Verses 28-30
Israel’s reunion with Joseph 46:28-30
This reunion recalls Jacob’s former meeting with Esau (Genesis 32:3). In both situations after a long period of separation Jacob sent a party ahead to meet his relative.
"The land of Goshen, where the Hebrews lived, adjoined Avaris-now known to have been sited at Tell el-Dab’a (not at Tanis, as so many textbooks wrongly aver)." [Note: Kitchen, The Bible . . ., p. 76. ]
This opinion rests on belief in a late date for the Exodus in the thirteenth century B.C., however, and may not be correct.
Jacob had said that the loss of his sons would bring him to his grave in mourning (Genesis 37:35; Genesis 42:38). Joseph’s "resurrection" had enabled his father to die in peace. Similarly the resurrection of a greater Joseph has allowed many to face death with courage and hope (cf. Philippians 1:21-26; 1 Peter 1:3).
Joseph encouraged his family to be completely honest with Pharaoh (Genesis 46:34). Dishonesty long plagued Jacob’s family, but now Joseph led them out of this destructive behavior.
Believers should respond to divine providence by making their decisions in response to the initiative of His wise leaders. They should do so with confidence in His promises and dependent on His continuing guidance and provision.
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