“That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.”
In this verse, we find Joseph speaking to his brothers, who have come to Egypt during a severe famine to buy food. Joseph was the governor of Egypt and had revealed his true identity to his brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery. As Joseph plans to settle his family in Egypt, he instructs his brothers to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
- “That ye shall say, Thy servants’ trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers”: Joseph instructs his brothers to inform Pharaoh that they have been engaged in the trade of raising and tending to livestock, particularly cattle, from their youth and throughout their generations. This was a reflection of their occupation as shepherds, emphasizing their expertise in animal husbandry.
- “That ye may dwell in the land of Goshen”: Joseph’s intention is for his family to settle in the land of Goshen, which was a fertile region in Egypt. Goshen provided excellent grazing lands for their livestock and was suitable for their pastoral lifestyle. By revealing their occupation as shepherds, Joseph seeks to secure a suitable dwelling place for his family within Egypt.
- “For every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians”: This statement explains why Joseph wants his family to settle in Goshen. The Egyptians considered shepherds to be an abomination or detestable. The occupation of a shepherd was viewed as lowly and unfitting for Egyptians, who had a more urban and agricultural society. By settling in Goshen, away from the main Egyptian population, Joseph’s family could maintain their cultural identity and way of life without causing offense or being rejected by the Egyptians.
Overall, Genesis 46:34 highlights Joseph’s wisdom and strategic thinking in settling his family in Egypt. By positioning his brothers as shepherds, Joseph ensures that they can live in a region suitable for their occupation and customs while avoiding the cultural clash and prejudice that would arise if they were to live among the Egyptians.
This verse also serves as a reminder that God’s providence was at work throughout Joseph’s life. Despite the hardships he faced, God used Joseph’s experiences to position him in a place of authority where he could save his family and ultimately fulfill God’s plan to establish the nation of Israel.
As with any passage of Scripture, it’s important to study it in context, considering the surrounding verses and the broader themes of the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and application.
