Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 5
Identifying major turning points in history is a subjective undertaking, and this series of articles is not intended to be exhaustive. But the next turning point we will note is the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt (Gen 46). Of course, this would not have been possible without Joseph’s rise to power, but Jacob’s journey to Goshen is like seeds being planted in fertile soil.
Over the next several generations Israel will grow from a few clans to a huge multitude, fulfilling God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the sand blanketing the seashores. Such hyperboles are used for effect: Jacob’s family numbered about 70 people upon entrance into Egypt and emerged with a fighting force of 603,550 young men. The full population is anybody’s guess.
Life in Egypt provided many advantages. Goshen, the delta area of the Nile, was productive farm land. It was far from the centers of political power. Egyptians despised shepherds as a class (Gn 46:34) and would likely have avoided them as foreigners. All of this allowed Abraham’s descendants to “stay under the radar” and enjoy a long period of sustained growth.
This may have been the longest stretch of peace and prosperity Israel ever enjoyed. Toward the end of their time in Egypt dark clouds were gathering that would never completely lift, a misty dreariness that was so often of their own making.
