Journal Through the Bible: Week 11 Thursday

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Genesis 47:11-48:22

As the years of famine continue, the Egyptians sell everything they have, including themselves, to Pharoah in order to purchase food and seed. Joseph made them tenant farmers who gave 20% of the yearly yield to Pharoah and kept 80% for themselves. He also relocated the people, perhaps as a means of increasing productivity or employ them in other enterprises (like building projects). Moses states that this 20% tax was still in effect during his time in Egypt (see 47:26).

Does God make any promises in this passages?

• Through Jacob both of Joseph's sons are counted as Jacob's sons in the naming of the separate family tribes (48:5)
• Jacob states that God had kept His promise of provisions throughout Jacob's life (48:15) 
• Jacob restates the promise of God that the Children of Israel (including Joseph himself, even though it is his bones and not his living body that go to stay there; he will visit there briefly when he is burying his father; both future in our study) will be returned to Canaan (48:21)

Are there any references to Jesus?

• While blessing Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob mentions the Angel that redeemed him (Jacob) from all evil. This would be the Messiah.

Are there any references to yet-future events, including eternity future?

• Jacob tells Joseph that the Children of Israel will possess the land that God promised them. He also tells Joseph of an extra possession reserved for Joseph. The book of Revelation tells of the family tribes being reinstated once more. Perhaps they will receive their complete inheritance at that time, too.

Does God issue any commands?

God does not speak.