Genesis 47: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 47 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis chapter 47, Joseph, having successfully managed the crisis of famine in Egypt, brings his family to live in the land of Goshen. He presents his father Jacob to Pharaoh, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh, showcasing the respect and honor that they maintain despite their foreign status. Joseph arranges for his family to settle in the fertile land of Goshen, ensuring their well-being during the famine.

Key verse

“Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.”
Genesis 47:11 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 47:1–6 Joseph Brings His Family to Pharaoh
Genesis 47:7–10 Jacob Blesses Pharaoh
Genesis 47:11–12 Settlement in Goshen
Genesis 47:13–26 Joseph's Economic Policies
Genesis 47:27–28 Israel’s Prosperity in Egypt
Genesis 47:29–31 Jacob's Deathbed Request

Discussion questions

In v2, who does Joseph present to Pharaoh?
What does Pharaoh ask Jacob in v8?
In vv. 18-19, why do the Egyptians offer to sell their bodies and land to Joseph?
Jacob's statement in v9 about his years being 'few and evil': what does this suggest about his life experiences?
When have you had to negotiate for resources, as the Egyptians did in v19?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 47: Genesis 45, Genesis 46, Genesis 41.

Before next time: read Genesis 48.