In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into Chapters 49 and 50 of the Book of Genesis focusing on Jacob's final act before his death. At 147 years old, Jacob, also known as Israel, ensures a fair distribution of the blessing by bestowing it upon each of his sons, making them all leaders and princes in their own right. Reuben, however, is excluded from the special blessing due to his past transgression. Jacob prophesies about the future of each tribe, addressing their characters and actions. He predicts the instability of Reuben's tribe, warns Simeon and Levi about the consequences of their violence, and gives a positive message to Judah, who is destined to bring forth the Messiah. 

Jacob's wisdom in resolving past conflicts and ensuring a future for his descendants. By distributing the patriarchal blessing among his sons, Jacob eliminates the strife that had previously surrounded it. Each son receives a prophecy about their tribe's future and their divine calling as chosen people. The significance of Judah emerges as he is exonerated and becomes the tribe from which the Messiah will come. Jacob's final act before his death sets the stage for the future leadership and destiny of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Chapter 50 touches on the burial of Jacob, emphasizing the public mourning held for him, even in Egypt. This distinction is attributed to Joseph's position as a ruler in Egypt, which brings prestige and honor to Jacob's memory. The book concludes with Joseph’s passing.

Bible References:

• Gen. 49:1-2 - Jacob gathers his sons to speak with them
• Rev. 5:5 - “Lion of the tribe of Judah”
• Gen. 49: 3-21 - Blessings are given to each son in order of their birth
• Rev. 7:5-8 - Dan isn’t mentioned in the saved tribes of Israel
• Chron. 2-10 - Dan is omitted from the genealogies
• Gen. 49:22-26 - Blessings to Joseph
• Gen. 49:28 - Conclusion of the blessings
• Gen. 49:29-32 - Death of Jacob
• Gen. 50:2-3 - Joseph asked his physicians to embalm his father
• Gen. 50:14 - Joseph returned to Egypt
• Gen. 50:15-21 - Joseph reassures his brothers
• Duet. 6:4-10 - To love God and my brothers is my duty…
• Gen. 50:22-26 - The death of Joseph

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you through the origin story of God’s people shown to us in the Book of Genesis. Here is an opportunity to explore the early history of God’s people. With historical and Scriptural references, each session will open your eyes to the mystery of God’s creation. 

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan focuses on the culmination of the dramatic events in Joseph's story. Chapter 46 of the Book of Genesis reveals that Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, reunites with his father in a deeply emotional moment. The two believed each other to be dead, and their reunion is filled with tears and joy. Joseph takes his family to the land of Goshen, which he had prepared for them. However, he must seek Pharaoh's permission for his brothers to settle there.

In Chapter 47, we see that with Joseph's guidance, they successfully secure Pharaoh's approval for their settlement in Goshen. Pharaoh is impressed by the blessings and importance Joseph bestows upon his family, even blessing Pharaoh himself. As the famine worsens, Joseph implements a plan to sustain the people of Egypt. He exchanges food for livestock, gradually acquiring all the livestock in the land. Eventually, when the people run out of money, Joseph provides them with seeds to cultivate the land and have a harvest. This marks the end of the famine, allowing the people to resume their normal lives.

As time passes, Jacob, now 147 years old, knows that his end is near. He prepares to return to the land of Canaan, the place God had promised to his descendants. In Chapter 48, we see that in the final moments, Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, acknowledging their adoption into the family of Israel and their faith in God.

Bible References:

• Gen. 46:28-30 - Israel arrives at Goshen and Joseph meets his father there
• Gen. 46:31 - Joseph must seek Pharaoh's permission for his brothers 
• Gen. 46:34 - Shepherds are an abomination to the Egyptians
• Gen. 47:5-6 - Pharoah allows Joseph’s family to settle in Egypt
• Gen. 47:7-10 - Jacob blessed Pharoah
• Heb. 11:14 - Life as a pilgrimage
• Gen. 47:11 - They are settling in a land that will be ruled by Rameses
• Gen. 47:13-25 - Joseph’s plan to sustain the people of Egypt
• Gen. 47:27-31 - Jacob’s instruction to Joseph
• Gen. 48:3-5 - Joseph’s two sons are made a part of the people of God
• Gen. 48:14-22 - Jacob blesses Ephraim, Manasseh, and Joseph
• Ex. 15:6 - “Right hand… glorious in power”
• Ps. 16:11, Ps. 20:6 - Blessings of the right hand

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you through the origin story of God’s people shown to us in the Book of Genesis. Here is an opportunity to explore the early history of God’s people. With historical and Scriptural references, each session will open your eyes to the mystery of God’s creation. 

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

When Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, the brothers are left in shock and vulnerable before Joseph, who now holds all the power over them. Joseph's humanity is evident as he openly weeps multiple times, revealing the immense pain he endured during his years of slavery and imprisonment. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains Chapter 45 of the Book of Genesis where we see events that led to Joseph’s position in Egypt. It becomes clear that God had orchestrated his journey with a greater purpose in mind: to preserve life and reunite his family.

Joseph's forgiveness towards his brothers is demonstrated through various acts of kindness and mercy, despite the terrible wrongs they committed against him. His forgiveness reveals the balance between his wisdom and emotional nature. Joseph reveals his plan for the family to move to Egypt to survive the ongoing famine. He desires not only to bring his beloved father, Jacob but the entire family. Joseph's generosity extends further, as he promises them the best of the land and provisions for their journey. Jacob, upon hearing the news of Joseph's survival, decides to travel to Egypt with his family, receiving confirmation from God that it is the right course of action. 

Through Joseph’s leadership and care, he becomes the true inheritor and leader of the chosen family. His love and forgiveness profoundly impact his brothers, who experience a transformation in the face of absolute love and grace. 

Bible References:

• Gen. 45:1-2 - Joseph weeps in front of his family
• Gen. 45:4-8 - Joseph’s forgiveness to his brothers and trust in God
• Gen. 45:9-13 - The plan for the family
• Gen. 45:14-15 - Joseph wept while hugging Benjamin
• Gen. 45:16 - News reached the Pharoah
• Gen. 45:17-22 - Pharoah’s generosity to Joseph’s brothers
• Gen. 45:26 - The brothers tell Jacob that Joseph is alive
• Gen. 46:1-4 - God speaks to Jacob in Bersheeba
• Matt. 13:31 - Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you through the origin story of God’s people shown to us in the Book of Genesis. Here is an opportunity to explore the early history of God’s people. With historical and Scriptural references, each session will open your eyes to the mystery of God’s creation. 

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/