Bible Commentary

Israel’s Growth and the Rise of a New Pharaoh Exodus 1 opens by recalling the names of Jacob’s sons who entered Egypt (vv. 1-5), connecting this book to Genesis. The Israelites, once just 70 people (Genesis 46:27), multiplied exceedingly (v. 7), fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5). However, a new Pharaoh arises who did […]

Jacob’s Burial in Canaan Genesis 50 opens with Joseph mourning his father Jacob’s death. Following Egyptian customs, Jacob’s body is embalmed (a 40-day process), and a 70-day period of mourning is observed (vv. 1-3). Joseph then secures Pharaoh’s permission to bury Jacob in Canaan, fulfilling his father’s final request (Genesis 49:29-32). A grand funeral procession

Jacob Gathers His Sons for a Final Prophetic Word As Jacob nears death, he summons his twelve sons to deliver a prophetic blessing over each one (Genesis 49:1). This moment mirrors Isaac’s blessing in Genesis 27 but expands to cover all tribes of Israel. Jacob’s words are not merely personal sentiments but divinely inspired prophecies

Jacob’s Illness and Joseph’s Visit Genesis 48 opens with Joseph learning that his father, Jacob (Israel), is ill. He takes his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to visit him. Jacob, aware of his impending death, gathers his strength to sit up and speak. This moment mirrors Isaac’s blessing of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27), showing

Joseph Presents His Family to Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1-12) The chapter opens with Joseph strategically introducing five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Instead of bringing all eleven at once—which might have seemed overwhelming—Joseph selects a smaller group, demonstrating wisdom in leadership (Proverbs 15:22). When Pharaoh asks about their occupation, they respond honestly: “Your servants are shepherds”

Jacob’s Relocation to Egypt Genesis 46 records Jacob’s journey from Canaan to Egypt, marking a pivotal transition in Israel’s history. After learning that Joseph is alive, Jacob (also called Israel) sets out with his entire household (Genesis 46:1). However, before leaving, he stops at Beersheba—a place of covenant significance (Genesis 21:31-33; 26:23-25)—to offer sacrifices to

The Dramatic Revelation of Joseph’s Identity Genesis 45 marks the climax of Joseph’s story, where he finally reveals his identity to his brothers. Overcome with emotion, Joseph orders all his attendants to leave the room (Genesis 45:1), ensuring a private and intimate moment with his brothers. This act underscores the personal nature of reconciliation—true forgiveness

The Setup of Joseph’s Final Test Genesis 44 continues the dramatic story of Joseph and his brothers, focusing on Joseph’s final test to see if their hearts have truly changed since they sold him into slavery. After hosting them for a meal and showing favor to Benjamin (Genesis 43:34), Joseph instructs his steward to secretly

The Famine Persists and Food Runs Low (Genesis 43:1-4) Genesis 43 begins with the famine still severe in Canaan, causing Jacob and his family to run out of food again. Jacob’s sons inform him that they must return to Egypt to buy more grain (Genesis 43:1-2). However, Jacob is reluctant to send Benjamin, his youngest

The Famine Drives Jacob’s Family to Egypt (Genesis 42:1-3) Genesis 42 begins amid the severe famine foretold in Genesis 41. The famine affects the entire region, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family live. Hearing that Egypt still has grain, Jacob sends his ten sons (excluding Benjamin, his youngest) to Egypt to buy food (Genesis