Lesson 11
Read Genesis 46:1-7, 26-34; 47:1-12 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/gen.46.esv
- Consideration – kindness and thoughtful regard for others
- Honesty – being fair and truthful

Jacob started traveling toward Egypt with his whole family, almost 70 people, and everything he owned loaded on the wagons Pharaoh had sent, with their livestock following. He stopped at Beersheba to worship and to offer sacrifices to God.

God spoke to Jacob that night in a vision, telling him not to be afraid to go down into Egypt. God promised to go down to Egypt with him and make him a great nation there. And Joseph would be with him when he died.

As soon as Jacob and his family arrived in Goshen, Joseph rode in his royal chariot to meet them. The moment Joseph saw his father, he threw himself on his neck and wept a long time.

“I’m ready to die in peace now,” Jacob said to Joseph. “I have seen you with my own eyes and know for sure you’re alive.”

Joseph told his brothers and their families he would go tell Pharaoh they had arrived and were in Goshen. He would explain to Pharaoh the men of his family were shepherds and had always made their living raising livestock. They’d brought their flocks and herds with them along with everything else they owned. “Pharaoh will call you into his presence and ask what kind of work you do,” Joseph instructed, “so be completely honest and tell him you’ve always kept livestock, as your parents before you did. Then Pharaoh will allow you to stay in Goshen – Egyptians look down on shepherds.”

Jacob went to Pharaoh with five of his brothers to let Pharaoh know his family had arrived from Canaan and were in Goshen. Pharaoh asked the brothers (through an interpreter) what kind of work they did, and they replied, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were. We are here to find a new place to live because there is no pasture in Canaan for our flocks. The famine has been very bad. Would you please let us settle in the Goshen area where there is better pasture land?”

Pharaoh looked back at Joseph, and told him he was happy for him his family had arrived and they would enjoy a reunion! Egypt welcomed his family, and he could settle them on the choicest land, Goshen. “And if any of them are especially good with livestock, put them in charge of my own flocks and herds,” Pharaoh added.

Joseph then brought his father Jacob to Pharaoh and introduced him. Jacob blessed Pharaoh, who asked how old Jacob was. Jacob answered, “My life journey has been short and hard, 130 years so far, not nearly as long as my ancestors lived.” Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh again.

Joseph settled his whole family in Goshen, as proud owners of choice pastureland, just as Pharaoh had ordered. Joseph took care of them all, showing care and consideration for even the youngest baby, and making sure they had plenty of everything.

Apply God’s Word to your life:
*How do God’s promises encourage you?
*Which of God’s promises have changed your thoughts or words or actions recently?
*How have you shown consideration to someone recently?
*In what areas of your life have you been less than honest, and what were the consequences?
 *Is there dishonesty in your life you need to confess and forsake? What will you do about this?