Genesis 47
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Joseph lived in Egypt. In a big house, with beautiful clothes. He worked for the king. The king was called Pharaoh.
There was no bread in the land. The fields were dry. The people were hungry. Joseph's papa lived far away. His papa was called Jacob. His brothers were there too. They had no food.
Then Joseph said, "Come to me! Come to Egypt!" And they came. With sheep, and goats, and cows, and children, and grandpas.
Joseph brought his papa to Pharaoh. Old, old Jacob. With a long grey beard. Pharaoh asked, "How old are you?" Jacob said, "I am one hundred and thirty years old." That is very, very old!
And then something beautiful happened. Old Jacob blessed the king. He said good words from God over Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said, "Your family may live in the best place. It is called Goshen. There is grass there for the sheep." And Joseph gave them bread. Every day. Enough for everyone.
What Does This Mean?
Joseph took good care of his papa. And of his brothers. And of the little children.
Do you know why? Because God took care of Joseph. And now Joseph could take care of others.
God saw the hungry people. God saw old Jacob. God saw the little children. And God gave them a safe place. With bread. And grass. And a bed to sleep on.
The Common Thread
Long, long after this, another Man came. His name was Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the bread. Come to me. I will take care of you."
Just like Joseph gave bread, Jesus gives us what we need. Jesus loves papas and mamas. And grandpas with grey beards. And sheep and goats. And you.
When you are hungry, God sees you. When you are little, God sees you. When you are big and old, God still sees you.
For You
Do you know what Joseph did? He hugged his old papa. He gave him a good bed. He gave him warm bread.
Maybe your papa or mama does that for you too. They give you food. They tuck you in. They give you a hug.
That is a little bit like God. God takes care of you. Every day. When the sun shines, and when it rains. When you laugh, and when you cry.
And you? You can help too. You can bring a cookie to grandma. You can give your brother a hug. Small hands can do good things.
Talk About It
Who takes care of you every day? And what do they do for you?
Old Jacob was very old. Do you know someone who is old? What could you do for them?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for bread. Thank You for my bed. Thank You for papa and mama. Thank You that You see me. You are so good.
Amen.
Questions about Genesis 47
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Genesis 47 about?
What does Genesis 47 say?
What does Genesis 47 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Genesis 47?
Why is Genesis 47 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Jacob came to Egypt as a starving old man with nothing left, dependent on his son's favor. Yet standing before the throne of the world's mightiest king, "Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh." He did not beg. He gave. Whatever you have lost, you still carry something to give away.
The priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them." While all Egypt sold fields, cattle, and finally themselves, the priests ate untouched. Later God's own priests are given no land at all, because the LORD is their portion. Whose table are you counting on when the famine comes?
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