Deeper Life Seach The Scripture Bible Study For Youth and Adult For August 21, 2022: Topic – Jacob Move To Egypy
YOUTH STS
LESSON 33
JACOB MOVES TO EGYPT
TEXT: Genesis 46:1-34; 47:1-31
MEMORY VERSE: “And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan; and came in the land of Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him” (Genesis 46:6).
In the previous lesson, Joseph had revealed himself to his brethren and consequently asked them to bring his father, Jacob, down to Egypt. Joseph did not chide his brethren nor sought vengeance for selling him into slavery. The Lord has counselled believers thus: “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17,19). Believers are not to seek vengeance. We should follow peace with all men.
JACOB’S MOVEMENT TO EGYPT (Genesis 46:1-34; 28:15; 26:1-7; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 66: 12; Deuteronomy 31:6,8; Ephesians 6: 1 ,2)
“And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac” (Genesis 46:1). Israel, formerly known as Jacob left Canaan for Egypt on the invitation from Joseph. He did not leave anyone in his household behind. This teaches believers the need for them to ensure they and all the members of their families are brought to the Lord. “And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father, fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation” (Genesis 46:2,3). This assurance from the Lord made Jacob to know that it was God’s perfect will for him to heed the invitation of his loving son to come to Egypt. The lesson here for believers is that they should not go anywhere or take any major decision in life without seeking the face of God and His will.
Question 1: How can believers know God’s will for their lives?
“I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again; and Joseph shall put his hand upon thy eyes” (Genesis 46:4). God has promised Jacob His abiding presence. Even though Egypt was not the place God had promised his fathers, Jacob knew that if he obeyed Him, he will still be blessed. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).
Question 2: What should be the right attitude of believers to their parents?
“And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. His sons, and his son’s sons with him, his daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt” (Genesis 46:5,7). The children of Jacob had obviously been transformed. They took proper care of their father by putting him in one of the wagons provided by Pharaoh. Believers must honour their parents and respect them. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6: 1 ,2). The respect and honour should not be limited to our biological parents alone. Believers should equally respect and honour their spiritual parents and the elderly.
JACOB’S ARRIVAL AND ACCEPTANCE IN EGYPT (Genesis 46:28-34; 47:1-3; Numbers 23:19; Acts 7:59,60; Hebrews 2: 11; Proverbs 15:33)
Jacob came down to Egypt on the invitation of Joseph. The total number of his descendants that followed him to Egypt was seventy. This seemingly small member eventually became a mighty nation in accordance with the promise of God. “And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly …for a father of many nations have I made thee” (Genesis 17:2,5). “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies” (Genesis 22: 17).
Question 3: What encouragement do believers receive from the multiplication of Israel in Egypt?
The small number of Jacob’s descendants that came down with him to Egypt eventually became a mighty nation. This shows that every promise of God is dependable and infallible. “’God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Christian youths should not despise the day of little beginning (Job 8:7). The meeting between the aged Jacob and his son, Joseph was indeed the fulfillment of divine promise. “And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive” (Genesis 29:30). God has divinely brought a loving father together with his beloved son again. Joseph provided a good land in Egypt for his father and his brethren called Goshen, the best part of the Egyptian land. This shows clearly that Joseph was not vengeful’. He manifested evidence of total forgiveness to his wicked brethren. This is a good attribute every believer should possess. Christians should not show retaliation for evil done by persecutors. Rather, we should pray for them. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34). “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God… And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge…” (Acts 7:59,60). Joseph took his father to Pharaoh’s palace for introduction. “Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, my father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen. And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh” (Genesis 47:1,2). Joseph was not ashamed to openly identify with his brethren. It is absurd for a professing Christian to be position or ego conscious. This makes a believer to be proud. Christians should humble themselves so that the Lord could exalt them. “And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, what is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servant are shepherds, both we and our fathers” (Genesis 47:3). This question of King Pharaoh shows the importance and dignity of labour. No Christian should be idle. As a youthnif one does not go to school, he should learn a profitable trade’ “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
JOSEPH’S ADMINISTRATION IN EGYPT (Genesis 47:13-26; 41:39-46; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Timothy 5:17; Deuteronomy 5:16; Colossians 3:22-24)
According to the pronouncement of Pharaoh after the interpretation of his dreams by Joseph, he was set over all the land of Egypt. Only in the throne was Pharaoh greater than him. Joseph operated discreetly and cautiously. “And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought and Joseph brought the money unto Pharaoh’s house” (Genesis 47:14). Joseph did not abuse the power of his office, He was prudent, dependable and loyal. It was the faithfulness and openness of Joseph that made him to diligently and honestly deliver all the resources of Egypt into the Egyptians treasury. He did not play prank with the vast resources of Egypt and neither did he try to swindle or syphon it to his personal account. Joseph faithfully delivered to Pharaoh the land that the people surrendered to him-in exchange of food. He did not convert any part of the land as his own private property. Joseph was not only faithful to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians, he was also respectful to the priests. He bought all the lands of Egypt except the land of the priests. This is a lesson believers need to learn about how much to respect pastors and leaders in the church. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5: 17). Jacob was properly taken care of by Joseph before his death. He promised to obey the instruction of his father not to bury him in Egypt (Genesis 47:30). Christian youths need to emulate this virtue. We need to obey our parents even at old age, we should not violate their godly instructions. “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee, that thy days may be prolonged and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Deuteronomy 5:16).
