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Chapter 46
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Genesis, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God, Humanity, and Creation
Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death
Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises
The Role of Women
Summary
Analysis
As Joseph has said, Pharaoh allows Joseph’s brothers to settle in Goshen as shepherds. Joseph also presents Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh. He tells Pharaoh that he is 130 years old and has lived a hard life, though his hardships do not compare with those of his ancestors. Joseph provides richly for his family.
Joseph’s family is blessed in Egypt as much as they’ve been in Canaan, God remaining faithful to them even in a foreign land—a comforting message for a Jewish audience that repeatedly faced exile. Before he dies, Jacob is even in a position to offer his benefactor Pharaoh a blessing.
Themes
Meanwhile, the famine grows worse in both Egypt and Canaan. All the money in both lands is spent in exchange for grain; after that, the people give their livestock in exchange for food. The following year, the people have nothing left to give, so they sell their land and themselves in exchange for food. Joseph gives seed to the people and instructs them to sow the land; four-fifths of the grain will be for them and one-fifth for Pharaoh.
The famine gets progressively worse, to the point that people are willing to enslave themselves in order to eat. Thanks to Joseph’s prudent planning, he is able to equip the people to provide for themselves.
Themes
In Goshen, Jacob’s family prospers. Jacob lives 17 years more and dies at age 147. Before he dies, Jacob calls his sons to himself and asks them to swear that they will not bury him in Egypt; they must carry his body back to Canaan and bury him with his ancestors instead. His sons swear to do this.
Though he has prospered in Egypt for some years, Jacob remains committed to God’s promise to make him a great nation. In token of this trust, he prepares for his own burial in his homeland.
Themes
