Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Genesis 46:34 (BSB)
you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”” — Genesis 46:34
Imagine being part of a family that has raised animals your whole life, and now you're trying to explain your way of life to people who see your job as disgusting. In this moment, you're feeling nervous and perhaps a bit ashamed. This verse shows how the family of Jacob, who are shepherds, is trying to carve out a place for themselves in a foreign land where their occupation is looked down upon. It's a moment of vulnerability and determination to find a home despite the odds stacked against them.
This book, Genesis, was traditionally attributed to Moses, who wrote it to capture the origins of the world and God’s people. Moses wanted to convey the story of the Israelites and their struggles, including this particular detail about their profession. It’s a reminder of the challenges faced by their ancestors and the lengths they went to ensure their survival. Moses understood the importance of remembering where you come from, especially when facing new challenges.
When this was written, the Israelites were living in Egypt, a powerful nation at the time, around 1400 BC. The culture was vastly different, and shepherding was seen as a lowly profession. This historical backdrop is crucial; it helps you understand why shepherds, like Jacob's family, would feel the need to highlight their profession to avoid conflict. The tension between different cultures was palpable, and this verse captures that moment of seeking acceptance in a world that may not welcome you.
This verse resonates with you today because it speaks to the universal experience of feeling out of place or judged for who you are. Just like Jacob's family, you might face situations where your identity or choices are misunderstood. This verse encourages you to embrace who you are, even when others might not appreciate it. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves a place to belong, and your unique background can be a strength, not a weakness.
This week, think about an aspect of your life or identity that you might feel shy about or judged for. Instead of hiding it, find a way to embrace and share it with someone. Maybe it's a hobby, a passion, or even a job you love. Share why it matters to you and see how it can foster connection with others. Just like Jacob's family, you can find strength in your story!
Leading up to this moment, Jacob's family is on a journey to reunite with Joseph, who they thought was lost but is now a powerful figure in Egypt. This verse comes right after they arrive, and it's crucial because it sets the stage for how they will navigate their new lives in Egypt. By stating their profession, they are hoping to secure a safe space in Goshen, away from the Egyptians who disdain shepherds. This moment highlights the tension of being outsiders in a new land, trying to assert their identity while facing prejudice.
What does it mean for you to embrace your identity in a world that might not always understand or accept it?
Keep reading the full Genesis 46:34 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free