Joseph brings his brothers before Pharaoh, who asks about their occupation, just like most of us ask when meeting a stranger. As coached by Joseph, they announced boldly, though respectfully, that "Thy servants are shepherds." Although Joseph had risen to the highest position in the land, his past life as a slave and prisoner would never be forgotten. Now, his family's occupation was laid bare. If Joseph were ever tempted to be proud, he would just remember that he comes from the stock of shepherds. This passage also creates an echo. The shepherd theme is prominent in redemptive history, especially in describing our Savior as the "Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep." The brothers must have made a good impression, for Pharaoh grants their request to have Goshen for their possession.
Then Joseph presents his father, Jacob, in court. And what a scene! Though Pharaoh was the wealthier and more powerful, Jacob clearly was the superior, speaking authoritatively as a prophet and patriarch, a man who wrestled with God. Mimicking Melchizedek, Jacob blesses Pharaoh, as Hebrews 7 tells us, "the inferior (Pharaoh) is blessed by the superior (Jacob)." Pharoah asks Jacob a courteous question, "How old are you?" Jacob responds that his days are few and evil or full of trouble. Jacob was not complaining; he knew God had blessed and sustained him. He was merely stating facts. How different is Jacob's welcome to Egypt from his grandfather's. The contrasts are startling.
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
