Ep. 21. Genesis 45-48 | The Remnant
EPISODE 21
THE REMNANT: GENESIS 45-48
It was on the second visit that Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. Don't miss how often the second time something happens in the Scripture and the significance it holds. Saul was the first king of Israel, but the second King was David, the king God appointed. The first Adam brought sin, and the second Adam (Jesus) brought life into the world. The first coming of Jesus, he spoke in parables so that he would not be understood, so that he would be missed. But in the second coming of Jesus, he will make himself known to everyone. Also, we see that Joseph did not make himself known the first time; he spoke through an interpreter so he would not be understood. He didn't look like they expected him to look, but he was the source of life. In fact, Joseph didn't actually believe his brothers sent him to Egypt, for he says three times, "God sent me before you to preserve life, God sent me before you to preserve a remnant, so it was not you who sent me here, but God."
That brings up another interesting point. God sent Joseph into Egypt at least 22 years ahead of his brothers so that he could keep the people of Israel alive. In another 350 years, God placed Moses in a position to protect his people in Egypt. God sent Daniel to Babylon roughly thirteen years before the rest of the captive Israelites so that Daniel could be in power and preserve a remnant for God. Esther was made queen nearly five years before being called upon to intervene on behalf of the people of God. And, of course, Christ was sent ahead of the coming judgment of God to keep alive a remnant of God's people of faith. The idea of God preserving a remnant is woven throughout the Bible, and it primarily refers to the faithful few of Israel whose confidence always rested in God as the provider of salvation.
Joseph has his entire family brought to Egypt, and again, we are reminded of Genesis 15:13-16.
Genesis 47:9 shows that Jacob (Israel) is 130 years old. We don't have enough information about his age to pin down any previous details. We know he was over 40 when he went to live with his uncle. We know he lived there for twenty years and that at least twenty-two years have passed for Joseph in Egypt, but that sums up all the pieces we know. The significance of Jacob's age is the timeline it gives us moving forward. We will learn in Exodus 12 that the Hebrews lived in Egypt for 430 years to the very day. Jacob will live in Egypt for 17 years before he dies. That leaves 413 years between his death and the exodus. It leaves 333 years between his death and the birth of Moses. Or 373 years between his death and Moses' fleeing from Pharaoh. These numbers might not mean much to you and aren't necessary to enjoy the Scripture, but I do enjoy the details.
Finally, we see in Genesis 48 that Jacob (Israel) blesses the younger son above the older son. Ephraim receives the blessing Manasseh should have received. Once again, the second son gets the blessing. When the nation of Israel is split in two and becomes the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, we will see Ephraim rise to power to rule the northern kingdom. It is important to note that Ephraim/ Israel (also called Samaria in some prophetic texts) will never have a king who serves God.
ADDITIONAL READING: Romans 11:1-7; Isaiah 10:20-21; 2 Kings 19:30; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5: 12-17; Mark 4: 10-12; Isaiah 6:1-11; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Daniel 2; Esther 2; Exodus 2; Genesis 15:13-16
