Bible Strands
Genesis 45:21
So the sons of Israel did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had instructed, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph addresses his brothers after revealing his identity and relaying Pharaoh’s command to relocate the family to Egypt. He instructs them to gather their father and household, then provides the logistical support for their departure.
The words — The Hebrew phrase בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (benei Yisra'el) literally means "sons of Israel," identifying the group executing the command. Joseph’s action is marked by וַיִּתֵּן (vayitten), "and he gave," specifically noting the provision of עֲגָלוֹת (agalot), "wagons" or carts.
The thread — The wagons function as a logistical response to Pharaoh’s directive in Genesis 45:19 and are later seen by the family in Genesis 45:27. Jacob’s departure in these same carts is recorded in Genesis 46:5, showing the continuity of the provision.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe immediate compliance with royal authority and the practical provision that enables a family’s relocation. It demands recognition that obedience is accompanied by tangible support for the journey ahead.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.
Cross-references
- Genesis 45:19 You are also directed to tell them: ‘Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children and your wives, and bring your father and come back.
- Genesis 45:27 However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.
- Genesis 46:5 Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives.
- Exodus 17:1 Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
- Numbers 3:16 So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded.
- Numbers 7:3 They brought as their offering before the LORD six covered carts and twelve oxen—an ox from each leader and a cart from every two leaders—and presented them before the tabernacle.
- 2 Chronicles 8:13 He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
- 2 Chronicles 35:16 So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah.
- Ecclesiastes 8:2 Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
- Lamentations 1:18 The LORD is righteous, yet I rebelled against His command. Listen, all you people; look upon my suffering. My young men and maidens have gone into captivity.