GENESIS 46:1-7,28-34
When Jacob and his family arrived in Goshen, "Joseph made ready his chariot, and
went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell
on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while" (Gen. 46:29).
Again Joseph demonstrated that he was not ashamed to be associated with his family
even though shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians. What a tender scene it
must have been when Joseph met his father and embraced him, weeping for joy. Jacob
said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive"
(v. 30).
It was at this time that we see Joseph's wise strategy as he prepared his family for their
meeting with Pharaoh. Joseph's plan was to consult with Pharaoh at once. By bringing
these matters before Pharaoh, Joseph was preventing the possibility that someone
would accuse him of favoritism.
Also, when Pharaoh gave the word, the chiefs of the people would not thwart Joseph's
plan. Later, it was in God's plan to have another Pharaoh—who did not know Joseph—
afflict the Israelites in order to cause them to want to leave Egypt.
How Joseph must have thanked God to be united with his family again. Let us be sure to
praise God for the many good things He brings into our lives.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:12).
Theodore Epp
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