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Genesis 46:3
Verse
Context
Jacob’s Journey to Egypt
2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”
Sermons
J. Vernon McGee
James Bourne
Andrew Bonar
F.B. MeyerF.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fear not to go down into Egypt - It appears that there had been some doubts in the patriarch's mind relative to the propriety of this journey; he found, from the confession of his own sons, how little they were to be trusted. But every doubt is dispelled by this Divine manifestation. 1. He may go down confidently, no evil shall befall him. 2. Even in Egypt the covenant shall be fulfilled, God will make of him there a great nation. 3. God himself will accompany him on his journey, be with him in the strange land, and even bring back his bones to rest with those of his fathers. 4. He shall see Joseph, and this same beloved son shall be with him in his last hours, and do the last kind office for him. Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. It is not likely that Jacob would have at all attempted to go down to Egypt, had he not received these assurances from God; and it is very likely that he offered his sacrifice merely to obtain this information. It was now a time of famine in Egypt, and God had forbidden his father Isaac to go down to Egypt when there was a famine there, Gen 26:1-3; besides, he may have had some general intimation of the prophecy delivered to his grandfather Abraham, that his seed should be afflicted in Egypt, Gen 15:13, Gen 15:14; and he also knew that Canaan, not Egypt, was to be the inheritance of his family, Genesis 12, etc. On all these accounts it was necessary to have the most explicit directions from God, before he should take such a journey.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I will there make of thee a great nation--How truly this promise was fulfilled, appears in the fact that the seventy souls who went down into Egypt increased [Exo 1:5-7], in the space of two hundred fifteen years, to one hundred eighty thousand.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father,.... His father Isaac, who was now dead, and who is the rather mentioned, because in him Abraham's seed was to be called, and in his line the promise both of the land of Canaan, and of the Messiah, ran, and from him Jacob received the blessing; and this might be a confirmation of it to him, in that Jehovah calls himself his God; he first declares himself to be his God, and so able to perform whatever he should promise him, and his father's God, who would show him favour, as he had to him: fear not to go down into Egypt; Jacob might have many fears arise in his mind about this journey, as interpreters generally observe; as lest it should not be agreeable to the will of God, since his father Isaac was forbidden to go into Egypt, when in like circumstances with him, Gen 26:1; as well as he, might fear it would be too great a journey for him in his old age, some evil would befall him, or he die by the way and not see his son; or lest going with his family thither, and there continuing for some time, they might be tempted with the pleasantness and fruitfulness of the land, and settle there, and forget and neglect the promised land of Canaan; and especially lest they should be drawn into the idolatry of the Egyptians, and forsake the worship of the true God; and very probably he might call to mind the prophecy delivered to Abraham, of his seed being strangers and servants, and afflicted in a land not theirs for the space of four hundred years, Gen 15:13; and Jacob might fear this step he was now taking would bring on, as indeed it did, the completion of this prediction, by which his offspring would be oppressed and diminished. The Targum of Jonathan makes this to be Jacob's principal fear;"fear not to go down into Egypt, because of the business of the servitude decreed with Abraham;''as also he might fear his going thither might seem to be a giving up his title to, and expectation of the promised land: to remove which fears the following is said: for I will there make of thee a great nation: as he did; for though in process of time his seed were greatly afflicted here, yet the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied; and their increase in Egypt was vastly greater than it had been in a like space of time before; for in the space of two hundred fifteen years before their descent into Egypt, they were become no more than seventy persons, whereas in the like number of years in Egypt, they became 600,000, besides children; see Gen 46:27 Exo 12:37.
Genesis 46:3
Jacob’s Journey to Egypt
2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Exodus) Exodus 1:1-8
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K06:06ExpositionalGEN 46:3EXO 1:1In 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, specifically focusing on the names of the children of Israel who went into Egypt. The speaker highlights the passage that mentions the increase and multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise. Finally, the speaker discusses the rise of a new king in Egypt who did not know Joseph, setting the stage for the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the continuous responsibility of teaching the word of God to each generation.
Letter 35
By James Bourne0GEN 46:3PSA 28:1PRO 13:4PHP 1:9JAS 4:7James Bourne shares a personal letter reflecting on his journey and struggles with scattered thoughts, distractions, and temptations, emphasizing the importance of committing one's way to the Lord and prevailing in prayer. Despite feeling disconnected and facing inner turmoil, he finds solace in God's mercy and experiences a profound moment of repentance and assurance of God's favor. Bourne encourages his cousin to remain diligent in spiritual growth, reminding them of God's presence and faithfulness even in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances.
The Fear Nots of the Old and New Testament.
