Introduction: When Jacob Goes to Egypt
Genesis 46 marks a major transition in the story of Israel’s beginnings. Jacob goes to Egypt not merely to see his long-lost son, Joseph, but because God is orchestrating a larger plan. In this chapter, Jacob receives a divine vision, uproots his entire household, and relocates to a foreign land that will later become the setting for both Israel’s prosperity and enslavement.
God appears to Jacob in a night vision and says, “Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation” (v. 3). Encouraged by this promise, Jacob sets out with his sons, grandsons, and all his possessions. Seventy members of his household make the trip. The emotional climax occurs when Jacob reunites with Joseph, falling on his neck and weeping. Pharaoh provides land in Goshen, and thus begins a new chapter in redemptive history.
Read Genesis 46 (KJV) for the full chapter.
1. God Still Speaks During Transition
In the first verses, God calls out to Jacob, saying, “Jacob, Jacob.” This echoes the intimacy of God’s relationship with His chosen. Jacob answers, “Here am I,” just as Abraham and others had before him. In moments of change, God doesn’t go silent—He speaks to give clarity.
Jacob goes to Egypt not by impulse, but by divine instruction. This reminds us that every major life change—whether relocation, new calling, or a spiritual shift—should be preceded by listening to God’s voice.
2. The Journey Fulfills Prophecy
When Abraham received the covenant promise in Genesis 15, God told him that his descendants would be strangers in a land not theirs and would serve them 400 years. Jacob’s journey to Egypt sets this prophetic timeline in motion.
This reinforces that God’s promises often include long-term processes. Jacob didn’t fully know what would come, but he trusted the God who did. His obedience activates the next phase of Israel’s history.
3. Seventy Souls: The Family Becomes a Nation
Verse 27 gives us the iconic number: “All the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.” The number seventy in Scripture often denotes completeness. Here, it signals the formation of a full covenant household.
What began with one man—Abraham—has now multiplied. The chosen family is ready to become the chosen nation. Jacob goes to Egypt with more than people—he brings promises, purpose, and prophecy.
4. Jacob Reunites with Joseph: A Picture of Heaven
The most touching moment is when Jacob reunites with Joseph. Verse 29 says, “And he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.” Joseph, once presumed dead, is now ruler of Egypt. Their reunion is more than emotional—it’s spiritual.
This foreshadows the believer’s reunion with Christ. We, too, will fall into His embrace after years of separation and sorrow. The weeping of joy, the relief of redemption, and the celebration of restored relationship all point to Heaven’s welcome. When Jacob reunites with Joseph, it represents a restoration of what seemed permanently lost—a reminder that nothing is beyond God’s ability to resurrect.
5. Egypt as a Place of Provision and Preparation
Pharaoh offers Jacob’s family the best of Egypt—the land of Goshen. This will be a place of prosperity for generations. Yet, it will eventually become the place of oppression.
This dual nature of Egypt teaches us that God can use the world for blessing in one season and for testing in another. It’s important to enjoy God’s provision but never mistake Egypt for our permanent home. We’re pilgrims, and the promised land is still ahead. Yet, the joy when Jacob reunites with Joseph makes it clear: even temporary locations can host eternal moments.
6. God’s Promises Go With You
God’s words to Jacob include a precious promise: “I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again” (v. 4). God is not bound by geography. His presence travels with His people.
This same assurance applies to believers today. Whether you’re facing a physical move, a new career, or spiritual uncertainty, the Lord goes with you. He doesn’t abandon you in unfamiliar places—He leads you there.
Even in a foreign land, God is orchestrating divine reunions. Jacob reunites with Joseph because God willed it so, and because both men remained faithful.
7. Spiritual Legacies Travel Generationally
Jacob brings not just sons, but grandsons—multiple generations making the journey. Jacob goes to Egypt with a legacy, and his children carry forward the covenant.
This highlights the importance of spiritual inheritance. We are not just individuals walking in faith; we are torch-bearers, passing the flame to the next generation. Jacob’s obedience affects thousands yet unborn.
Conclusion: When Jacob Goes to Egypt
Genesis 46 is not just about geography—it’s about destiny. Jacob goes to Egypt in obedience, guided by God, and reunites with the son he thought was lost forever. This chapter represents both an end and a beginning: the closing of Jacob’s wandering and the start of Israel’s national story.
God is the one who calls us, comforts us, and travels with us. When we walk with Him—even into the unknown—we are always in the center of His will. And when Jacob reunites with Joseph, we see a foreshadowing of the joy that awaits every believer reunited with the Savior.
For more insights into Genesis and how every chapter whispers Christ’s name, visit our Genesis Chapter-by-Chapter Review.