Chapter Summary

Jacob's Journey to Egypt and meeting with Joseph.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 46

1. Why do you think the text uses the name "Jacob" in many places, but in verse 1 it uses the name "Israel" to describe the same man? What is the significance of using this name here?
2. What is the significance of Beersheba? Why do you think Jacob goes there to worship God?
3. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's willingness to leave his homeland and adapt to a new culture and environment?
4. How does Jacob's migration to Egypt fulfill the promises that the Lord had made? What promises had God kept in your life?
5. The story takes a pause for a moment to give us the genealogy of Jacob and his sons. Why do you think this was included in the text? What point is being made here?
6. What similarities and differences can you find between Jacob leaving the promised land here and the people of Israel leaving the promised land during the time of exile? What other stories can you connect with this "exile" theme?
7. The Lord had previously promised that the land of Canaan would be the place that Abraham's people would settle, so Jacob must have had faith that his people would return eventually. When has God seemingly led you away from a fulfilled promise, only to fulfill it in an even greater way?
8. When Jacob was reunited with Joseph, he had a deeply emotional response. How do you imagine it will be to be reunited with your loved ones in heaven?
9. Jacob had no idea that he would see Joseph again, but we have hope that we will see our loved ones again if they believe and follow Christ. Who do you urgently need to share the Gospel with so that they can share eternal life with you?
10. Why do you think that shepherds were detestable to Egyptians? What people might be in a similar situation today?

Key Words/Phrase

Meeting, v. 29.

Characters

Jacob, Joseph, brothers, their families, Pharaoh.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 3, 4.