By Andrew Bonar0God's PromisesFearGEN 15:1GEN 21:17GEN 26:24GEN 43:23GEN 46:3EXO 14:13EXO 20:20REV 1:17Andrew Bonar emphasizes the recurring theme of 'Fear Not' throughout the Bible, illustrating how God's promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He highlights various instances where God reassures His people, from Abraham to the Israelites at the Red Sea, encouraging believers to trust in God's presence and provision. Bonar reminds us that these promises are not just historical but are applicable to all who believe in the Promised One. He urges listeners to approach God with confidence, knowing that He has removed our fears and burdens through Jesus. Ultimately, Bonar reassures that we can face the future without fear, as Christ holds the keys of life and death.
Gone Down Into Egypt
By F.B. Meyer0Divine ProvisionFaith in TrialsGEN 12:10GEN 46:3ISA 31:1F.B. Meyer explores Abram's journey into Egypt during a famine in Canaan, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who separate themselves for God's purpose. He highlights the importance of faith in navigating life's difficulties, warning against relying on worldly solutions when faced with trials. Meyer reflects on how Abram's decision to go to Egypt, driven by fear, led to further complications, including deceit regarding his wife Sarah. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to seek His guidance rather than resorting to questionable means for relief. Ultimately, Meyer reassures that even in failure, God's grace can transform and redeem those who surrender to Him.
Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2
By F.B. Meyer0Divine ProvidenceFaith in AdversityGEN 39:9GEN 40:7GEN 41:16GEN 42:30GEN 43:21GEN 44:28GEN 45:5GEN 46:3GEN 47:25GEN 50:20F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses trials to strengthen character and how Joseph's unwavering faith and willingness to serve others, even in prison, exemplify true strength. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's providence, asserting that even harsh circumstances can lead to divine purposes. He concludes with the assurance that God orchestrates events for good, urging listeners to maintain faith amid life's challenges.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fear not to go down into Egypt - It appears that there had been some doubts in the patriarch's mind relative to the propriety of this journey; he found, from the confession of his own sons, how little they were to be trusted. But every doubt is dispelled by this Divine manifestation. 1. He may go down confidently, no evil shall befall him. 2. Even in Egypt the covenant shall be fulfilled, God will make of him there a great nation. 3. God himself will accompany him on his journey, be with him in the strange land, and even bring back his bones to rest with those of his fathers. 4. He shall see Joseph, and this same beloved son shall be with him in his last hours, and do the last kind office for him. Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. It is not likely that Jacob would have at all attempted to go down to Egypt, had he not received these assurances from God; and it is very likely that he offered his sacrifice merely to obtain this information. It was now a time of famine in Egypt, and God had forbidden his father Isaac to go down to Egypt when there was a famine there, Gen 26:1-3; besides, he may have had some general intimation of the prophecy delivered to his grandfather Abraham, that his seed should be afflicted in Egypt, Gen 15:13, Gen 15:14; and he also knew that Canaan, not Egypt, was to be the inheritance of his family, Genesis 12, etc. On all these accounts it was necessary to have the most explicit directions from God, before he should take such a journey.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I will there make of thee a great nation--How truly this promise was fulfilled, appears in the fact that the seventy souls who went down into Egypt increased [Exo 1:5-7], in the space of two hundred fifteen years, to one hundred eighty thousand.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father,.... His father Isaac, who was now dead, and who is the rather mentioned, because in him Abraham's seed was to be called, and in his line the promise both of the land of Canaan, and of the Messiah, ran, and from him Jacob received the blessing; and this might be a confirmation of it to him, in that Jehovah calls himself his God; he first declares himself to be his God, and so able to perform whatever he should promise him, and his father's God, who would show him favour, as he had to him: fear not to go down into Egypt; Jacob might have many fears arise in his mind about this journey, as interpreters generally observe; as lest it should not be agreeable to the will of God, since his father Isaac was forbidden to go into Egypt, when in like circumstances with him, Gen 26:1; as well as he, might fear it would be too great a journey for him in his old age, some evil would befall him, or he die by the way and not see his son; or lest going with his family thither, and there continuing for some time, they might be tempted with the pleasantness and fruitfulness of the land, and settle there, and forget and neglect the promised land of Canaan; and especially lest they should be drawn into the idolatry of the Egyptians, and forsake the worship of the true God; and very probably he might call to mind the prophecy delivered to Abraham, of his seed being strangers and servants, and afflicted in a land not theirs for the space of four hundred years, Gen 15:13; and Jacob might fear this step he was now taking would bring on, as indeed it did, the completion of this prediction, by which his offspring would be oppressed and diminished. The Targum of Jonathan makes this to be Jacob's principal fear;"fear not to go down into Egypt, because of the business of the servitude decreed with Abraham;''as also he might fear his going thither might seem to be a giving up his title to, and expectation of the promised land: to remove which fears the following is said: for I will there make of thee a great nation: as he did; for though in process of time his seed were greatly afflicted here, yet the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied; and their increase in Egypt was vastly greater than it had been in a like space of time before; for in the space of two hundred fifteen years before their descent into Egypt, they were become no more than seventy persons, whereas in the like number of years in Egypt, they became 600,000, besides children; see Gen 46:27 Exo 12:37.