Genesis 46:8
Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.
Now these are the names of the sons of Israel
This phrase introduces a genealogical record, a common feature in biblical texts that serves to establish identity and continuity. The "sons of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). This genealogy is significant as it traces the origins of the tribes of Israel, which play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the Bible. The listing of names underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2).

(Jacob and his descendants)
Jacob, also known as Israel, is a patriarch in the biblical narrative. His descendants are central to the story of the Israelites. This parenthetical note clarifies that the list includes not just his immediate sons but also their families. The emphasis on "descendants" highlights the continuation of the covenantal promise through generations. It also sets the stage for the development of the nation of Israel, which will later be enslaved in Egypt and then delivered in the Exodus.

who went to Egypt
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. The migration to Egypt was prompted by a severe famine in Canaan (Genesis 41:56-57). Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had risen to power in Egypt and provided a place of refuge for his family. This move to Egypt fulfills God's earlier prophecy to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own and would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). The sojourn in Egypt sets the stage for the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history.

Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn
Reuben is listed first as the eldest son of Jacob. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son held a position of privilege and responsibility, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance. However, Reuben lost his birthright due to an indiscretion with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4). This mention of Reuben highlights the theme of the reversal of expectations, a recurring motif in the Bible where God's purposes are fulfilled in unexpected ways. Reuben's tribe would later settle on the east side of the Jordan River, playing a significant role in the early history of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the Israelites, originally named Jacob. God renamed him Israel, which means "he struggles with God" (Genesis 32:28). He is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Reuben
The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His name means "behold, a son" in Hebrew. Reuben's actions and decisions throughout Genesis reflect both his strengths and weaknesses as a leader among his brothers.

3. Egypt
The land where Jacob and his family moved during a severe famine. Egypt becomes a place of refuge and later a place of bondage for the Israelites.

4. The Sons of Israel
Refers to the descendants of Jacob, who are the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This passage marks the beginning of their journey into Egypt.

5. The Journey to Egypt
This event is significant as it sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and the subsequent Exodus, a foundational account in the history of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Legacy
Jacob's journey to Egypt with his family underscores the significance of family legacy and God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Reflect on how your family history and legacy can be aligned with God's purposes.

God's Sovereignty in Life's Journeys
The move to Egypt was part of God's sovereign plan for Israel. Trust in God's guidance, even when the path seems uncertain or leads to unexpected places.

The Role of the Firstborn
Reuben, as the firstborn, had a special role and responsibility. Consider the responsibilities God has given you and how you can fulfill them faithfully.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's journey to Egypt was a step of faith in God's promises. Strengthen your faith by remembering God's faithfulness in the past and trusting Him for the future.

The Impact of Decisions
Reuben's life illustrates how decisions can have long-term consequences. Evaluate your choices and seek wisdom to make decisions that honor God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the journey of Jacob and his family to Egypt demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of family legacy in our own lives, and how can we ensure it aligns with God's purposes?

3. What responsibilities has God given you, and how can you fulfill them in a way that honors Him, similar to the role of the firstborn in biblical times?

4. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when our life journey takes unexpected turns, as it did for Jacob and his family?

5. Reflect on a decision you have made recently. How can you ensure that your future decisions are guided by wisdom and align with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29-30
These chapters provide the background on the birth of Jacob's sons, including Reuben, and the dynamics within Jacob's family.

Exodus 1
Describes the growth of Jacob's descendants in Egypt and the eventual oppression they face, leading to the Exodus.

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
Discusses Reuben's loss of his birthright due to his transgression, highlighting the importance of character and obedience.

Hebrews 11:21
Reflects on Jacob's faith, even as he blessed his sons and foresaw their future, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises.
The Three MeetingsW. Roberts Genesis 46:1-4; 46:28-30; 47:7-10
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Descendants, Egypt, Firstborn, First-born, Jacob, Jacob's, Names, Oldest, Reuben, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:8

     5688   firstborn

Genesis 46:5-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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