Genesis 46 Reunion and Redemption: The Journey of Israel's Sons to Egypt"

In Genesis 46, we witness a profound moment in the biblical narrative—the reunion of Jacob, now called Yisharal, with his sons in Egypt. This chapter not only marks a pivotal turn in the lives of the patriarch and his descendants but also signifies the unfolding of divine promises. As Israel sets out with all he possesses, he stops at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to the Alahim of his father Isaac, where Yahuah reassures him in a vision. Encouraged, Israel proceeds to Egypt, bringing not just his sons but also his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—a total of seventy souls, entering a land of both promise and trial.
The chapter details each of Israel's sons and their descendants, underscoring the importance of each tribe in the formation of the nation. From Reuben, the firstborn, to Benjamin, each name carries a story of struggle, hope, and divine providence. As they settle in Goshen, a place apart within Egypt, we see a strategic move designed to preserve their identity as shepherds—a profession despised by the Egyptians.
This poignant reunion between Joseph and Jacob, where tears of joy are shed and past sorrows momentarily forgotten, highlights the emotional depth of familial bonds and the overarching narrative of redemption that threads through their lives. Join us as we delve into this moving chapter, reflecting on how perseverance, faith, and divine guidance navigate us through our most challenging times to bring about reunification and fulfillment of Yahuah’s promises.
1. Yisrael (Yaqub) - "He struggles with God" or "God prevails". This name was given to Jacob after wrestling with an angel, symbolizing his spiritual struggles and victories.
2. Reuben (Rauben) - "See, a son". His name is a testament to Leah's hope that Jacob would love her upon bearing him a son.
3. Simeon (Shimeun) - "Heard". Leah named him this because Yahuah had heard that she was unloved.
4. Levi (Lui) - "Attached" or "joined". Named so because Leah hoped that Jacob would become attached to her after bearing him three sons.
5. Judah (Yahudah) - "Praise". Leah praised Yahuah upon his birth.
6. Issachar (Yissaskar) - Likely means "there is recompense" or "man of hire", reflecting Leah's hope for reward in her marital struggles.
7. Zebulun (Zebulun) - "Dwelling" or "honor"; Leah hoped that with his birth, her husband would honor her.
8. Gad - "Good fortune". This was a proclamation of Leah’s fortune at his birth.
9. Asher - "Happy" or "blessed". Leah felt blessed at his birth.
10. Joseph (Yosef) - "May he add". Rachel named him with the hope that Yahuah would add another son to her.
11. Benjamin (Benyamin) - "Son of the right hand" or "son of the south", named by his father Jacob as the only son born in the Promised Land, and in his old age.
12. Dan - "He judged". Rachel named him, celebrating her sense of divine justice in her rivalry with Leah.
13. Naphtali (Naftali) - "My struggle", named by Rachel who felt she struggled with her sister Leah.
14. Gad - "Fortune" or "luck", reflecting Leah’s sentiments through her maid Zilpah.
15. Asher - "Happy" or "blessing", indicating Leah’s feelings of happiness through her maid Zilpah.