Day 94 – Genesis 46:28-34
Joseph Presented Himself Unto Him
Scripture Reading – Genesis 46:28-34
And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
Genesis 46:28 KJV
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.
Genesis 46:29 KJV
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
Genesis 46:30 KJV
And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father’s house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
Genesis 46:31 KJV
And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
Genesis 46:32 KJV
And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
Genesis 46:33 KJV
That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Genesis 46:34 KJV
Scripture Review
Jacob sends Judah ahead to direct the family to Goshen. The brother once responsible for selling Joseph now helps guide their father toward him. Joseph prepares his chariot, presents himself to Israel, falls on his neck, and weeps a good while. Years of grief meet years of waiting in one embrace.
Israel says he can die now because he has seen Joseph’s face and knows he is alive. Joseph then turns immediately toward caring for the family’s future. He will explain their occupation to Pharaoh and seek Goshen for their settlement. He tells them to speak honestly as shepherds, even though that occupation is an abomination to the Egyptians. Provision will not require them to invent a respectable identity.
Judah meant to guide the household, Joseph meant to reunite with his father, and the family meant to settle where their flocks and households could survive.
God meant to complete the reunion, use a changed Judah in service, and provide a distinct place for Israel within Egypt.
What this asks of me
Restoration should not make me careless about tomorrow’s responsibilities. Joseph weeps freely and then plans wisely. I also do not need to lie about honest work to gain acceptance. If obedience makes me different from the surrounding culture, God can still provide a place in which faithfulness is possible.
Consider
- Can I receive a long-awaited joy without neglecting the next responsibility?
- Where am I tempted to hide an honest identity or calling in order to appear more acceptable?