Genesis 47: 1 - 4

Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”

“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”

New International Version (NIV)

How long is a “while”? Every child who is waiting on a parent knows a while last for . . . forever! How long will we be in our current situation? Do you ever wonder? The Psalmist asks God, “How long?” (Psalm 113:1-2). The martyrs at the altar in heaven, waiting for the consummation of the ages wonder: “How long?” 

When Joseph chose a fiver person basketball lineup of brothers to meet with Pharaoh, he gave them instructions. No one interacted with Pharaoh more than Joseph. The lord of the land knew the lay of the land when it came to entering the Egyptian “oval office.” Which brothers were on the starting five? Why were they chosen? Were they intimidated by the gravitas of the great ruler of Egypt? We don’t know.

Their job was to identify their specialization as shepherds. They told Pharaoh they came from a long line of shepherds, “just as our fathers were.” They came with their flocks in the middle of the famine.  How long were thy planning on staying? “A while.” Now we know the answer to the question. How long is a while? Not forever. But for over four hundred years the children of Israel would live in that land (Exodus 12:40-41). They lived there long enough for a new Pharaoh to arise who did not remember Joseph. Pharaoh forgot about Joseph, but God never forgot his people. He never will.

Pray with me:

Father, we have been in our current situation longer than we thought we might. It has been a while. Sometimes, we may feel forgotten. Still we know from your word that you never leave, forsake, or forget us. Help us to live in that hope today. We set you always before us remembering your unforgettable love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Genesis this year. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

2025 Bible Reading Plan

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