And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
Joseph counseled his brothers beforehand how to answer when Pharaoh would call them and ask about their occupation, instructing them to state frankly that they were shepherds. Shepherding was regarded by the Egyptians as a degrading occupation. He gave this counsel because he loved righteousness and feared God.
He did not want his brothers to be taken into the king's special service, where they would be exposed to temptation amid the corrupting and idolatrous influence of the court. He also sought by this means to keep Pharaoh from employing them in his service and from exalting them to some honorable position for his own sake. Their honest answer that they were shepherds kept Pharaoh from seeking to employ them, and led him to give Joseph permission to settle his father and brothers in the best part of Egypt.
Joseph chose Goshen as suitable, and settled them there, because it afforded good, well-watered pastures with plenty of water for their flocks. There also they could worship God without disturbance from the ceremonies of Egyptian idolatrous worship. Israel dwelt in the country round about Goshen until God brought His people out of Egypt with power and mighty signs and wonders.
Joseph counseled his brothers beforehand how to answer when Pharaoh would call them and ask about their occupation, instructing them to state frankly that they were shepherds. Shepherding was regarded by the Egyptians as a degrading occupation. He gave this counsel because he loved righteousness and feared God.
He did not want his brothers to be taken into the king's special service, where they would be exposed to temptation amid the corrupting and idolatrous influence of the court. He also sought by this means to keep Pharaoh from employing them in his service and from exalting them to some honorable position for his own sake. Their honest answer that they were shepherds kept Pharaoh from seeking to employ them, and led him to give Joseph permission to settle his father and brothers in the best part of Egypt.
Joseph chose Goshen as suitable, and settled them there, because it afforded good, well-watered pastures with plenty of water for their flocks. There also they could worship God without disturbance from the ceremonies of Egyptian idolatrous worship. Israel dwelt in the country round about Goshen until God brought His people out of Egypt with power and mighty signs and wonders.