ADULT STS
LESSON 33
JACOB MOVES TO EGYPT
MEMORY VERSE: “1 will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes” (Genesis 46:4).
TEXT: Genesis 46:1-34; 47:1-31
Joseph had revealed himself to his brethren in the previous lesson. He did not remonstrate with them neither did he vilify nor condemn them for the obvious evil they had done to him. He had reassuringly told them: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). He had subsequently invited his father and brethren to move down and sojourn with him in Egypt because of the biting effect of the prevailing worldwide famine at that time. In this study, we see Jacob with his entire household going down to Egypt at Joseph’s request. They took their journey and encamped at Beersheba, a city of about twentyfive miles from Mamre. This was where Jacob communed with the Lord and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, and in acceptance, God renewed his covenant of preservation and abiding presence with him. God assured him that his journey to Egypt was His will for him. He said, “…I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation” (Genesis 46:3). Eventually, Jacob and his entire family arrived Egypt and were put in a choice part called Goshen. Also, we see Joseph showering love and affection on his father and brethren.
JACOB’S DESCENT AND JOURNEY TO EGYPT (Genesis 46:1-7; 15:13, 14; Psalm 119:89; Colossians 3:16; Acts 7:5; 2 Timothy 1:5)
The migration of Jacob and his household to undoubtedly brings to the fore the beginning of the fulfilment of God’s prophecies for Israel. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will not pass away. God had foretold Abraham saying: “…Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance” (Genesis 15: 13, 14).When he heard the news that Joseph, his supposedly dead son was still alive, Jacob was eager to move down to Egypt to go and see him. “And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation” (Genesis 46:1-3). Jacob commenced his journey from Mamre to Egypt. On getting to Beersheba, he took time off to worship and sacrifice to the Lord who had been merciful and gracious to him, as a mark of gratitude. He desired God’s guidance in the journey. This attitude of raising altar to God for fellowship and communion was a practice passed down from Abraham, his grandfather. We, as Christian parents should allow our children learn righteousness, piety and true devotion from us just as young Timothy had imbibed unfeigned faith in his grandmother Louis and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). As Jacob embarked on this journey, he was not self-confident neither was he presumptuous. Instead, he depended absolutely on God and sought His face in prayers. Beersheba has a historical background which highlighted the significance of the altar that Jacob raised. It was at Beersheba that God spoke to Hagar about a well where she got water for herself and her son, Ishmael while she was fleeing from her mistress, Sarah (Genesis 21:14). It was also at Beersheba that Abraham made a covenant with the princes of Philistine while he sojourned there (Genesis 21:32-34). Every believer should therefore, cultivate the habit of personal retreat where he can encounter God afresh and also deepen his relationship with Him (Romans 12:1,2; Colossians 3: 16). In response to his prayers and worship, God said, “I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt …I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again…” (Genesis 46:3,4). The Lord promised to go with Jacob because he committed his ways unto Him. Jacob migrated to Egypt with his entire household, together with their cattle and possessions. The same thing happened when the Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. They left with all their children and even their cattle and other possessions (Exodus 10:24-26). This was similar to what Joshua told the Israelites. He said, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). The Philippian Jailer believed the Lord with his entire household (Acts 16:31-34). Therefore, believers should ensure that all members of their household -parents, spouse, children, brothers, sisters and other relations — are saved. It is not scriptural for a believer to leave any member of his family behind when he goes to a place of worship.
