The Bible is very sparing in its description of Joseph’s reunion with his father. No doubt, it was a profound and emotional moment.
Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
Israel said to Joseph, “I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive” (Genesis 46:29-30).
As you read through Genesis, notice the name change with Jacob/Israel. When the Bible speaks of Jacob the father and man, “Jacob” is used, but when the nation is in mind “Israel” is the reference.
Joseph settles his family in Goshen because as shepherds they are looked upon negatively by the Egyptians.
When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our ancestors,’ in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen, because all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians” (Genesis 46:33-34).
Migrants, Immigrants, and Aliens
Joseph presented his brothers to Pharaoh. Note: “Pharaoh” is a title, not the name of the ruler of Egypt.
Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were.”
They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to reside as aliens in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, we ask you, let your servants settle in the land of Goshen” (Genesis 47:3-4).
Why did Joseph’s family migrate to Egypt? The brothers informed the Pharaoh that they couldn’t sustain their herds in Canaan. They presented themselves as servants, available to work with and for Pharaoh.
Why do people from Venezuela migrate all over South and North America? The Venezuelan Finance Observatory has at least one answer. They report that in March 2025 the average family income is $231.49 per month.
Joseph’s family became immigrants because there was a famine in Canaan.
In Venezuela, high inflation and economic challenges have a significant impact on food prices and affordability for residents. The cost of a basic food basket in Venezuela can be substantial compared to the minimum wage, leading to food insecurity for many.
Valued in Egypt
Even though shepherds were looked down upon in Egypt, their services were needed. Pharaoh saw the value of Joseph’s family and gave them prime land and an opportunity to be of service to the nation.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you.
The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land; let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know that there are capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock” (Genesis 47:5-6).
All immigration – not just from Venezuela in my illustration above – to the United States is valuable to our country.
The Internet cites projections from the Congressional Budget Office that increased immigration is expected to boost the U.S. Gross Domestic Product by $8.9 trillion over the decade from 2024 to 2034.
Various reports and studies highlight the ways immigrants contribute annually to the economy:
Labor Force Participation: Like Israel’s family, immigrants are a critical part of the U.S. labor force, filling essential jobs across various sectors and contributing to overall productivity and economic output.
Tax Contributions: Immigrant households pay hundreds of billions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes annually, contributing significantly to government revenue.
Consumer Spending: The collective spending power of immigrants amounts to trillions of dollars each year, stimulating demand and supporting businesses.
Entrepreneurship: Immigrants have a high rate of entrepreneurship, starting businesses that create jobs and contribute to economic innovation and growth.
Both Threat and Value
As we turn to Exodus, we find that the nation that first welcomed the Israelites fears them. Afraid of the migrants joining their enemies, they find ways to make life hard for them.
Jewish people have been burdened with fear and oppression from the days of the Pharaohs until today. The same can be said for Africans over the centuries.
Immigration is a “hot” topic in America, but is also one that confronts EU countries.
It should be noted that Russia has employed immigration as a tool to exert pressure and create instability in Western countries, particularly in Europe. The goal is to create border crises, strain resources, and generate political and social tensions within these countries.
As followers of Christ, we need the “mind of Christ,” when considering the issue of immigrants.
I don’t have the answer, but we all can learn from the Bible and the Holy Spirit about how our attitudes and actions can conform to the Lord.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 