41:45 Joseph’s wife is the daughter of a priest of On. At first, I
wondered if On was a god, but a little bit of research tells me that On was a
place. Not just any place, either. It was in lower Egypt, and it was the major
center for worship of Ra, the sun god. The priests of this city were considered
to be knowledgeable in the history of Egypt. These priests were very studied,
and Greek philosophers even came and studied in the priests’ training centers.
Pharaoh didn’t give just any wife to Joseph, he gave a daughter from wise
people.
44:1-3 I think after the first time (and following panic attack), I
would’ve checked my sack of grain before leaving Egypt a second time.
I’ve also wondered why Joseph never searched for his family once he
had the power and resources. Was he still afraid of his brothers?
46:21 Benjamin had 10 sons by the time the family moved into Egypt.
47:6 Pharaoh gives them the best of the land (Goshen), and even asks
them to be rulers (chiefs, keepers) over his own cattle. (Hey, you guys are
good with livestock, I’d like to put you in charge of mine. (This coming from
the ruler of one of the greatest civilizations.))
47:7 Jacob comes in and gives Pharaoh a blessing. It’s crazy to think
that an old shepherd like Jacob could have anything to offer to the Pharaoh.
Then, I remember how important Jacob was to God. Pharaoh ruled a powerful
country, but Jacob served GOD!
47:13-26 Joseph lives up to some Jewish stereotypes here. He’s such a
wise man with money, securing everyone’s money, livestock, property, and even
the people themselves. And, you know it must’ve been bad, because even after
all that loss, the people were still grateful to Joseph for saving their lives.
47:29-30 It’s a testament to Jacob’s faith that he wants to be buried
in Canaan, the land of God’s promise.
48:9 Joseph’s sons were at least 19 years old when they were blessed.
They were born in the years of plenty, Jacob and family came to Egypt after 2
years of famine, and they’d been in Egypt for 17 years before Jacob was dying. (41:50-52;
45:11; 47:28) They were effectively adopted under Jacob, since both Ephraim and
Manassah became a part of the 12 tribes of Israel. Ephraim led to Joshua, while
Manassah let to Gideon.
48:10 Jacob, like his father, Isaac, had failing eyesight in
his old age.
48:13-14 Jacob also blesses the younger Ephraim over
Manassah, just as Isaac was over Ishmael and Jacob was over Esau.
Chapter 49
Reuben (see, a son) is demoted. Simeon (hearing) and Levi (attached)
are denounced for evil plans and separated. Jacob makes a play on words here.
Judah(praise)’s name (Yehudah) comes from the word praise (yadah) that is used.
Zebulun(habitation)’s blessing talks about dwellings and havens. Issachar (he
will bring a reward) becomes a beast of burden providing benefit to his
masters. Dan(judge)’s name comes from the word “judge” (diyn) that Jacob uses.
Gad (troop) comes from the same word “overcome” (gud) that is used. Asher (happy)
becomes a great chef. Naphtali (my wrestling) has good words. Joseph (he will
add) will be fruitful. Benjamin (son of my right hand (or, originally, son of
my sorrow)) is a wolf and violent.
49:31 Jacob is buried with his family, in Canaan, in the
same cave as Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. It’s interesting that he
doesn’t ask to be buried with his favorite wife, Rachel.
50:15-18 I wonder if the brothers made up what Jacob had
said. (Dad told us before he died, that you had to be nice to us.) It must’ve
been painful for Joseph to realize that his brothers still didn’t believe that
he had actually forgiven them. He reminded them (20), that God’s plan had been
at work.
50:23 Joseph lived to see Ephraim’s third generation!!
50:25 Joseph also wished to be buried with his family, in
Canaan.
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