JACOB’S DESCENDANTS AND TIME IN EGYPT (Genesis 46:8-34; 47:1-12,27,28; Isaiah 60:22; Zechariah 4:10; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9; Proverbs 14:23; 20:29; Job 8:7)
“All the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.” This was actually the beginning of the nation of Israel. The small number of Israel in Egypt serves as an encouragement to our faith. It was from that small company that the Lord fulfilled His promise to make of Abraham a great nation whose number would be as the sands upon the seashore for multitude. No matter how small our congregations may be today, God has promised growth and enlargement if we faithfully continue in supplication and soul-winning. He has promised that: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time” (Isaiah 60:22). Jacob’s time and sojourn in Egypt presents a glorious moment in his life. His joy at seeing Joseph alive knew no bounds. The meeting between the aged Jacob and his supposedly dead son was indeed the fulfilment of divine promise that God gave him at Beersheba. “And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive” (Genesis 46:29,30). Joseph went to meet his father in Goshen and embraced him. He fell upon his father’s neck and wept. This brought to an end Jacob’s long sorrow and agony of missing his beloved son. God has divinely brought a loving father together with his beloved son. Again, Joseph secured Goshen, the best part of the land of Egypt, for his father and brethren. This is clear evidence that he was committed to their welfare. He was not vindictive or retaliatory. He had totally forgiven his brethren for selling him into slavery. This is Christlike nature that all believers should crave to possess. Israel’s sojourn in Goshen was not accidental; it was a divine arrangement. First, Goshen was the best part of Egypt. Second, that section of the land of Egypt was best for grazing. Third, God did not want them to mingle and inter-marry with the Egyptians. Fourth, God foresaw His judgment on Pharaoh who would not allow Israel to leave the land at the appointed time and had to separate His people so that they might escape His wrath upon Egypt. Here, we see how special believers are in the sight of God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath callednyou out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Joseph was not ashamed of his brethren. Therefore he identified fully with them (Genesis 47:1,2). It is not biblical for a believer to disown his brethren or family members on account of civilization, social status education or spiritual attainment. Also, our vocation should not negatively affect our self-esteem.
JOSEPH’S DISCRETION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FAMINE (Genesis 47:13-31; Proverbs 11:26; Galatians 6: 10)
Joseph’s prudence as a governor in Egypt showcased strong and virile leadership. His leadership pattern also corroborated the loyalty of the to Pharaoh. “And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine” (Genesis 47:13). Joseph was tactful in the management of the famine. Through the grace of God, he was instrumental in preserving lives in Egypt. He was a type of Christ who came to preserve lives both physically and spiritually. Because of the soreness of the famine and its biting effect on the Egyptians, they were desperate to exchange whatever possession they had for food in order to stay alive. After spending all their money, they voluntarily relinquished their flocks and lands. At the end, they gave themselves to become the servants of Pharaoh for their survival. Similarly, believers should be willing to make necessary sacrifices to fulfil their spiritual desires. The faithfulness of Joseph made him to surrender all the resources of Egypt into the national treasury. He delivered all into the hands of Pharaoh who appointed him. “And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of
Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house” (Genesis 47:14). This is unlike many public office holders of today who would rather embezzle or divert public funds into their private accounts and impoverish the people. Joseph was selfless and wise. He did not hoard the grains to create artificial scarcity. Rather, he sold them to the people as soon as he saw the need. It is also worthy of mention that Joseph was not oppressive or tyrannical to the people. He was fair to all. In his wisdom, he made a law “…over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s” (Genesis 47:26). It is instructive that Joseph took proper care of his father and brethren. He publicly identified with them and gave his aged father all the necessary attention he needed. As believers, we should be kind to everyone and take proper care of our parents even at old age. We should be careful in order not to change the ancient landmarks which our fathers have set. Jacob’s request that he be buried alongside the Patriarchs showed that his focus on eternal inheritance and the promise of a better country was not beclouded by the temporary affluence that he enjoyed in Egypt.
Believers should be conscious of heaven at all times irrespective of their enjoyment and success in life.
Questions for review:
1. Why should believers seek the face of God in any life’s decision?
2. What historical significance has Beersheba in the Bible?
3. What encouragement can believers derive from Israel’s multiplication from a small number to a mighty nation?
4. What can believers learn from the way Joseph heartily forgave his wicked brethren?
5. Mention four attributes of faithfulness believers can emulate in Joseph’s handling of the Egyptian crisis.
6. How should believers carry out their business and relate with people generally, including our persecutors?
7. How was Joseph able to overcome his temptations and trials?