The Egyptians were racist.
When Jacob came to Goshen to meet up with Joseph, he brought all of his family and livestock. They brought along their possessions, too, even though Pharaoh told them they needn't, as "all of Egypt would be theirs." When they arrived to Goshen, Joseph got his chariot and went to meet his dad. When they met, Joseph wept. Jacob said, "Now I can die, because I've seen with my own eyes that you are alive." Joseph told them when they were asked what their occupation was to answer "tending livestock," as "all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians. Those Egyptians sure seemed like an arrogant bunch.
It's interesting that God spoke to Jacob, who was now called Israel, in a vision after he stopped in Beersheba on the way to Goshen and offered sacrifices to God. The Lord spoke to him, saying, "Jacob, Jacob! ... Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
It's interesting that God still addressed him as Jacob, at least in that vision. It appears that He promised that Joseph would be there when he died, and "close his eyes."
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at March 12, 2007 09:10 AMWow, I never noticed that scripture before that tells about Joseph being there to close the eyes of his father Jacob. I can imagine that it was a very symbolic and traditional thing to be the one to close the eyes of someone who has gone on to Glory. For Joseph it was a promise that he would be close to his father. For Jacob, it was also a promise that all his sons would be gathered around, including the son that he lived without for so many years.
Interesting thoughts. Thanks!
Posted by: Jacqui at March 12, 2007 10:07 PM