Genesis 42:2 - He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”
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What does "Genesis 42:2" mean?
This verse (Genesis 42:2) describes a moment of desperation and a practical solution in the story of Jacob and his sons. Let's break it down:
"He said": This refers to Jacob (also called Israel), the patriarch and father of twelve sons.
"Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt": Jacob has received news that Egypt, unlike their region (Canaan), has grain available. This suggests a severe famine is gripping their land. The word "behold" emphasizes the importance of this information.
"Go down there, and buy for us from there": Jacob is instructing his sons to travel to Egypt to purchase grain. This highlights that they are not expecting a handout; they are prepared to pay for the resources.
"so that we may live, and not die": This reveals the dire situation. The famine is so severe that it threatens their survival. The purpose of obtaining grain is literally to keep them alive.
In Summary:
The verse captures Jacob's response to the famine. He recognizes that their family is in danger of starving, and he takes the initiative to send his sons to Egypt, where he's heard they can purchase food. This verse sets the stage for the journey to Egypt, which will lead to a series of dramatic events involving Jacob's lost son, Joseph, who is now a powerful official in Egypt. It shows Jacob's responsibility as a father and leader, seeking a way to provide for his family in a time of crisis.
Genesis 42:2 - He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”
What does "Genesis 42:2" mean?
This verse (Genesis 42:2) describes a moment of desperation and a practical solution in the story of Jacob and his sons. Let's break it down:
"He said": This refers to Jacob (also called Israel), the patriarch and father of twelve sons.
"Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt": Jacob has received news that Egypt, unlike their region (Canaan), has grain available. This suggests a severe famine is gripping their land. The word "behold" emphasizes the importance of this information.
"Go down there, and buy for us from there": Jacob is instructing his sons to travel to Egypt to purchase grain. This highlights that they are not expecting a handout; they are prepared to pay for the resources.
"so that we may live, and not die": This reveals the dire situation. The famine is so severe that it threatens their survival. The purpose of obtaining grain is literally to keep them alive.
In Summary:
The verse captures Jacob's response to the famine. He recognizes that their family is in danger of starving, and he takes the initiative to send his sons to Egypt, where he's heard they can purchase food. This verse sets the stage for the journey to Egypt, which will lead to a series of dramatic events involving Jacob's lost son, Joseph, who is now a powerful official in Egypt. It shows Jacob's responsibility as a father and leader, seeking a way to provide for his family in a time of crisis.