Bible Study Lesson about Jacob from Genesis 46:1–34
What would it take for you to leave everything familiar behind? Sometimes God’s call doesn’t come with a map—only a promise. In Genesis 46, we meet an elderly patriarch facing one final, life-changing journey. The story of Jacob Goes to Egypt is more than a travel narrative; it’s a powerful lesson about faith, fear, and trusting God when the future feels uncertain.
In this Genesis Bible lesson, we see how Jacob—also known as Israel—steps forward in obedience. Guided by God’s reassurance and reunited with Joseph, his long-lost son, Jacob’s move sets the stage for the birth of a nation.
Jacob Goes to Egypt: Trusting God Step by Step
If you’ve ever returned from a business trip or family vacation, you probably planned your route and packed ahead of time. But in Jacob’s day, traveling to Egypt was no small task. For an aging man and his entire household, this journey meant leaving behind everything familiar.
Still, Jacob trusted God. And because of that trust, the nation of Israel was about to be born.
Why Did Jacob Go to Egypt?
The answer is both practical and spiritual. On one hand, famine had devastated the land of Canaan. On the other, God was at work fulfilling His covenant promises. Joseph—Jacob’s son—had risen to power in Egypt, a story you can read here.
Before continuing the journey, Jacob stopped at Beersheba to worship. That pause mattered. It reminds us that major decisions should begin with seeking God.
“So Israel set out with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.”
— Genesis 46:1
God Speaks: Reassurance for a Fearful Heart
That night, God spoke directly to Jacob in a vision. Notice how personal and comforting His words were.
“Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.”
He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.”
— Genesis 46:2–3
God didn’t ignore Jacob’s fear. Instead, He addressed it head-on. He promised His presence, His protection, and a future beyond what Jacob could see.
“I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will close your eyes.”
— Genesis 46:4
Joseph’s Father Takes a Leap of Faith
With God’s promise firmly in mind, Jacob moved forward. His sons gathered their families, livestock, and possessions. Pharaoh even provided wagons for the journey.
“Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob and their little ones and their wives in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.”
— Genesis 46:5
This wasn’t a single family relocating—it was the migration of an entire people. When Jacob goes to Egypt, it marks the moment when God began shaping Israel into a nation, just as He promised.
Faith Over Fear
Fear is a normal human response, especially when facing big changes. Jacob surely felt uncertainty. Yet his faith in God was stronger than his anxiety or fear.
We face similar moments today. Small acts of obedience feel manageable, but big steps can be intimidating. Still, God asks us to trust Him in both.
Doing the Big Things God Asks
Jesus spoke about faith the size of a mustard seed—and Jacob lived it out. When we trust God with even a small amount of faith, He can accomplish incredible things.
Instead of letting fear stop us, we can lean into God’s promises. Jacob did, and his obedience changed history.
Life Lessons from Jacob’s Journey
The story of Jacob Goes to Egypt reminds us that God often works through transitions. If you’d like to learn how God shaped Joseph’s life along the way, don’t miss these life lessons from Joseph in the Bible.
For more resources like this one, visit the homepage at Making Christ Known, where you’ll find life lessons found in Scripture.
Love in Christ,
— Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please read the verse John 3:16 to learn more.
*All Scripture verses from the New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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