Genesis_46-47-1-12.pdf

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Genesis 46:1-34
- Genesis 47:1-12

**Observation Questions:**
1. What specific reassurance did God give to Jacob about moving to Egypt, and how did Jacob respond?
2. How did Joseph prepare for his family's arrival in Egypt, and what role did he play in their settlement?
3. What was the significance of Jacob blessing Pharaoh, and how did this interaction unfold?
4. How did the famine impact Jacob's family, and what provisions were made for them in Egypt?

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How does God's reassurance to Jacob reflect His faithfulness in times of transition for believers today?
2. In what ways does the unity of Jacob's family during their journey to Egypt illustrate the importance of family support in times of crisis?
3. How does Joseph's rise to power in Egypt demonstrate the concept of divine timing and providence?
4. What can be learned from Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh about being a blessing to others, even in unfamiliar situations?

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent transition or change in your life. How can you seek and recognize God's reassurance and guidance during this time?
2. Consider a challenge your family is currently facing. How can you work together to strengthen your unity and support each other through shared faith and purpose?
3. Think about a situation where you are waiting for God's timing. How can you trust in His providence and remain patient, even when the outcome is uncertain?
4. Identify a person or group in your life who may be in need of encouragement or support. How can you be a blessing to them this week, reflecting God's love and grace?
5. In times of scarcity or difficulty, how can you remind yourself of God's provision and care? What practical steps can you take to trust in His provision more fully?
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and contentment, even when facing challenges or uncertainties in your life?
7. Reflect on a time when you were able to bless someone else. How did that experience impact you, and how can you continue to be a conduit of God's blessings in your community?

Day 1: Trusting God in Transitions
In times of transition, God reassures us of His presence and guidance, just as He did with Jacob. When Jacob faced the daunting task of moving his entire family to Egypt during a severe famine, God promised to be with him and to fulfill His promises. This assurance is a reminder that God is with us in our own times of change and uncertainty. We can find comfort in knowing that God’s presence accompanies us wherever we go, and His plans for us are good. Our faith is strengthened when we trust in His guidance and lean on His promises during life's transitions.

Genesis 46:3-4 (ESV): "Then he said, 'I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.'"

Reflection: What transition are you currently facing where you need to trust in God's presence and guidance? How can you remind yourself of His promises today?


Day 2: The Power of Family Unity
Jacob's journey to Egypt with his entire family highlights the importance of family unity, especially in times of crisis. This unity is not just about being physically together but also about sharing faith and purpose. When families come together, they can provide strength and support to one another, helping each member navigate challenges. The story of Jacob and his family reminds us that family unity is a powerful force that can help us overcome difficulties and fulfill God's purposes in our lives.

Genesis 45:10-11 (ESV): "You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty."

Reflection: How can you foster unity within your family today? What steps can you take to strengthen your family's shared faith and purpose?


Day 3: Recognizing Divine Timing
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt was part of God's divine plan, demonstrating that His timing is perfect. Even when we cannot see it, God is at work in our circumstances, using them to bring about His purposes and blessings. This story encourages us to trust in God's timing, knowing that He is orchestrating events in our lives for our good. When we recognize His divine timing, we can find peace and assurance, even in challenging situations.

Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to see God's timing? How can you trust that He is working for your good, even if the timing seems unclear?


Day 4: Being a Blessing to Others
Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh shows that we can be a blessing to others, even in unfamiliar situations. Our interactions with those around us can reflect God's love and grace, impacting lives positively. We are called to be conduits of God’s blessings wherever we are placed, sharing His love and grace with those we encounter. This story encourages us to look for opportunities to bless others, knowing that our actions can have a lasting impact.

Genesis 47:7 (ESV): "Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh."

Reflection: Who in your life can you bless today? What specific action can you take to reflect God's love and grace to them?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision
Despite the famine, God provided for Jacob and his family through Joseph, illustrating that He is our ultimate provider. In times of scarcity, we can trust that God is capable of meeting our needs. This story reminds us that God cares for us deeply and is able to provide for us in the most difficult times. Trusting in His provision allows us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us and will meet our needs.

Genesis 45:5-7 (ESV): "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's provision? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and care today?

1. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you and bring you up again."


2. "Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept a good while."


3. "The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of my life, and they have not attained to the days of my fathers."


4. "Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, as Pharaoh had commanded."


5. "When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now.’"


6. "Israel said to Joseph, 'Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.'"


7. "The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen."


8. "Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh. Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with food."