Genesis 46:5

5 Jacob left Beer-sheba. The sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and their wives.

Genesis 46:5 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 46:5

And Jacob rose up from Beersheba
In high spirits, and proceeded on in his journey, being encouraged and animated by the promises of God now made unto him: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little
ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry
him;
it may be wondered at that Joseph did not send his chariot to fetch his father; it could not be for want of due respect and honour to him, but it may be such a carriage was not fit for so long a journey, and especially to travel in, in some parts of the road through which they went: no mention being made of Jacob's wives, it may be presumed they were all now dead; it is certain Rachel was, see ( Genesis 35:19 ) ; and it is more than probable that Leah died before this time, since Jacob says he buried her himself in Machpelah in Canaan, ( Genesis 49:31 ) ; and it is very likely also that his two concubine wives Bilhah and Zilpah were also dead, since no notice is taken of them.

Genesis 46:5 In-Context

3 God said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.

4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back. Joseph will put his hands on your eyes."

5 Jacob left Beer-sheba. The sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and their wives.

6 They also took their cattle and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then Jacob and all his children with him went to Egypt.

7 His sons and grandsons, his daughters and granddaughters, indeed all his offspring, he brought with him to Egypt.