Genesis 46

Chapter Summary

Genesis 46 tells the story of Jacob's journey to Egypt, where he is reunited with his son Joseph. The chapter begins with Jacob's decision to go to Egypt, despite his initial hesitation and fear. God appears to Jacob in a vision, reassuring him that He will be with him and make him a great nation in Egypt. Jacob then sets out for Egypt, taking his entire household with him. When he arrives, Joseph is overjoyed to see his father and introduces him to Pharaoh. The chapter concludes with Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh and his settlement in the land of Goshen. Key verses include Genesis 46:3-4, where God promises to make Jacob a great nation in Egypt, and Genesis 46:28-30, where Joseph is reunited with his father.

Context for the Chapter

Genesis 46 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation, the early history of humanity, and the story of the patriarchs. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His plan of redemption. The chapter is closely connected to the surrounding chapters, particularly Genesis 45, which tells the story of Joseph's revelation to his brothers, and Genesis 47, which tells the story of Jacob's settlement in Egypt.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and care for us, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises and to seek His guidance and reassurance in our decision-making. We are also reminded of the importance of family relationships and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Genesis 46 tells the story of Jacob's journey to Egypt, where he is reunited with his son Joseph. The chapter highlights God's providence and care for His people, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's promises and to seek His guidance and reassurance in our decision-making. We see this in Genesis 46:3-4, where God promises to make Jacob a great nation in Egypt, and in Genesis 46:28-30, where Joseph is reunited with his father.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's providence is not limited to the great and mighty, but extends to the smallest and weakest of His creatures. As we see in Genesis 46, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.”

— John Calvin

“The story of Jacob and Joseph is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and redemption. As we see in Genesis 46, God is able to take the brokenness and sin of our lives and redeem them for His glory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Jacob's Decision to Go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7) — Jacob decides to go to Egypt, despite his initial hesitation and fear. God appears to Jacob in a vision, reassuring him that He will be with him and make him a great nation in Egypt.
2. The Genealogy of Jacob's Family (Genesis 46:8-27) — The chapter lists the genealogy of Jacob's family, highlighting the relationships between the different family members. This section serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others.
3. Jacob's Journey to Egypt (Genesis 46:28-34) — Jacob sets out for Egypt, taking his entire household with him. When he arrives, Joseph is overjoyed to see his father and introduces him to Pharaoh.
4. Jacob's Settlement in Goshen (Genesis 46:28-34) — Jacob settles in the land of Goshen, where he is able to provide for his family and live in relative peace. This section serves as a model for God's people to live in the world while remaining distinct from it.
5. Conclusion (Genesis 46:28-34) — The chapter concludes with Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh and his settlement in the land of Goshen. This section serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence in the lives of His people.

Core Doctrines

Providence

This chapter teaches us about God's providence and care for His people, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we see in Genesis 46:3-4, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.

Faith

The chapter highlights the importance of faith in God's promises and sovereignty. As we see in Genesis 46:1-4, Jacob's faith in God's promises is an example to us all, demonstrating the need to trust in God's sovereignty and care for us.

Redemption

The story of Jacob and Joseph is a powerful reminder of God's redemption and restoration. As we see in Genesis 46, God is able to take the brokenness and sin of our lives and redeem them for His glory.

Family

The chapter emphasizes the importance of family relationships and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others. As we see in Genesis 46:8-27, the genealogy of Jacob's family serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our family dynamics.

Lessons from Genesis 46

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and care for His people, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we see in Genesis 46:3-4, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.
2. Faith in God's Promises — The chapter highlights the importance of faith in God's promises and sovereignty. As we see in Genesis 46:1-4, Jacob's faith in God's promises is an example to us all, demonstrating the need to trust in God's sovereignty and care for us.
3. Redemption and Restoration — The story of Jacob and Joseph is a powerful reminder of God's redemption and restoration. As we see in Genesis 46, God is able to take the brokenness and sin of our lives and redeem them for His glory.
4. Family Relationships — The chapter emphasizes the importance of family relationships and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others. As we see in Genesis 46:8-27, the genealogy of Jacob's family serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our family dynamics.
5. Trust in God's Providence — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's providence and care for us, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we see in Genesis 46:3-4, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.

Themes from Genesis 46

1. God's Providence — The chapter highlights God's providence and care for His people, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we see in Genesis 46:3-4, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.
2. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises and sovereignty. As we see in Genesis 46:1-4, Jacob's faith in God's promises is an example to us all, demonstrating the need to trust in God's sovereignty and care for us.
3. Redemption and Restoration — The story of Jacob and Joseph is a powerful reminder of God's redemption and restoration. As we see in Genesis 46, God is able to take the brokenness and sin of our lives and redeem them for His glory.
4. Family and Relationships — The chapter highlights the importance of family relationships and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others. As we see in Genesis 46:8-27, the genealogy of Jacob's family serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our family dynamics.
5. God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness and care for His people, even in the midst of uncertainty and change. As we see in Genesis 46:3-4, God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which God has provided for you in the past, and how can you trust in His sovereignty and care for you in the present?
2. How does Jacob's faith in God's promises serve as an example to you, and what are some ways in which you can apply this faith to your own life?
3. What are some complexities in your own family relationships, and how can you prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in your interactions with others?
4. How does the story of Jacob and Joseph serve as a reminder of God's redemption and restoration, and what are some ways in which you can apply this truth to your own life?
5. What are some ways in which you can seek God's guidance and wisdom in your decision-making, and how can you trust in His sovereignty and care for you in the midst of uncertainty and change?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Genesis 46

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 1 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and its connection to the previous events in the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by referencing a passage from Genesis
	The Man Who Lived on Promises by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son breaking his leg while being heroic at a low-budget camp. He emphasizes that explanations don't make us feel bette
	(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given
	(Exodus) Exodus 1:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of advertising and how it can help people remember a brand. He then transitions to the book of Exodus in the Bible,
	(Exodus) Exodus 6:14-30 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and his call to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. Moses initially hesitates and makes excuses, questioning his o
	One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus
	(Genesis) Genesis 46:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and how he initially did not seek God's guidance in his life. Jacob made his own decisions and only turned to God on Sunda
	Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the
	(Genesis) Genesis 46:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the individual importance of each person to God, despite the vast population of the world. The speaker compares the attention and knowledge p
	(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewh

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 46

Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 46 highlights the providence of God in Jacob's life, as he is guided to go to Egypt and is reunited with his son Joseph. Henry notes that Jacob's faith in God's promises is an example to us all, demonstrating the need to trust in God's sovereignty and care for us. He also emphasizes the importance of family relationships and the need to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others. The story of Jacob and Joseph serves as a reminder of God's redemption and restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. As Henry writes, 'The providence of God is not limited to the great and mighty, but extends to the smallest and weakest of His creatures.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?