At first glance, these chapters seem a collection of unrelated episodes, yet upon reflection we discern three distinct sections united by a theme of ‘building toward the future.’ First: Israel’s settlement in the fertile region of Goshen creates the conditions for the amazing population growth that will form Israel into a nation. While the Egyptians languish in famine, giving up money, possessions and ‘freedom,’ Israel “gained possessions … and were fruitful and multiplied greatly” (47:27). Second: Joseph’s shrewd political and management skills in handling the crisis of the famine centralizes control into the hand of Pharaoh (47:13-26), laying the groundwork for a new socio-political structure in which the king would come to wield despotic power. Third: Jacob’s final words and actions impress upon his family and descendants, an abiding hope for a future return to Canaan according to God’s promises (47:29–31; 48:5–6, 21).
Perhaps a present experience is laying the groundwork for some future purpose. None involved in the events recorded in Genesis 47–48 could possibly know the amazing ways God was building toward the future. If we could find a way to look ahead, we would likely be astounded at how God will use situations for his future glory!
But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Rev. Chad C. Fernald
