from his father's knees, and bowed himself with his face to the earth. 

(Genesis chapter 48 verse 12)


Although Joseph had grown in power and prestige, he still remained the humble person that he originally was. Although he had become a parent himself, Joseph still showed respect to his father, who was now of an advanced age. Moreover Joseph by means of this humble gesture set a practical example for his children who were present with him at the time. Setting a good example for our children is very important especially when they are still young. Their unconscious  will become positively influenced to follow in the steps of their parents.



13. Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward's Israel's left, and Manasseh in his left hand towards Israel's right, and brought them near him. 14. But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 13 to 14)


According to verses 13 to 14 we are given a typical example of the logic of God versus that of humans. Human logic has its own structures. According to its premises, the first born is always preferred over the second, however as displayed in the mentioned verses God's choices by means of Jacob go against that logic, because His agenda and priorities is different from that of our own.



15. He blessed joseph, and said;
"The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, 16. the angel who has redeemed me from all harm, bless the boys; and in them let my name be perpetuated, and the name of my ancestors Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude on the earth,"

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 15 to 16)



This prayer in itself is one that all parents are to impart on their children. Jacob prayed for the protection of Joseph's sons as he himself had received protection from the same angels. Today the Roman Catholic Church has given us the prayer of the guardian angels that serves the same purpose as this part of Jacob's blessing. As much as Jacob wished that his name and that of his ancestors be perpetuated in the sense that they would never be forgotten but commemorated, so does wish the same thing from us. Instead of using the name of God in vain as in swearing or cursing the name of God and his mother, we are to use our faculties in order to give witness of His presence in our lives, along with praise and worship.



17. When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. 18. Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father! Since this one is the firstborn, put your right hand on his head."

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 17 to 18)



Joseph observed that his father Jacob was violating the rules or tradition that gave priority of the elder son over the younger. On reflecting it can be said that Jacob should have, known better since he had experienced the negative consequences of such an even that concerned him and Esau. On reflecting as in the case of Joseph we can also become stuck by means of senseless traditions that may even limit our quality of life as a consequence. It comes to my mind that when the Roman Catholic Church gave us the permission to receive God in our hands during mass, this was met by great hostility in the Church. Some people even suffered psychological disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, due to excessive ruminations whether the recipients hands were totally clean enough to receive the Host of Hosts in their hands. Therefore hands were washed again and again, to the extent that the skin of their hands had been damaged by the detergent used in process of washing the hands.


19. But his father refused, and, said, " I know, my son, I know; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations."

(Genesis chapter 48 verse 19)


Joseph tried to convince his father, Jacob that he was going against the long held tradition, however according to Jacob, doing the will of God over rides all traditions.


20. So he blessed them that day, saying,

"By you Israel will invoke blessings, saying, 'God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.' So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. 21. Then Israel said to Joseph, " I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your ancestors. 22. I now give to you one portion more than to your brothers, the portion that I took from the hand of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow."

(Genesis chapter 48 verses 20 to 22)


As sons and daughters of God has also reserved a portion of his inheritance for us, however it is our decision to accept or deny the fact that we are his sons and daughters.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayers of which the first has been donated to us by christiansit.com and shared publicly with me with the permission of Geveetha Mary and Bev Forgenie (I hope I got it right)

Prayer For Money and Financial Breakthrough

christianstt.com

  I would also like to add the following prayer:


Oh my God I would like to thank You again and again for accepting me as your son. I would also like to praise your Holy Name and thank You for saving me a place in heaven with You. Oh my God you are my investment. Help me to always give you the first priority in my life and seek to always do your will before that of my own.

Thank You God

     

Genesis Chapter 47

GENESIS 

CHAPTER

 47

1. So Joseph went and told Pharaoh, "My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; they are now in the land of Goshen."

(Genesis chapter 47 verse 1)

Joseph went to the Pharaoh to give him the good news of his family's arrival. As Christians we are also to spread the 'Good News' of God's Word to others. In order to deal with the existing bias that dictated that foreigners especially shepherds do not mingle with Egyptians, Joseph obtained the Pharaoh's permission for his family to live in the land of Goshen, which was a secluded area in Egypt.

2. From among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. 3. Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation? And they said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were." 4. They said to Pharaoh, "We have come to reside as aliens in the land: for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, we ask you, let your servants settle in the land of Goshen."

(Genesis chapter 2 to 4)

On reflecting I imagine myself before God as in an interview where I will be asked to give an account of all that I have done in my life. All the good things skills and knowledge that I have acquired and how much I have utilised them in order to be of help to others.



5. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6. The land of Egypt is before you: settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land; let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know that there are capable men among them put them in charge of my livestock."

