Genesis 47:11-12
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. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their dependents.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text specifies "the best of the land," indicating that Joseph, following Pharaoh's command, didn't just assign them any area but specifically chose the most fertile region. This choice, the land of Rameses, was not just a place of settlement but also a testament to Pharaoh's favor and Joseph's careful management on behalf of his family.
Having brought his family to Egypt and presented his father to Pharaoh, Joseph now settles them. Pharaoh, as instructed by Joseph, grants them a dwelling in the most fertile region of Egypt, the land of Rameses, which is identified as part of Goshen. This marks the official beginning of their settlement in Egypt, providing them with land and resources as commanded by the king.
Why did Joseph settle his family in the 'best' land, and what does this reveal about God's provision?
Joseph didn't just find a place for his family; he found the best place. The text specifies "the best of the land, in the land of Rameses." This wasn't merely a convenient spot; it was prime real estate, likely lush pastureland.
This generosity reflects God's ongoing care for His people, even in a foreign land. Despite the famine gripping Egypt and Canaan, Joseph, guided by Pharaoh's command, secured a place of abundance for Jacob and his sons. It's a powerful reminder that God's provision often exceeds our expectations, especially when we are displaced or in need.
Think of it this way: God provided for them in their time of desperate need, not just with basic survival, but with the best Egypt had to offer. This sets a precedent for how God blesses those who trust Him, even when their circumstances are challenging.
The land is called 'Rameses,' a name that echoes later in Israel's history. What's the significance of this seemingly simple detail?
The mention of "the land of Rameses" is more than just a geographical marker. While scholars debate whether Rameses was a city that existed at this time or a name given later, the significance lies in its connection to the future.
This region would, centuries later, be associated with the city of Rameses, one of the store cities the Israelites were forced to build during their enslavement (Exodus 1:11). Joseph settling his family here, in the 'best of the land,' creates a poignant juxtaposition.
He is securing a place of blessing and provision for his family in the very land that would later become synonymous with their hardship and oppression. This foreshadows God's redemptive plan: even within the context of eventual suffering, God establishes a foundation for His people, ensuring their growth and preservation.
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.
lechem · Hebrew Noun
The primary source of sustenance for life; in Scripture, bread or grain often represents God's provision and the physical dependence of humanity on the Creator.
The settlement in the 'best of the land' was a direct result of Joseph's strategic famine management and Pharaoh's gratitude, establishing a secure but distinct homeland for the Israelites within Egypt.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph's Rise to Power
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises through the ranks in Egypt due to his ability to interpret dreams and manage affairs, eventually becoming second-in-command to Pharaoh.
c. 1790 BC
Seven Years of Famine Begin
A severe, multi-year famine grips Canaan and Egypt. Joseph's foresight in storing grain during previous abundant years allows Egypt to survive and even profit from the crisis.
c. 1790 BC
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Driven by the devastating famine in Canaan, Jacob (Israel) and his entire family, numbering about 70 people, migrate to Egypt at Joseph's invitation.
c. 1790 BC— this verse
Pharaoh Grants Land to Jacob's Family
At Joseph's request, Pharaoh grants Jacob and his sons a place to settle in the fertile region of Rameses within Egypt, as a reward for Joseph's service during the famine.
This passage directly echoes Genesis 47:11 by stating the Israelites departed from Rameses, confirming the significance of this location as their dwelling place and departure point.
Psalm 78:72This Psalm reflects on God's guidance of Israel and mentions David being chosen from the 'pastures of the flock,' drawing a parallel to the shepherds' provision in the 'best of the land' as described in Genesis 47:11.
Job 36:16While Job's context is different, this verse speaks of God leading people to a 'wide place where there is no restriction,' which resonates with the idea of Joseph settling his family in the fertile and spacious 'best of the land' provided by Pharaoh.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' provides a spiritual counterpoint to the material provision described in Genesis 47:11, reminding us that while earthly needs are met, our ultimate focus should be on spiritual well-being.
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 text specifies "the best of the land," indicating that Joseph, following Pharaoh's command, didn't just assign them any area but specifically chose the most fertile region. This choice, the land of Rameses, was not just a place of settlement but also a testament to Pharaoh's favor and Joseph's careful management on behalf of his family.
Having brought his family to Egypt and presented his father to Pharaoh, Joseph now settles them. Pharaoh, as instructed by Joseph, grants them a dwelling in the most fertile region of Egypt, the land of Rameses, which is identified as part of Goshen. This marks the official beginning of their settlement in Egypt, providing them with land and resources as commanded by the king.
Having brought his family to Egypt and presented his father to Pharaoh, Joseph now settles them. Pharaoh, as instructed by Joseph, grants them a dwelling in the most fertile region of Egypt, the land of Rameses, which is identified as part of Goshen. This marks the official beginning of their settlement in Egypt, providing them with land and resources as commanded by the king.
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c. 1773 BC
Jacob's Death and Burial
Jacob blesses his sons and Pharaoh, lives 17 years in Egypt, and makes Joseph swear to bury him in the ancestral tomb in Canaan, a promise that would later influence the Exodus.
c. 1773 BC - 1500s BC
Israelites Multiply in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob live in the land of Rameses, prosper, and multiply significantly, laying the groundwork for future geopolitical complexities with the 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. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s…" — The text specifies "the best of the land," indicating that Joseph, following Pharaoh's command, didn't just assign them any area but specifically chose the most fertile region. This choice, the lan…
