Genesis 47:11-12
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This verse reveals a subtle but powerful act of God's provision and foresight. While it mentions "the best of the land," the emphasis is not just on comfort, but on setting the stage for future growth and multiplication, laying a foundation that Pharaoh commanded, but God ordained.
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)
After Jacob and his sons have met with Pharaoh and secured permission to settle in Egypt, Joseph now acts on Pharaoh's command to provide for them. He establishes his family in a prime location, Rameses, which is noted as being in the "best of the land," likely a fertile area within the broader region of Goshen. This act signifies the full integration of Jacob's family into Egypt, not as mere refugees, but as a settled community with a place to thrive.
Joseph didn't just find a place for his family; he secured them the finest land available. What does this 'best' signify?
Pharaoh's instruction to Joseph was clear: 'in the best of the land.' Joseph then 'gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses.'
A Place of Provision
This wasn't just any land; it was described as 'the best.' Commentaries suggest this referred to the most fertile pastures, ideal for the sheep and cattle that were central to Jacob's family livelihood. It was a place designed for sustenance and flourishing, ensuring their immediate needs were met.
A Place of Favor
'The best' also speaks to the favor shown to Jacob's family. They were not relegated to marginal land but were given a prime location, signifying their privileged status as guests of Pharaoh, orchestrated by Joseph's wise stewardship. This ‘best’ was a tangible expression of royal protection and provision during a time of widespread famine.
Jacob and his family didn't just wander into Egypt; their placement was deliberate and divinely guided, even as it followed human command.
The verse concludes with 'as Pharaoh had commanded.' This phrase is crucial. It underscores that Joseph's actions were not arbitrary but were carried out under the direct authority of the Egyptian king.
Divine Orchestration in Human Systems
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While Pharaoh commanded, the entire situation was orchestrated by God. Joseph, recognizing this, acted with wisdom and integrity. He didn't just take Pharaoh's command lightly; he implemented it by finding the 'best' land. This shows how God works through human structures and authorities to fulfill His purposes.
A Foundation for Future Faithfulness
This settled place, secured by Pharaoh's command and Joseph's diligence, became the foundation for the Israelites' growth and multiplication in Egypt. It was a designated space where they could live, thrive, and ultimately become the nation God intended, all while being under the protection of a foreign ruler.
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 'land of Rameses' was a strategic move, placing Jacob's family in fertile territory as commanded by Pharaoh, a decision made within the context of Egypt's political landscape and a severe famine.
c. 1800-1650 BC
The Hyksos Period in Egypt
Foreign rulers, likely from Western Asia, controlled Lower Egypt. This period may have been when Joseph's family arrived, as these rulers might have been more open to Semitic peoples.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph rises to power in Egypt
Through divine guidance and wisdom, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt.
c. 1700 BC
Jacob and his family migrate to Egypt
Driven by a severe famine in Canaan, Jacob and his seventy family members relocate to Egypt under Joseph's protection.
c. 1700 BC— this verse
Pharaoh grants land to Jacob's family
Pharaoh, following Joseph's counsel, offers Jacob and his family the best land in Egypt, the region of Rameses (part of Goshen), as a place to settle.
c. 1700 BC
Israelites settle in Goshen/Rameses
Jacob and his descendants establish their homes and livelihoods in the fertile region of Rameses, a prime area for their livestock.
c. 1650 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
Native Egyptian dynasties reassert control, expelling the Hyksos. This marks a potential shift in Egyptian policy toward foreigners, which may have later contributed to the Israelites' enslavement.
This passage describes the Israelites later building the store cities of Pithom and Rameses, showing how the land given to them in Genesis eventually became associated with their labor and future in Egypt.
Joshua 1:2-3Just as Joseph secured a place for his family in Egypt, God promised Joshua and Israel possession of the land of Canaan, highlighting the theme of God's provision and fulfillment of promises for His people's dwelling.
Psalm 78:72This Psalm reflects on God's faithfulness, stating that He led His people with 'skillful hands' and gave them a dwelling place, echoing Joseph's skillful provision for his family in Egypt during a time of great need.
Hebrews 11:13-16This passage speaks of the patriarchs living as foreigners in the land God promised them, always looking for a better, heavenly country. This reflects Jacob's perspective on his 'pilgrimage' and his desire to be buried with his fathers, even while being settled in Egypt.
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…
This verse reveals a subtle but powerful act of God's provision and foresight. While it mentions "the best of the land," the emphasis is not just on comfort, but on setting the stage for future growth and multiplication, laying a foundation that Pharaoh commanded, but God ordained.
After Jacob and his sons have met with Pharaoh and secured permission to settle in Egypt, Joseph now acts on Pharaoh's command to provide for them. He establishes his family in a prime location, Rameses, which is noted as being in the "best of the land," likely a fertile area within the broader region of Goshen. This act signifies the full integration of Jacob's family into Egypt, not as mere refugees, but as a settled community with a place to thrive.
After Jacob and his sons have met with Pharaoh and secured permission to settle in Egypt, Joseph now acts on Pharaoh's command to provide for them. He establishes his family in a prime location, Rameses, which is noted as being in the "best of the land," likely a fertile area within the broader region of Goshen. This act signifies the full integration of Jacob's family into Egypt, not as mere refugees, but as a settled community with a place to thrive.
"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…" — This verse reveals a subtle but powerful act of God's provision and foresight. While it mentions "the best of the land," the emphasis is not just on comfort, but on setting the stage for future growt…
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Last reviewed October 2026