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 5 to 6)


When reflecting on verses 5 to 6 I hear the echo of God's voice on meeting us in heaven at the end of our earthly life. It is as if He is saying, "Okay my friend now that you have finished your pilgrimage on earth you can go and dwell in heaven. You were humble and obedient on earth and now you can dwell humbly in heaven.


7. Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob, and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8. Pharaoh said to Jacob. "How many are the years of your life?" 9. Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The years of my earthly sojourn are one hundred thirty, few and hard have been the years of my life. They do not compare with the years of my ancestors during their long sojourn."

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 7 to 9)


On reflecting the dialogue between Jacob and the Pharaoh was rather brief and simplistic, however there is more than one can perceive at a first glance. It is as if Jacob is saying to the Pharaoh, do not be impressed by my appearance because appearances are deceptive. My age is nothing when compared to that of my ancestors. I have not matched their age on earth.

In order to refer back to the lifespan of Jacob or Israel's lifespan and moreover that of his ancestors please refer to the following exhibit that is cited from the book of Genesis Chapter 25 of this Analysis:

Ishmael lived for 137 years

Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 year

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

Isaac 60 years old when fathering children

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

(Genesis Chapter 25 of this Bible analysis)


According to this detailed analysis that I compiled throughout my reflection on the book of Genesis, Abraham died at the age of 175, thus Jacob was absolutely correct when saying that his age does not compare with that of his ancestors.


10. Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. 11 Joseph settled his father and his brothers, and granted them a holding in the land of Egypt, in the best part of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had instructed. 12. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with food, according to the number of their dependents.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 10 to 12) 


As Joseph provided the best part of the land of Egypt, so will God provide us with the best of his providence both on earth and even better in heaven. It is worth noting that in reality it was God who had provided the family with that particular holding in the land of Egypt. It is also worth noting that God does not waste his resources. He provided Joseph's family according to their needs and not in surplus more than their needs.


13. Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe. The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. 14. Joseph collected all the money to be found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, in exchange for the grain that they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 13 to 14)


During times of crisis we may also languish in our sorrows, especially if we do not have a healthy relationship with God. We end up feeling so insecure and afraid that all our securities become at risk. We end up trading our spiritual security resources such as our faith in God and the blessings that He gives to us by means of the Roman Catholic Church in order to acquire worldly resources both in services such as worldly counselling legal aid etc, which may not solve the problem at all.


15. When the money from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan was spent, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, "Give us food! Why should we die before your eyes? For our money is gone."

(Genesis chapter 47 verse 15)


When the material resources had been exhausted the people of Egypt and Canaan went to Joseph for more food. The resources of this world seem to satisfy our needs on different levels, however in truth our real need is that of God in our lives and no resource of the world, can ever satisfy this need, therefore when we are away from God we are always hungry, because the world can never satisfy all our needs, therefore we are always lacking on one level or another.


16. And Joseph answered, "Give me your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock, if your money is gone." 17. So they brought their livestock to Joseph; and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the herds, and the donkeys. That year he supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 16 to 17)


On reflecting although the people of Egypt and Canaan were becoming plentiful in grain and supplies with which they could nourish themselves, in truth they were becoming poorer than ever. The world gives us many resources but never without a price. Generally the price that we end up paying is that of our spiritual welfare as in prayer or prayer time, which we either quit altogether or reduce to a minimum in order to spend more time in work,  full time  along with part time in order to support our luxuries.


18. When that year was ended, they came to him the following year, and said to him, "We can not hide from my lord that our money is all spent; and the herds of cattle are my lord's. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. 19. Shall we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land in exchange for food. We with our land will become slaves to Pharaoh; just give us seed, so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate."

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 18 to 19)


 When at the peak of our crisis the only thing that is left is our souls and selves, that can also be traded to the forces of evil, and then Satan will have full possession and control over us. In such instances we become totally worldly.


20. So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. All the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine was severe upon them, and the land became Pharaoh's. 21 As for the people, he made slaves of them from one end of Egypt to the other. 22 Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh, and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 20 to 22)


It is very interesting to observe that when dealing with such a crisis, the affairs of the state, in this case 'Egypt' did not conflict, harm or negatively discriminate against the spiritual order, represented by the Egyptian priests. Respect was given duly to what was divine, which is more than what can be said to the current world situation, where secularism is always on the increase, along with the introduction of legislation that in content dictates concept that go against the will of God.


 23. Then Joseph said to the people, "Now that I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh, here is seed for you; sow the land. 24 And at the harvests you shall give one fifth to Pharaoh, and four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones."

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 23 to 24)


In order to continue ensuring revenue from the people to support the financial economic system in Egypt and Canaan, Joseph imposed the law that one fifth of all produce was to be given to the state. On reflecting as Christians,  as civil servants we have our obligations and duties to the state, however we also have our duties and obligations to God which are to be treated and considered as being on the same level.


