Genesis 46:5

5 Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

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

4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes."

5 Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

6 They also took their cattle and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him,

7 his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.