Psalm 105:24-25

Psalm 105:24-25

It was the Lord who did it!

You will remember that it was 70 people who travelled, with Jacob, down to Egypt to be protected and cared for by Joseph.  (Genesis 46:27, Exodus 1:5.) These “foreigners” were allocated the land of Goshen, the name means “a place of comfort and plenty.” It is thought to be in the Nile delta close to the desert but well irrigated and fertile. When Joseph asked Pharaoh for this particular area of land, he was being very clever! He explained that his family were shepherds and they tended livestock and that they had brought their animals with them. If asked by Pharaoh or any Egyptian what their occupation was, the Hebrews were to say that they were carrying on the family tradition of raising livestock. Then they would be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen because “all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians!” Genesis 46:31-34. “So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.” Genesis 47:11-12.

Many years later the Hebrews had become prosperous and numerous, it is estimated that up to 2 million could have left Egypt during the Exodus! The Lord had indeed, “made His people very fruitful – too numerous for their foes.” That is why the Pharoah, centuries later, was threatened by them and turned them into slaves. That is why they cried out to God and Moses was appointed 430 years later, to lead them out of slavery to the Land of the Covenant Promises. It was enemy hatred that brought the people to slavery, but it was the over-riding plan of God that was being fulfilled even in the midst of their misery. You see, this whole story teaches us that even when everything seems to be going wrong, God’s plan is still unfolding. He always has a plan and He is always in control! Hallelujah!

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