Genesis 46 · Grade 5
Into Egypt with God
Read and Think
Genesis 46 marks a major turning point: the family of promise leaves Canaan for Egypt. Jacob pauses at Beersheba, the place where Abraham and Isaac had called on the Lord, and offers sacrifices. His hesitation is understandable; Isaac had been forbidden to go to Egypt (26:2). God's final recorded word to Jacob addresses that fear: Don't be afraid to go down into Egypt.
God's promise contains three parts: I will make of you a great nation there; I will go down with you; and I will also surely bring you up again. These promises shape the book of Exodus. In Egypt, Israel will grow from a family into a nation, and God will bring them out in power. This fulfills God's word to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16.
The genealogy lists the seventy persons of Jacob's household, a number of completeness. Stephen later cites seventy-five (Acts 7:14), following the Greek Old Testament, which counted additional descendants of Joseph. The reunion of Jacob and Joseph is tender: Joseph weeps a good while on his father's neck. Joseph then wisely positions his family in Goshen as shepherds, which kept them somewhat separate from Egyptian society and helped preserve their identity as God's people.
Show What You Know
Why might Jacob have hesitated to go to Egypt?
What are the three parts of God's promise?
How does this chapter connect to Exodus?
Why does Acts 7:14 say seventy-five?
Why was living in Goshen as shepherds helpful?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Genesis 46 marks a major turning point: the of promise leaves Canaan for Egypt.
- His hesitation is understandable; Isaac had been forbidden to go to (26:2).
- In Egypt, Israel will grow from a family into a nation, and will bring them out in power.
Think About It
God's promises to Jacob shaped the next book of the Bible. How do God's promises shape your future?
How can Christians keep their identity as God's people while living in the world?
Memory Verse
“He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation.”
Genesis 46:3 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you remember God's presence during a big move or change?
- How can you ask God for wisdom when you must choose?
- How can you welcome family members with joy?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.