Genesis:46

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* Verse 1-4 - Even as to those events and undertakings which appear most joyful , we should seek counsel , assistance , and a blessing from the Lord . Attending on his ordinances , and receiving the pledges of his covenant love , we expect his presence , and that peace which it confers . In all removals we should be reminded of our removal out of this world . Nothing can encourage us to fear no evil when passing through the valley of the shadow of death , but the presence of Christ . * Verse 5-27 - We have here a particular account of Jacob 's family . Though the fulfilling of promises is always sure , yet it is often slow . It was now 215 years since God had promised Abraham to make of him a great nation , ch . strkjv @12:2 . yet that branch of his seed , to which the promise was made sure , had only increased to seventy , of whom this particular account is kept , to show the power of God in making these seventy become a vast multitude . * Verse 28-34 - It was justice to Pharaoh to let him know that such a family was come to settle in his dominions . If others put confidence in us , we must not be so base as to abuse it by imposing upon them . But how shall Joseph dispose of his brethren ? Time was , when they were contriving to be rid of him ; now he is contriving to settle them to their advantage ; this is rendering good for evil . He would have them live by themselves , in the land of Goshen , which lay nearest to Canaan . Shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians . Yet Joseph would have them not ashamed to own this as their occupation before Pharaoh . He might have procured places for them at court or in the army . But such preferments would have exposed them to the envy of the Egyptians , and might have tempted them to forget Canaan and the promise made unto their fathers . An honest calling is no disgrace , nor ought we to account it so , but rather reckon it a shame to be idle , or to have nothing to do . It is generally best for people to abide in the callings they have been bred to and used to . Whatever employment and condition God in his providence has allotted for us , let us suit ourselves to it , satisfy ourselves with it , and not mind high things . It is better to be the credit of a mean post , than the shame of a high one . If we wish to destroy our souls , or the souls of our children , then let us seek for ourselves , and for them , great things ; but if not , it becomes us , having food and raiment , therewith to be content . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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