Genesis 46:33 - It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’
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What does "Genesis 46:33" mean?
This verse from Genesis 46:33 is a setup for a strategic plan devised by Jacob (Israel) for his sons. It's a piece of instruction designed to help them settle in Egypt without trouble and secure good land for themselves. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its significance:
"It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you...": Jacob is anticipating that when his sons arrive in Egypt and are brought before Pharaoh (the ruler), they will be asked about their livelihood. This was a common practice to understand the value and place of new immigrants in the Egyptian economy and society.
"...and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’": This is the expected question. Pharaoh wants to know how these newcomers earn their living.
Why is this question significant?
The significance of this question lies in the answer Jacob will instruct his sons to give. The next verse (Genesis 46:34) reveals that Jacob tells his sons to answer that they are shepherds:
> "...you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers’—in order that you may live in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians."
The Strategy Explained
Shepherding as a Profession: The Israelites were indeed shepherds. This was their traditional occupation.
Goshen as a Location: Goshen was a fertile region in the eastern part of Egypt.
"Loathsome to the Egyptians": This is the crucial part. Shepherding, for various reasons (possibly due to religious beliefs related to the worship of certain animals, or the nomadic and thus less controllable nature of shepherds), was considered an undesirable, even abhorrent, profession by the Egyptians.
The Purpose of the Strategy:
Jacob wants his sons to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds, knowing that this profession is disliked by the Egyptians. His reasoning is that:
1. Separation: By declaring their occupation as shepherds, they will likely be given land that is somewhat isolated from the main Egyptian population (Goshen), where they can continue their lifestyle without interference and maintain their cultural identity.
2. Less Competition: Egyptians would be less likely to want to live in or compete for land used for shepherding.
3. Privileged Access to Resources: Because of Joseph's high status, Pharaoh is likely to give them the request they ask.
In essence, Jacob is using the Egyptians' prejudice against shepherds to his family's advantage. He wants to secure a separate and suitable place for his family to live and prosper in Egypt, minimizing conflict and preserving their identity. This is a clever and calculated move to ensure the well-being of his descendants in a foreign land.
Genesis 46:33 - It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’
What does "Genesis 46:33" mean?
This verse from Genesis 46:33 is a setup for a strategic plan devised by Jacob (Israel) for his sons. It's a piece of instruction designed to help them settle in Egypt without trouble and secure good land for themselves. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means and its significance:
"It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you...": Jacob is anticipating that when his sons arrive in Egypt and are brought before Pharaoh (the ruler), they will be asked about their livelihood. This was a common practice to understand the value and place of new immigrants in the Egyptian economy and society.
"...and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’": This is the expected question. Pharaoh wants to know how these newcomers earn their living.
Why is this question significant?
The significance of this question lies in the answer Jacob will instruct his sons to give. The next verse (Genesis 46:34) reveals that Jacob tells his sons to answer that they are shepherds:
> "...you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers’—in order that you may live in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians."
The Strategy Explained
Shepherding as a Profession: The Israelites were indeed shepherds. This was their traditional occupation.
Goshen as a Location: Goshen was a fertile region in the eastern part of Egypt.
"Loathsome to the Egyptians": This is the crucial part. Shepherding, for various reasons (possibly due to religious beliefs related to the worship of certain animals, or the nomadic and thus less controllable nature of shepherds), was considered an undesirable, even abhorrent, profession by the Egyptians.
The Purpose of the Strategy:
Jacob wants his sons to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds, knowing that this profession is disliked by the Egyptians. His reasoning is that:
1. Separation: By declaring their occupation as shepherds, they will likely be given land that is somewhat isolated from the main Egyptian population (Goshen), where they can continue their lifestyle without interference and maintain their cultural identity.
2. Less Competition: Egyptians would be less likely to want to live in or compete for land used for shepherding.
3. Privileged Access to Resources: Because of Joseph's high status, Pharaoh is likely to give them the request they ask.
In essence, Jacob is using the Egyptians' prejudice against shepherds to his family's advantage. He wants to secure a separate and suitable place for his family to live and prosper in Egypt, minimizing conflict and preserving their identity. This is a clever and calculated move to ensure the well-being of his descendants in a foreign land.