Little note on the house of Jacob’s numbers: In this reading we will find Jacob (Israel) entering Egypt with his entire family (Genesis 46:27). They number 70. Acts 7:14 refers to 75 “and all his kindred” a probably reference to the five surviving wives of Jacob’s sons. In Genesis 46:26, the number is 66, “which came out of his loins:” In Verse 27, the number is 70 from the “the house of Jacob” including 66, Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh and Jacob himself.
Chapter 43 tells us the famine is getting worse and so the family has to return to Egypt. What things stand out to you in chapter 43? Take note of who is making promises, who is against this travel and what happens when they arrive in Egypt.
In Chapter 44 what do you think Joseph’s plans were? Not what he did, but why did he do it? Who steps forward and takes charge?
Chapter 45 is an emotional one for the family. Describe what is happening here in your own words.
Write out Genesis 45:5. What does this mean to you?
In Genesis 46 we see the family reunite as a whole. What is happening in verse 3 and 4? What was it like for Joseph to see his father once again? What does Joseph tell his family in verses 31-34? Why do you think this was important?
What new things did you learn today? Anything specific stick out to you? Anything the Lord is asking you to do with what He is showing you so far? How can we pray for you this week?
Connect With the Word 
Genesis 46:3-4 So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.”
This stuck out to me today. Jacob (Israel) and his sons were living in the promised land, and they left to go live with Joseph in Egypt. Egypt is symbolic of bondage. So they chose to leave freedom for bondage – but God said do not fear for I am going with you. He is using this time to grow them into a mighty nation. And what we learn when we begin Exodus is how mighty that nation became.
As we go through things in our lives, we have to stop and ask the Lord are you going with me in this season, in this place that may lead to bondage? Or am I going there on my own, from my own choices? When we end up in hard places, places that seem good for a moment but don’t last that way – we have to be sure we are doing it with the Lord. If you fall in the theology that Christian life is not hard, that we will not suffer, that God will not allow bad things to happen to His chosen ones – then you are going to be severly disappointed in your Christian faith. We are called to do hard, uncomfortable things where we may suffer and go through hard times. We need the hard times to remind us of the need to depend on Christ.
This week I could use prayer for protection over my family. The Lord knows what we need, so I am just going to leave it there for now.
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Joseph shows his brothers what it means to love unconditionally. Reading this makes it seem so silly to hang onto grudges against others. They sold Joseph and did not care what would happen to him. Yet he still welcomed them with open arms and made sure they were taken care of.
My car did not pass smog. Please pray for my finances. Also my son Shane hates religion. Please join me in praying for salvation for Shane. Thank you so much
Susan
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Genesis 45: 5 5 “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Wow! I am so impressed! Joseph was able to see the hand of God working. And not only did he forgive his brothers, but he wanted them to forgive themselves! What love, understanding and forgiveness!
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