Genesis 47:11
Then Joseph settled 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse mentions "the land of Rameses" as the place where Joseph settled his family, but this is a bit of an anachronism. The city of Rameses would only be built by the Israelites centuries later, suggesting the writer is using a familiar name for the region that would later be known by that designation.
After his family's arrival in Egypt and Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh, Joseph is instructed to settle his father and brothers. Pharaoh has explicitly directed that they be given the finest land in Egypt, ensuring their comfort and well-being during the famine. This settlement in Rameses, a part of the fertile region of Goshen, marks the beginning of their life as a distinct community within Egypt, as commanded by the king.
When famine strikes, where do you seek refuge? Joseph secured not just any land for his family, but the 'best' of it.
God's provision is often far more generous than we expect. Even in a foreign land, under dire circumstances, Joseph was able to settle his family in the 'best of the land, in the land of Rameses.' This wasn't merely about good farmland; it was about God's intentional placement of His people in a place that would sustain them. This 'best' land was fertile and suitable for their shepherd lifestyle, fulfilling their immediate needs while also setting the stage for future growth and multiplication.
This speaks volumes about God's care. He doesn't just get us through crises; He positions us in places of blessing and abundance, even when it doesn't feel like it. The best doesn't always look like what we imagine, but it is always what God intends for our good.
Joseph didn't just find a place; he 'placed' his family there. How did God's will and Joseph's actions intertwine?
This verse beautifully illustrates the synergy between God's sovereign plan and human obedience. Pharaoh's command set the stage for the settlement: 'as Pharaoh had commanded.' Yet, it was Joseph's faithful action – his 'placing' or 'settling' of his father and brothers – that brought it to fruition.
Joseph, acting with wisdom and authority granted by Pharaoh, intentionally established his family. This wasn't a passive waiting for things to happen, but an active fulfillment of divine instruction. It teaches us that while God is sovereign and His plans will surely come to pass, He often works through willing and obedient human agents. Our actions, when aligned with His will, become instruments of His provision and protection.
Understand the original words
achuzzah · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term referring to land or property given as an inheritance, estate, or a permanent portion granted to someone, often used regarding God's promise of territory to His people.
The settlement in Rameses wasn't just a gift; it was part of a larger strategy during a severe famine. It marks the beginning of the Israelites' physical presence in Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual growth and subsequent enslavement.
c. 1800 BC - 1700 BC
Hyksos Rule in Egypt
A period when foreign rulers, likely Semitic peoples from Western Asia, controlled Lower Egypt. This context might explain Pharaoh's openness to Joseph and his family settling in Egypt.
c. 1700 BC - 1600 BC
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Driven by severe famine in Canaan, Jacob and his large family relocate to Egypt under Joseph's guidance. They are initially welcomed due to Joseph's high status.
c. 1700 BC - 1600 BC— this verse
Pharaoh Grants Land in Goshen/Rameses
Pharaoh, following Joseph's advice, allows Jacob and his family to settle in the fertile region of Goshen, specifically the area called 'the land of Rameses'. This is the best land for their livestock.
c. 1700 BC - 1600 BC
Joseph Manages Egypt Through Famine
Joseph implements a system where Egyptians trade their money, then cattle, and finally their land for food, effectively bringing all Egyptians and their land under Pharaoh's ownership. This establishes a centralized power structure.
This passage echoes Genesis 47:11 by describing the Israelites' multiplication and flourishing in Egypt, fulfilling the blessing of abundant life that was initiated when they were settled in the best land.
Joshua 24:4This verse highlights God's promise to give land to Abraham's descendants, a promise that found its initial fulfillment in Joseph settling his family in the fertile lands of Egypt, laying the groundwork for their later inheritance of Canaan.
Psalm 78:72This verse directly connects the idea of shepherding with skillful leadership, mirroring Joseph's role in settling his family ('shepherds') in the 'best of the land' (Rameses/Goshen) with divine wisdom and care.
Deuteronomy 11:10-12This passage contrasts the irrigated land of Egypt with the land of Canaan, emphasizing the unique way God provided for Israel in Egypt ('where you sowed your seed and watered it with your foot') which resonates with the blessing of fertile land given in Genesis 47:11.
calvinGenesis 47:1-31: "Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen."
- Et dixerunt ad Pharaonem, Ut peregrinaremur in hac terra, venimus, quia non est pascuum pecudibus, quae sunt servis tuis: gravis enim fames est in terra Chenaan: nunc igitur habitent quaeso servi tui in terra Gosen.
5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy fat…
gillGenesis 47:11: "And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, 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."
And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt,.... Houses to dwell in, lands to till, and pastures to feed their flocks and herds in: in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh commanded; according to Jarchi and Aben Ezra, the land of Rameses wa…
The verse mentions "the land of Rameses" as the place where Joseph settled his family, but this is a bit of an anachronism. The city of Rameses would only be built by the Israelites centuries later, suggesting the writer is using a familiar name for the region that would later be known by that designation.
After his family's arrival in Egypt and Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh, Joseph is instructed to settle his father and brothers. Pharaoh has explicitly directed that they be given the finest land in Egypt, ensuring their comfort and well-being during the famine. This settlement in Rameses, a part of the fertile region of Goshen, marks the beginning of their life as a distinct community within Egypt, as commanded by the king.
After his family's arrival in Egypt and Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh, Joseph is instructed to settle his father and brothers. Pharaoh has explicitly directed that they be given the finest land in Egypt, ensuring their comfort and well-being during the famine. This settlement in Rameses, a part of the fertile region of Goshen, marks the beginning of their life as a distinct community within Egypt, as commanded by the king.
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c. 1683 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
The native Egyptian dynasty reasserts control, expelling the Hyksos rulers. The presence of the Israelites, who had been settled during the Hyksos period, might have been viewed differently by the new rulers.
c. 1550 BC - 1400 BC
New Kingdom Period Begins
A period of strong Egyptian nationalism and expansionism. The Israelites' growing population and distinct identity could become a source of concern for the new Egyptian rulers.
"Then Joseph settled 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." — The verse mentions "the land of Rameses" as the place where Joseph settled his family, but this is a bit of an anachronism. The city of Rameses would only be built by the Israelites centuries later,…
