Genesis 47

Genesis 47 - Day 47 (link to reading plan)

Scripture: Genesis 47:7

Commentary: After the brothers’ audience, Jacob is introduced to the Pharaoh. Whereas the previous scene was stiff and formal, the atmosphere here is more intimate and relaxed. Jacob does not call himself “your servant,” as the brothers did (v 3); instead he talks about himself naturally in the first person “my” (v 9). Whereas Jacob’s sons had come to Pharaoh requesting favors, here Pharaoh is being done a favor by the old man visiting him. It is Jacob who blesses Pharaoh, i.e., prays for Pharaoh’s welfare (on this key term in Genesis, cf. Comment on 1:22; 12:2–3), both on his arrival and on his departure. Pharaoh simply asks respectfully, “How many years have you lived?” Jacob’s great age demands respect from the all-powerful ruler of Egypt. Jacob’s reply, “Few and bad,” are hardly expected from a man aged one hundred and thirty whose son has risen to be vizier of Egypt, but they are a poignant comment on Jacob’s life, his flight to Mesopotamia, the rape of his daughter, his favorite wife’s death, and his favorite son’s apparent death. He is now so infirm that he must be carried to court and “stood before Pharaoh.” Yet tragic though his earthly life seems to have been, he is deferred to by the Pharaoh, who is twice blessed by Jacob. Jacob, who in his youth cheated to obtain blessing, is now the source of blessing, not just to his family but, as Westermann observes (3:171), to all the families of the earth. And because the Pharaoh has acknowledged Jacob’s special status by receiving him graciously and honoring his sons, he and his countrymen may expect to find blessing through Jacob and his descendants (28:14). The most immediate fulfillment of this blessing is Joseph’s rescue of Egypt from the effects of famine (47:11–27).
 Wenham, G. J. (1994). Genesis 16–50 (Vol. 2, pp. 446–447). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

Application: He, who is greater, blesses the lessor.  Yet God instructs us to bless Him for God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.

Prayer: Bless the Lord, oh my soul, all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.