Joseph told Pharaoh that his family was coming from Canaan, and that they were in Goshen. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” Joseph brought Jacob in and they stood before Pharaoh, and Jacob – at 130 years old – blessed Pharaoh (vs. 7). Then Joseph settled his family in Egypt, the land of Rameses, and Joseph gave them all provisions and food. The famine continued and Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have this day bought you and your land for Pharaoh. Now here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And at the harvests you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households, and as food for your little ones.” (vs. 23-24) They responded, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh.” (vs. 25) Israel settled in Goshen, in Egypt, and they gained possessions and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. Jacob lived in the land 17 years, he lived a total of 147 years. When the time drew near to Israel/Jacob’s death, he called Joseph and said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying-place.” (vs. 29-30) Joseph answered, “I will do as you have said.” (vs. 30) And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” Joseph swore to him. Then Israel/Jacob bowed himself upon the head of his bed [or staff]. (vs. 31)
God is providing richly for Israel (also Egypt and the entire region) in the face of this famine. Even though Joseph is managing everything with Pharaoh’s permission, we can’t forget that God revealed what would happen, and established both of them in their positions at this particular time to be able to do what they do here. As Genesis begins to come to a close, we can see that it is connected to the historical events that follow in Exodus. It’s the same story. God is sustaining this family through whom He will bring the Promised One from Eve; the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the One who will come to conquer sin, death, and Satan (i.e. Gen. 3:15).