Remember the Oath | Genesis 46

Genesis 46 marks a significant transition. The long arc of Joseph’s story is nearing its end, and with it, the Book of Genesis begins to close. Jacob, now an old man, is about to leave the land of Canaan and journey into Egypt—a place that will shape the future of his descendants for generations.

At the heart of this chapter is a single powerful truth: God keeps His promises. Even when the path forward is uncertain or painful, God's oath still stands. And He goes with His people every step of the way.

From Beersheba to Egypt

Jacob’s journey begins at Beersheba, a name meaning “well of the oath” or “well of seven.” This place held deep spiritual significance. Abraham and Isaac both worshiped there, and both received reassurances of God’s covenant. For Jacob, Beersheba is more than a stop—it’s a place of remembrance. A place to recall what God had sworn to do.

Before crossing into Egypt, Jacob pauses and offers sacrifices. There, God appears to him in a vision and says:

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I Myself will go down with you…” (Genesis 46:3–4)

What a word for fearful hearts. God does not just give His people instructions—He goes with them. The same God who led Abraham, who sustained Isaac, who preserved Joseph, now promises to go with Jacob and his entire household into Egypt.

Seventy Souls and a Bigger Plan

Genesis 46 includes a genealogy listing the 70 descendants of Jacob who traveled with him. Far from a dry detail, this list affirms the historical reality of the migration. These were real people, and their names matter. They mark the beginning of what would become a nation.

Why is the number 70 significant? Because it shows that God is fulfilling His promise to Abraham—to multiply his offspring like the stars in the sky. The road to that fulfillment would not be smooth. Egypt would become a place of slavery and affliction. But even in suffering, God's plan would unfold.

Despised Yet Chosen

The chapter closes with an interesting detail. Joseph instructs his brothers to identify themselves as shepherds. He warns them that shepherds are an abomination to the Egyptians. Why mention this?

Because it highlights an important truth: God’s people are often despised by the world. Egypt, with all its idols and pride, looked down on shepherds—those who cared for lambs. And in the providence of God, this becomes a beautiful picture of the Gospel.

Egypt may have despised lambs, but God would one day save through a lamb. The Passover lamb would be slain, and its blood would protect God's people. In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Lamb of God, rejected by the world, yet chosen and precious in God’s sight.

God’s people may be misunderstood, marginalized, even hated—but they are never forgotten. God's promises cannot be undone by the opinions or powers of men.

Fear Not—God Goes With Us

Jacob faced uncertainty. He was old. He was leaving the land of promise. Egypt was foreign and unknown. But at Beersheba, he was reminded of something eternal: God had made an oath—and He had not forgotten.

The same God who said to Isaac, “Fear not, for I am with you,” now says the same to Jacob. And to all who trust in Christ, He still says:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The promise remains.

The Lamb has come.

And the Kingdom of God cannot be stopped.

Even when the path leads into unfamiliar places—even when we are despised by the world—we walk with confidence, knowing that the God of the covenant walks with us.

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