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Book of Genesis - Chapter 47 - Verse 28

47:28
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.

Meaning

Genesis 47:28 marks a significant moment in the life of Jacob, also known as Israel. After reuniting with his beloved son Joseph in Egypt, Jacob spends the final seventeen years of his life in the land of Egypt. This period of peace and reconciliation with his family marked the end of Jacob's tumultuous journey, which included experiences of deceit, loss, and eventual redemption. With his family by his side and experiencing the blessings of God, Jacob lived a total of 147 years before passing away. This verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in Jacob's life, as well as the importance of family, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It symbolizes the completion of Jacob's earthly journey and the fulfillment of God's promises to him and his descendants. Overall, Genesis 47:28 encapsulates the theme of redemption, restoration, and the faithfulness of God throughout the life of Jacob.

Theological Overview

When considering the theological interpretation of Genesis 47:28, we find that Jacob's stay in Egypt is seen as a time of fulfillment of God's promise to his forefathers. Despite the hardships and challenges he faced in his life, Jacob lived to see his family reunite and prosper in the land of Egypt. This period of his life serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and provision for his people, even in times of exile and uncertainty. Additionally, the mention of Jacob's specific age, one hundred forty-seven years, has been the subject of word studies in biblical numerology. The numbers seven and forty are significant in the Bible, representing completeness and trial periods respectively. Jacob's total age at his death symbolizes the fullness of his life and the trials he endured before finding peace and rest in the land of Egypt. Overall, this verse highlights the themes of God's faithfulness, fulfillment of promises, and the symbolic significance of numbers in biblical texts.

American Standard Version

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were a hundred forty and seven years.
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