Joseph, now experienced and knowing the inner workings of Egyptian culture, advises his brothers to tell the Egyptians that they're shepherds so that they would be able to dwell in the land of Goshen. Joseph's reasoning behind this is:
...every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34).
Shepherds were those of lowly estate. Yet in God's redemptive story, we see the theme of shepherds. David was a shepherd when he killed Goliath. Prophets were metaphorically called "shepherds" (e.g. Jeremiah 23). In the New Testament, church elders would be referred to as shepherds (Ephesians 4:11). And moreover, God Himself is called a Shepherd. Psalm 23 begins, "The LORD is my Shepherd".
Finally, Christ calls Himself "The Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11-18).
O how God's humility is displayed in the way that He presents Himself as a shepherd, a role that people looked down on, a vocation that Egyptians abhorred. By His grace, He is a Shepherd to us, sheep who are desperate for shepherding.
Today's reading: Genesis 44-47
Comments