Acts 7:12

12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

Acts 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 7:12

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt
Not then growing, or gathering in there, or that was of that year's produce; for the famine was strong in the land of Egypt, as well as in Canaan; but was what had been laid up, and preserved in the seven years of plenty, by the order and care of Joseph; which by some means or another, Jacob had heard of; see ( Genesis 42:1 Genesis 42:2 ) the Jews suggest ^F21, that it was by divine revelation:

he sent out our fathers first;
the first time, or the first year of the famine; or he sent them first, he laid his commands on them, or they had not gone; these were the ten sons of Jacob, and brethren of Joseph, who were sent the first time, for Benjamin stayed with his father: see ( Genesis 42:3 Genesis 42:13 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Bereshit Rabba, sect. 91. fol. 78. 1, 2.

Acts 7:12 In-Context

10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

11 Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food.

12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

13 On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.