Genesis: The Forming of a People

The momentous reunion of Joseph and Jacob that has been long anticipated in the story is all but swallowed up in the larger context of the nation of Israel’s descent into Egypt. Through Joseph’s wisdom, God preserved Israel physically and spiritually in Goshen, where they lived in Egypt and remained distinct. Under Joseph’s administrative wisdom, and Jacob’s blessing of Pharaoh and Pharaoh’s honoring of Israel, Israel and Egypt survived the grievous famine and prospered. This story begins to illustrate the promise of being a blessing for the nations.