“And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.”
This verse is a part of the account of Jacob and his family’s journey to Egypt during a severe famine. In this particular verse, the focus is on the descendants of Joseph who were born in Egypt.
To understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to provide some context. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt. Through a series of events, Joseph was able to reconcile with his family, and Jacob, along with his entire household, decided to relocate to Egypt where Joseph had prepared a place for them.
The phrase “were two souls” in Genesis 46:27 refers to the two sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born to him in Egypt. It highlights the fact that these two sons were a part of the group of Jacob’s descendants who migrated to Egypt. The mention of the two souls emphasizes the numerical count of Joseph’s sons rather than a focus on their individual identities.
The latter part of the verse states, “all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.” Threescore and ten is another way of saying seventy. This number represents the total number of people from Jacob’s household who migrated to Egypt, including Jacob himself, his sons, their wives, and their children. It is important to note that the descendants of Jacob would eventually grow into the twelve tribes of Israel.
Genesis 46:27 reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had promised to make them into a great nation, and the migration to Egypt marked a significant step in that fulfillment. Through the descendants of Jacob, God would establish the nation of Israel.
This verse also underscores the theme of God’s providence throughout the book of Genesis. Despite the hardships and challenges faced by Jacob and his family, God was working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes. The preservation and growth of Jacob’s household in Egypt were part of God’s plan to ensure the continuation of His covenant promises.
In summary, Genesis 46:27 highlights the inclusion of Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in the number of souls who came into Egypt. It also signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to make Jacob’s descendants into a great nation. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His providential care over His people.
