“And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis where Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, rises to a position of power and authority in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. In this particular passage, Joseph’s brothers, who have come to Egypt seeking food during a severe famine, appear before Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. The verse begins with Pharaoh inquiring about their occupation, asking them what they do for a living. The brothers respond by stating that they are shepherds, and they mention that their fathers were also shepherds.
It’s important to note that being a shepherd was a significant occupation in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Israelites. This exchange between Pharaoh and Joseph’s brothers is significant for a few reasons:
Cultural context:In the Egyptian society of that time, shepherding was not a highly regarded occupation. Egyptians generally considered shepherds to be socially and religiously inferior. Pharaoh’s inquiry about their occupation might indicate his curiosity or even a potential concern regarding their status as shepherds.
Identification:The brothers openly declare their identity as shepherds, emphasising the continuity of their occupation across generations. This acknowledgment not only reflects their honesty but also their identification with their family heritage and ancestral occupation.
Foreshadowing:This verse foreshadows future events in the story, as the Israelites, descendants of Jacob’s sons, would eventually become enslaved in Egypt for several centuries. By mentioning their occupation as shepherds, the narrative subtly hints at the future conflict and tension that would arise between the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Overall, Genesis 47:3 highlights the encounter between Joseph’s brothers and Pharaoh, revealing their occupation as shepherds and setting the stage for the unfolding of subsequent events in the biblical narrative. It provides valuable insights into the cultural context, the characters’ identities, and hints at future developments in the story of the Israelites.
