Genesis 46:5-27 – The Stars of the Sky

Little did Jacob think of ever leaving Canaan; he expected, probably, to die there and to leave his children and grandchildren in actual possession of the promised land; but God orders it otherwise. We may think we are well settled in a place, but things can still change. Those who are old sometimes live to see great changes in their family. It is good to be ready, not just for death, but for whatever might happen before death.

Jacob journeys to Egypt in wagon-like carts. He is a simple man and does not need chariots to transport him. He takes all that he owns, so he will not be completely dependent on Pharaoh for care, and so that it might not be said that they came as beggars to Egypt. He takes all of his family who probably have been living close around him this whole time. Where he goes, they go, perhaps they are more willing to do this because even though they have heard that Canaan is the Promised Land, none of them actually possess any of it, yet. When Jacob goes to the land of plenty, he does not leave any of his family behind to starve. Heads of families ought to take care of all under their charge, and to provide food for their bodies and souls.

The whole number that goes down to Egypt is 66, plus Jacob, Joseph, and his two sons, making 70. The accomplishment of God’s promises is always sure, but it is often slow. It is now 215 years since God promised to make a great nation of Abraham, and yet Abraham’s line has only increased to 70. But the power of God will be shown even more when he multiplies these seventy to a vast multitude.