25. They said, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be slaves to Pharaoh."26 So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. The land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh's.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 25 to 26)


As humans we tend to make heroes and declare as our saviours, any body or creature that or who has done an act of courage or bravery, on behalf of somebody else. On the other hand God gave us his only Son to save us from eternal damnation, and we still take Him for granted and deny Him the honour and praise and worship that is entitled to Him as being our one and only ultimate hero.


27. Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen; and they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied exceedingly. 28. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; so the days of Jacob, the years of his life were one hundred forty-seven years.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 27 to 28)

It seems that God remained faithful with Jacob and his family while in Egypt, so that God's plan for us through his chosen people could continue to unfold and thus lead to our salvation by means of the birth of Jesus Christ.

When updating the previous exhibit that portrays the days lived by each of the patriarchs Jacob is in the following position;

Ishmael lived for 137 years

Jacob lived 147 years

Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 year

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

Isaac 60 years old when fathering children

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

(Genesis Chapter 25 of this Bible Analysis)


29. When the time of Israel's death drew near, he called his son Joseph and said to him, " If I have found favor with you, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal loyally and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt. 30. When I lie down with my ancestors, carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place." He answered, " I will do as you have said." 31. And he said, "Swear to me"; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the head of his bed.

(Genesis chapter 47 verses 29 to 31)


The wish of a dying father. Jacob as if treated his son Joseph as if he was a stranger. This is proved by the fact that Jacob bound Joseph by means of a promise. According to Jacob he was to be buried in the cave of Machpelah, the same place where Abraham and his descendants had been buried. Some parents make it hard on their sons and daughters during this critical time of their lives some parents force their children not to marry that person or on the contrary marry that person whom they do not love at all.


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Thank You God for all the tribulations that you permit me to endure. I would also thank you for making me as I am with both my strengths and my weaknesses. Thank You for being my God and for being present during such moments. Thank You for all the resources that You give me, your love and generosity are non comparable. I would like to pray for those who put their souls in danger and even the well being of their children in order to get their way or achieve financial rewards such as betting or gambling. I pray for all the families of the world. This World Cup may be the cause of happiness to some people but a means of sorrow and poverty to others. Alot of money is being betted on these games which could have been put to better use for the good of the same family. I pray for such people, that if they lose their bets their time of famine or poverty will not be long and that you will still intervene on their behalf. Even if only one of these persons still believes in You my God please have mercy on the others.

Thank You God 

Genesis Chapter 46

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

46

1. When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 1)

When Jacob went on his journey/ On arriving at  Beer-Sheba he made a Sacrificial to God in thanksgiving, who had never stopped being faithful to him and his descendants who had inherited the promise starting from Abraham. Today we are subject to gift offerings to each other, however when it comes to thanking God, we hardly give Him the bare minimum in service to others, spending time with significant who may need our support or others such as people living in homes for the elderly or in hospitals. When offering our time to such people, we are offering our gift to God.



2. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here I am."         

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 2)                                                                                                                    

As in previous case God spoke to Jacob in a dream. Jacob who had now become close with God responded that he was present and available to his will. One might say God has never spoken to me by means of a dream. I am a living witness that He actually does, so much that since then my whole life has changed and has never stopped changing. God manifests himself to us by many means. Since He has no limitations of time and space God can be everywhere at any time. He can speak to us, for instance, by means of his Word, this blog, significant people such as teachers, priests, spiritual directors etc and even by means of our family.




3. Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 3)


By means of this dream God comforted Jacob by confirming His true identity and that Jacob was not to be afraid because what God was asking of him was the fulfilment of the Will of God. This declaration meant that the promise that had been passed on to Abraham and his forefathers was now going to be fulfilled by means of his generation. After having waited for such a long time for this revelation the moment had finally come.



4. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph's own hand shall close your eyes."

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 4)


God revealed to Jacob what was to become of him and his generation. His family and their descendants were to go down to Egypt. However their stay was not to be permanent. There would come the time when God would lead them out of Egypt again. Moreover God shared with Jacob that while in Egypt, Jacob would spend the last moments of his life and that Joseph would declare him as being dead. In order for us to continue growing as humans and as children of God He permits us to endure moments of tribulation and trials, that may even place our physical and spiritual welfare at stake but never in total danger. God promises to save us from such situations, even if we are wounded or scarred as a consequence.



5. Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6. They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, 7 his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.

(Genesis chapter 46 verses 5 to 7)




In response to God's revelation in the dream Jacob felt empowered and responded positively to the will of God. Jacob took everything he had, meaning, his sons their wives livestock  and went to Egypt on the vehicles that the Pharaoh had given him to fulfil such purpose. 


