A Life in Exile

The forty-seventh chapter of Genesis is full of gems, so it’s hard to choose on which to focus. However, since we’ve journeyed together through Jacob’s complicated life, I want us to look at his encounter with Pharaoh. The first astounding thing is that this meeting happens in the first place. Who is Jacob, after all? Certainly not a man worthy to be in the presence of the great leader of Egypt, who was seen as a god. Yet, in this meeting, we see how Joseph’s position and example led the way for a lowly Hebrew shepherd to have his moment in the palace of a king.

Finding Favor.

Jacob and his family found favor in the sight of Pharaoh because of all Joseph had done:

• Joseph’s ability to serve with integrity in a pagan government brought blessing.
• Joseph did not hide his heritage from Pharaoh or act ashamed of his family.
• Joseph did not let power go to his head.
• Joseph knew the hand of God was in every aspect of his life, providing the way for his family to be saved from starvation.

For these reasons and more, Joseph informs Pharaoh that his family has arrived and he brings five of his brothers to stand before the king. In their humility to be identified as shepherds, God shows his favor through Pharaoh by letting them settle in the land of Goshen, the best of the land of Egypt. He also offers a position to any of the brothers who are able to be in charge of the livestock of his kingdom.

None of this would have been possible without the Lord’s hand being with Joseph.

The Old Man and the King.

Now for our gem:

Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many are the days of the years of your life?” And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:7-10 ESV

Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, now brings the highest honor to his aging father by presenting him to his boss—Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt. I think about the contrast between the son and his father. Joseph, wearing royal robes as the second in command of the land of Egypt—looking more like an Egyptian than a Jew, and Jacob, his father, weathered by the harsh sun and life of living in tents, dressed in a well-worn robe, moving slowly into the room with the use of his staff. Only by the acknowledgment of Joseph would anyone know they were related.

The Blessing.

There is no pride in Joseph now, only the honor of presenting his father to the king. As Jacob comes forward, what does he do? He blesses Pharaoh.

What do we learn from that? Can we bless those who do not follow the God we serve? Can we bless those who think of themselves as gods?

Jacob’s blessing reminds us that we can be thankful that God chooses to use to bless his people. This pagan king had, after all, chosen Joseph to bring the kingdom through the years of plenty and famine. God had given him the wisdom to see who would be best for the job, and for that, Jacob was grateful. In choosing Joseph, not only had Egypt been saved, but his own family as well. That’s reason enough to be grateful and to bless him.

How can we show our gratitude to God by blessing those around us? Showing appreciation and blessing to co-workers, bosses, or teachers is a way to open their minds that God is at work through them, even when they don’t acknowledge him as Lord. Have you been blessed by a “Samaritan” who got you out of a tight spot? Don’t forget to ask God to bless them for helping you—Jacob did.

Evil Days.

Pharaoh was intrigued by this man and wondered how old he really was. Jacob’s response is telling.

• The years of my sojourning: Jacob is giving witness to Pharaoh that life is a pilgrimage, a journey.
• 130 years: Jacob had lived a long time during a time when the life expectancy was much lower.
• Few and evil have been the days: When comparing to his forefathers, Jacob sees his days as few, maybe also revealing how swiftly they go by. But not only are they quick to pass, but they are evil. As the days catch up with us and our bodies begin to fail, we see our years in a negative light.
• Jacob knew that his days were not as long as those of his forefathers, and thus saw his shortened years as a curse and not a blessing.

Teach Us.

Moses, in praising God for his everlasting presence, writes these words about our few and evil days:

You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?  So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:3-12

Jacob recognized that his days had been hard and were nearing an end. He was not afraid to share this truth with Pharaoh, who perhaps, as a self-made god, thought his days would last forever. Would the ruler reflect on the words of the shepherd and learn to number his days? Will you?

Grace and Peace

Missed Chapter 46? Read it HERE. To start the series from the beginning, click HERE.