Genesis 47:4 - They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
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What does "Genesis 47:4" mean?
This verse is a direct quote from Joseph's brothers (representing the larger family of Jacob, also known as Israel) to Pharaoh in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land..." This is an important statement of intent. They are acknowledging that they are seeking permission to reside in Egypt as temporary residents, not as conquerors or permanent citizens with full rights. The phrase "live as foreigners" implies they understand they will be subject to Egyptian laws and customs.
"...for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan." This is the reason they are seeking refuge in Egypt. A severe famine has struck Canaan, their homeland. This famine has decimated the grazing land, making it impossible to sustain their livestock. Their livelihood, and therefore their survival, is at stake.
"Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”" This is the specific request. Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt, likely located in the eastern Nile Delta. They are requesting permission to settle their families and their livestock in Goshen because it is suitable for grazing. They refer to themselves as "your servants," a term of humility and respect toward the ruler, Pharaoh, seeking favor.
In summary, this verse depicts Joseph's brothers respectfully petitioning Pharaoh for permission to temporarily reside in the land of Goshen due to a devastating famine in Canaan that has left them without pasture for their flocks. The verse demonstrates the dire circumstances in Canaan and sets the stage for the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. It highlights the dependence of a pastoral people on the land and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure their survival during a crisis. It also shows the brothers' strategy of approaching Pharaoh with humility and a clear explanation of their situation.
Genesis 47:4 - They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”
What does "Genesis 47:4" mean?
This verse is a direct quote from Joseph's brothers (representing the larger family of Jacob, also known as Israel) to Pharaoh in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land..." This is an important statement of intent. They are acknowledging that they are seeking permission to reside in Egypt as temporary residents, not as conquerors or permanent citizens with full rights. The phrase "live as foreigners" implies they understand they will be subject to Egyptian laws and customs.
"...for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan." This is the reason they are seeking refuge in Egypt. A severe famine has struck Canaan, their homeland. This famine has decimated the grazing land, making it impossible to sustain their livestock. Their livelihood, and therefore their survival, is at stake.
"Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”" This is the specific request. Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt, likely located in the eastern Nile Delta. They are requesting permission to settle their families and their livestock in Goshen because it is suitable for grazing. They refer to themselves as "your servants," a term of humility and respect toward the ruler, Pharaoh, seeking favor.
In summary, this verse depicts Joseph's brothers respectfully petitioning Pharaoh for permission to temporarily reside in the land of Goshen due to a devastating famine in Canaan that has left them without pasture for their flocks. The verse demonstrates the dire circumstances in Canaan and sets the stage for the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. It highlights the dependence of a pastoral people on the land and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure their survival during a crisis. It also shows the brothers' strategy of approaching Pharaoh with humility and a clear explanation of their situation.