8. Now these are the names of the Israelites, Jacob and his offspring, who came to Egypt. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, 9. and the children of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10. The children of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11. The children of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12. The children of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan); and the children of Perez were Hezron and Hamul 13. The children of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Jashub, and Shimron. 14. The children of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel 15. (these are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan- aram, together with his daughter Dinah; in all his sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three). 16. The children of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17. The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The children of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel 18. (these are the children of Zillah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah; and these she bore to Jacob--sixteen persons). 19. The children of Jacob's wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 20. To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 21. The children of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard 22. (these are the children of Rachel, who were born to Jacob - fourteen persons in all). 23. The children of Dan: Hashum. 24. The children of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem 25. (these are the children of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel, and these she bore to Jacob - seven persons in all). 26 All the persons belonging to Jacob who came into Egypt, who were his own offspring, not including the wives of his sons, were sixty-six persons in all. 27.The children of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two; all the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.


(Genesis chapter 46 verses 8 to 27)



All the people travelling with Jacob, who came into Egypt were sixty six including his offspring’s. Jacob and his sons, were seventy when they came into Egypt. In order to recapitulate the author of this chapter Mr Deevain Ajit Pawar gives us the following summary in order to help refresh our memory of the works of God with Jacob. While reflecting we can look back on our lives and reflect on our personal experience of God and His works.


As we reflected in the previous chapters, Jacob was sent by his father far away to avoid his brother's wrath and he was alone there at Laban's house where he endured alot of pain and anguish due to Laban's avaricious attitude and behaviour. In time God continued to increase Jacob's descendants. Although as a family they encountered many difficulties as in the case of the rape of Dinah God remained faithful to His predicaments and promises. On having been separated from his beloved son Joseph due to Jacob's preferential treatment God permitted Joseph to end up in Egypt in order to pave the way for his family and their future descendants. On the other hand God informed Jacob or Israel as he was later called that he would die in Egypt and that Joseph would declare him as being dead. However, this would be the beginning and no the end, for God also promised Jacob that He would lead them out of Egypt. 


God also acts in the same way in our life. He permits us to endure trials and tribulations, ad even to embark on personal projects, or meet particular people for special reasons that at the given time we may not understand why, however in time God shows us His reason to sustain our understanding and belief.  


In order to get a detailed picture of the size of Jacob's descendants before going down to Egypt please refer to the following exhibit:

                                                                                                                                                              

Reuben	4 sons
Simeon	6 Sons
Levi	3 Sons
Judah	5 Sons
Perez	2 Sons
Issachar	4 Sons
Zebulun	3 Sons
Dinah and Leah	33 Sons
Gad	7 Sons
Asher	5 Sons
Beriah	2 Sons
Joseph	2 Sons
Benjamin	11 Sons
Dan	1 Son
Naphtali	4 Sons

Although the biblical text says the total amount of people who went down to Egypt were seventy according to the above exhibit the total amount is 92, however from this amount that there were some children who had died while in Egypt.


28. Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen,

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 28)


Jacob upon reaching land of Goshen sent Judah ahead of the family i8n order to lead the way to the land of Goshen. One may question Jacob's reasons for having sent Judah to lead the way. It could be that since Jacob was a foreigner to the land he did not know the way. Moreover due to his weak condition Jacob could not lead the way. During the course of our lives not everybody is a leader. There are leaders and followers and both are equally of value. In the spiritual life we also need somebody to guide us along the way.



29. Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 29)


At long last Joseph met the person whom he had been waiting to meet for such a long time. This was his father Jacob. It had been a long time since he had been befriended from his father and mother due to the circumstances that had taken place between Joseph and his brothers. On the same line of thought we can also the happiness expressed by God on meeting us at the moment of our end of our life on earth.


30. Israel said to Joseph, "I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive."

(Genesis chapter 46 verse 30)


After seeing Joseph Jacob then says that now that he had seen Joseph again he was ready to die peacefully. On reflecting what is that situation or person in life that gratifies our soul.  


31. Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and will say to him, 'My brothers and my father's household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.' 33. When Pharaoh calls you, and says, 'What is your occupation?'34 you shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our ancestors'- in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen, because all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians."


(Genesis chapter 46 verses 31 to 34)


In the given circumstances Joseph uses his knowledge of the land along with its customs likes and dislikes in favour of his family, so that they could settle down in a location where they would not be bothered by the pagan Egyptians and their pagan rites with which he was now familiar. Using our intelligence is no sin. On planning his strategy before the Pharaoh Joseph did not fabricate a lie regarding the occupation of his family but said the plain truth.

I would like to end the chapter with the following prayer:

God your are a humble, loving and kind father who has done a lot for humanity. You keep on caring for us up to this very day. When I see the world, I feel sad, especially, when I see people, who still do not believe in you and neglecting even though, you have done a lot for them.  

Thank you God for everything.

Amen