Genesis 47:28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years, and the length of his life was 147 years.

Study Bible

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years
Jacob's relocation to Egypt was a significant event in the history of Israel. This move was orchestrated by God to preserve Jacob's family during a severe famine, as Joseph, Jacob's son, had risen to power in Egypt. The seventeen years Jacob spent in Egypt were marked by peace and prosperity, contrasting with the earlier years of his life filled with struggle and hardship. This period allowed Jacob to witness the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the preservation and growth of his descendants. The number seventeen in biblical numerology often symbolizes overcoming the enemy and complete victory, reflecting Jacob's peaceful end after a life of trials.

and the length of his life was 147 years
Jacob's lifespan of 147 years is significant in the context of the patriarchal narratives. His life was shorter than that of his father Isaac, who lived 180 years, and his grandfather Abraham, who lived 175 years. This decline in lifespan among the patriarchs is often seen as a reflection of the increasing effects of sin in the world. Jacob's life, filled with personal and familial struggles, is a testament to God's faithfulness despite human frailty. His age at death also underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation, as he lived to see his family grow and prosper in Egypt. Jacob's life and death prefigure the eventual exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, pointing to God's redemptive plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. His life in Egypt marks a significant period where the Israelites begin their sojourn in a foreign land.

2. Egypt
The land where Jacob and his family settled during a time of famine. Egypt becomes a place of refuge and provision for Jacob's family, setting the stage for future events in Israelite history.

3. Seventeen Years
The period Jacob lived in Egypt before his death. This time represents a phase of peace and prosperity for Jacob and his family, despite being in a foreign land.

4. 147 Years
The total lifespan of Jacob, which reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to him and his ancestors regarding longevity and blessing.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Foreign Lands
Jacob's life in Egypt demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are in foreign lands. Believers can trust that God is with them, regardless of their circumstances or location.

The Importance of Family Legacy
Jacob's time in Egypt was spent with his family, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises. Christians are encouraged to invest in their families, passing down faith and values to future generations.

Life's Seasons and God's Timing
The seventeen years Jacob spent in Egypt were a season of peace and fulfillment. Believers should recognize that life has different seasons, and God's timing is perfect in each one.

Longevity and Purpose
Jacob's 147 years reflect a life lived with purpose under God's guidance. Christians are reminded to seek God's purpose for their lives, regardless of their age or stage in life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's experience in Egypt reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our own "foreign lands" or challenging situations?

2. In what ways can we, like Jacob, ensure that our family legacy aligns with God's purposes and promises?

3. How can we discern and embrace the different seasons of life that God leads us through, as seen in Jacob's seventeen years in Egypt?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's long life about living with purpose and faithfulness to God?

5. How does the account of Jacob in Egypt connect to the broader account of God's plan for Israel, and what implications does this have for understanding God's plan for our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 46:1-7
This passage describes Jacob's journey to Egypt, highlighting God's reassurance to Jacob about moving to a foreign land. It connects to Genesis 47:28 by showing the fulfillment of God's promise to be with Jacob in Egypt.

Hebrews 11:21
This verse in the New Testament references Jacob's faith, particularly at the end of his life, which ties back to his time in Egypt and his trust in God's promises.

Exodus 1:1-7
The beginning of Exodus recounts the growth of Jacob's family in Egypt, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus. This connection shows the continuation of God's plan for Israel, which began with Jacob's move to Egypt.