Jacob had become Israel and his household had grown
to 70 members. As they rode the Egyptian wagons out of Canaan, it must have
seemed surreal. The conversations around the campfire were probably rather
repetitious: "I can't believe he's alive. I can't believe he's the boss. I
wonder what it will be like living in Egypt."
What it must have been like for Jacob! God had met
with him and confirmed that Joseph was alive and waiting. God had approved of
the move to Egypt. Life was so good for Jacob. Surely he must have spoken with
all of his sons and grandsons, including Muppim, Huppim and Ard (Genesis
46:21), and shared with them what God had told him.
I find it interesting that God had not told him
this stuff before. God could have miraculously revealed the truth about Joseph
any time He wanted to, but he waited until Joseph and his brothers had made
peace... then He verified the information for Israel. This demonstrates how God
uses the freewill of men and the restraints of time in His actions and
reactions among us. His sovereign wisdom is truly infinite.
Anyway, Jacob sent Judah ahead of the caravan to
announce his arrival, and Joseph hopped in his chariot to rush out to meet his
father. What a grand reunion. Jacob was so happy that he decided he had nothing
left on his bucket list. But, he did. He was bound for Goshen, a meeting with
Pharaoh and ranching success. God was placing him and his family in Egypt for
them to multiply... and to wait for the ripening of Canaanite debauchery
(Genesis 15:16) before He took their land from them.
If ever I'm reminded of God's wonderfully
transcendent purposes and methods (Isaiah 55:8-9)... it is while reading
Genesis 46.
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