Thursday 19 November 2026

Psalm 78:41-56

Background
Today’s reading moves the story of Joseph into its final phase: the settlement of his family in the land of Goshen (part of Egypt) and the reunion with his father after all the years during which Jacob thought him dead. It all takes place within the promise of God to be with them during their sojourn there before ultimately returning to Canaan. It is always important to the Hebrew writers to set historical events in the broad sweep of God’s providence.

The journey down into Egypt has some of the same markers as the better known journey in the other direction from Egypt during the Exodus. In particular, the offering of sacrifices at Beer-Sheba and the visions granted to Jacob are a sort of 'Sinai moment'. Indeed, it’s a covenantal experience: God promises that they will prosper in Egypt but will eventually return to the original Promised Land. As always, the grand sweep of history is matched with individual personal signs of blessing: when he dies, Jacob’s eyes will be closed by his beloved son Joseph, who was lost for many long years but is now found and is the instrument of God’s goodness to God's people.

You can tell that this is a seminal moment because there’s a detailed enumeration of the names of those who settled in Egypt (Genesis 46:8-27).

Our reading today ends with another emotional scene when Jacob finally meets his long-lost son Joseph. Now he can die content although we are told he lived a further 17 years in Egypt (Genesis 47:28).

Chapter 47 (up to verse 28) gives an interesting overview of how the famine played out in Egypt resulting in Pharoah owning all the land and the livestock and, indeed, the people themselves effectively becoming slaves. They sold everything to the government in return for food. It’s an interesting insight into the way natural disaster tends to benefit the powerful and impoverish everyone else.

To Ponder:

• Put yourself in Jacob’s shoes at those two joyful moments, first when he hears that Joseph is alive and, second, when they finally meet. Let your imagination run with the rush of emotions. Perhaps you can link this with reunions and unexpected good news in your life.
• Yesterday, we wondered how the indigenous population of Goshen felt when Jacob’s large family arrived. Today let’s think about how it felt for the Hebrew immigrants.

Prayer
God who revealed yourself to Jacob, help me to find you in the big moments of life and in the everyday, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Alan Bolton
Alan Bolton is a supernumerary presbyter in the High Wycombe Circuit, having sat down in 2018. He preaches regularly round the Circuit. His other occupations are family, music, model railways, walking, and reading – with a close interest in politics.