May 24, 2018 - Day 46 - Genesis 46

I am writing from my desk in Seattle, WA.

Genesis 46:

I really wish this author would decide whether to use the name "Israel" or "Jacob" for Joseph's father.  Its really confusing.

Israel (Jacob) heads off for Egypt, and when he gets to Beersheba, he offered up some sacrifices to God, like ya do.  God speaks to him in a vision later that night and tells him not to be afraid going to Egypt.  God goes on to say, "I will make you into a great nation there."  And this is interesting.  Make someone into a nation?  The term "nation" is a bit curious.  Today, a nation is a country.  Then, not so much.  The Hebrew word for nation here is "gowy" and sounds like like (GOI), rhymes with boy.  It usually means people, or a group of non-Hebrew people (Gentiles), or descendants of Abraham, or just being of Israel (which would be more specific descendants of Abraham); and it can figuratively mean a swarm of locusts or other animals.  Anyway, a little depth into the Hebrew there.

Israel is told that God will be with him on his journey to Egypt, and that he will be brought back again, and that Joseph's own hand will close his eyes.  Does this mean close his eyes if he dies with his eyes open?  Not sure.

So Jacob (Israel) leaves Beersheba for Egypt and brings the whole crew.  And there was a list of descendants who went with him, and its a ton of people.  Seventy to be exact.

Jacob (Israel) and Joseph finally see each other in Goshen.  They get their hug on and their weep on.  Israel (Jacob) tells Joseph that now he's ready to die.

Next part I don't get.  Help me out.  Joseph says this:
--
When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
--
So, why say they are shepherds if shepherds are detestable?  Am I missing something?  Hmm

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