Genesis 46:1-7
Do Not Be Afraid to Go Down
Read the passage
1So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.
3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.
4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”
5Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives.
6They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt.
7Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Israel sets out with everything he has and comes to Beersheba. There he offers sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Egypt is a major step. Israel has heard that Joseph is alive. Yet the land God promised Abraham’s family is Canaan, and the journey will take this household away from it. He stops to worship before continuing.
God speaks to Israel in visions of the night and calls, “Jacob, Jacob.” Israel answers, “Here I am.” God tells him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt, because God will make him into a great nation there. God himself will go down with Israel to Egypt and will also bring him up again. Joseph's hand will close Israel's eyes when he dies.
Israel travels from Beersheba. Jacob's sons carry their father, their children, and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh sent. They take their livestock and goods acquired in Canaan and come to Egypt: Jacob and all his offspring, sons and grandsons, daughters and granddaughters, everyone in his household.
The move begins in worship and with a promise of presence. God does not tell Israel that the road will have no difficulty. He tells him that the family will not travel alone and that the promise will not end at the border.
Questions
1 Where did Israel stop before going to Egypt?
AnswerJacob stops at Beersheba and offers sacrifices to God before going to Egypt. The pause shows that the move is not treated as an ordinary trip.
2 What did God tell Israel not to do?
AnswerGod tells Jacob not to be afraid to go down to Egypt and promises to go with him. The promise addresses both the danger and the future of the family.
3 What did God promise to do?
AnswerGod promises to make Israel a great nation in Egypt and to bring the people up again. The move to Egypt is temporary within a larger promise.
4 Who traveled with Jacob?
AnswerJacob travels with his whole household, animals, and possessions. The family moves together, carrying both its history and its future.
What This Means for Us
Major changes deserve a pause for worship and honest fear. Do not assume that a move, job, or new season is unfaithful merely because it changes your location. Ask who is traveling with you, what needs protection, and whether you are trusting God's presence rather than a familiar map.
Prayer
God who goes with your people, meet us before major changes. Calm fears without shaming them, give wisdom for the needs of a whole household, and remind us that your faithfulness is not confined to one place. Lead us with care and bring us safely through the next season. Amen.