“All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were threescore and six.”
This verse is part of the account of Jacob and his family’s journey to Egypt during a time of famine. Let’s dive into the context and explore the significance of Genesis 46:26.
Jacob’s Journey to Egypt: After learning that his son Joseph was alive and ruling in Egypt, Jacob, also known as Israel, decided to go down to Egypt with his entire household. This decision was prompted by the promise of provision and protection from Joseph, who had become a high-ranking official in Pharaoh’s court.
The Souls that Came with Jacob: Genesis 46:8-25 provides a detailed list of the names of Jacob’s descendants who accompanied him to Egypt. These include his sons, their wives, and his grandsons. In Genesis 46:26, it is specified that the count of “all the souls” who migrated to Egypt with Jacob, excluding his sons’ wives, was sixty-six.
Symbolism and Numerical Significance: In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The number “sixty-six” holds significance in this context. It represents a counting of the descendants of Jacob who went to Egypt. However, it is important to note that the symbolism associated with this number is not explicitly explained in the text.
Importance of Family and Covenant: The migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites. It reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation. The preservation of Jacob’s family through the famine and their subsequent settlement in Egypt are part of God’s larger plan to fulfill His covenant promises.
Foreshadowing the Exodus: The descent of Jacob and his family into Egypt sets the stage for the subsequent events in the book of Exodus. The Israelites’ time in Egypt, which initially began with Joseph’s rise to power, would ultimately result in their enslavement and the eventual Exodus led by Moses. Thus, Genesis 46:26 serves as a prelude to the narrative arc that unfolds in later chapters of the Bible.
In summary, Genesis 46:26 provides a glimpse into the number of people who migrated to Egypt with Jacob, excluding his sons’ wives. While the exact significance of the number sixty-six is not explained in the text, it marks an important moment in the story of Jacob’s descendants and foreshadows future events in the history of the Israelites.
