How Did Jacob Bless Pharaoh?
The meeting between Jacob, the aged patriarch of Israel, and Pharaoh, the mighty ruler of Egypt, is a remarkable moment recorded in Genesis 47:7–10. In just a few verses, Scripture highlights a powerful interaction that carries theological, cultural, and narrative significance. Despite the vast difference in social rank between the two men, Jacob blesses Pharaoh not once, but twice—an act filled with meaning.
1. The Context of the Blessing
The famine had devastated the region, and Joseph, now second-in-command in Egypt, had brought his family to settle in Goshen where they would survive and prosper. As part of proper protocol, Joseph presented his father Jacob to Pharaoh.
Though Pharaoh was the most powerful man in the ancient world, the encounter shows surprising mutual respect. Instead of humbly bowing or remaining silent, Jacob performs a significant act: he blesses Pharaoh.
2. Jacob Blesses Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7)
The first blessing happens as soon as Jacob is introduced:
“Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.”
— Genesis 47:7
This initial blessing functions as a greeting but also as a spiritual act. In biblical tradition, a blessing pronounced by a patriarch carried more than polite courtesy—it invoked God’s favor, peace, and prosperity.
What was the nature of this blessing?
Scripture does not record the exact words, but based on the context of patriarchal blessings, Jacob likely invoked:
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God’s favor
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God’s protection
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God’s prosperity over Pharaoh and his household
The fact that Jacob, a foreign shepherd, pronounces a blessing over a king underscores the spiritual authority granted to him by God.
3. Jacob Blesses Pharaoh Again (Genesis 47:10)
After a short exchange about Jacob’s age, the blessing is repeated:
“And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.”
— Genesis 47:10
The double blessing frames the entire dialogue. Jacob enters with a blessing and departs with one, emphasizing his role as a bearer of God’s promises—even in the presence of royalty.
4. Why This Blessing Is Significant
A. The Greater Blesses the Lesser (Hebrews 7:7)
The New Testament states:
“Without contradiction the lesser is blessed by the greater.”
In terms of worldly status, Pharaoh was far greater. But in spiritual standing, Jacob—the heir of God’s covenant—stood higher. This passage shows that spiritual authority surpasses earthly power.
B. It Shows God’s Influence in Egypt
By blessing Pharaoh, Jacob indirectly acknowledges God’s work in Egypt through Joseph. Pharaoh receives God’s favor partly because he had supported Joseph and welcomed his family.
C. Pharaoh’s Respect for Jacob
Pharaoh listens to Jacob and even shows curiosity about his life. Asking Jacob’s age was more than small talk—it signaled admiration for a man who appeared venerable and spiritually significant.
D. God’s Promise Extends to the Nations
Jacob’s blessing reflects God’s broader promise to Abraham:
“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
— Genesis 12:3
Through Jacob, blessing flows not only to his own family but even to a Gentile king.
5. Jacob’s Humble Yet Honored Position
Despite his suffering-filled life, Jacob speaks confidently and blesses Pharaoh boldly. This reinforces important truths:
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A believer’s authority comes from God, not social status.
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Even in a foreign land, God’s people carry His blessing.
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God uses His chosen individuals to influence nations.
Jacob stands before Pharaoh not as a beggar seeking mercy but as a patriarch representing the living God.
6. What the Exchange Reveals About God
Jacob’s blessing shows several aspects of God’s character:
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God honors His covenant people, even in the courts of kings.
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God uses His people to bless others, extending His goodness across borders.
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God intertwines nations’ destinies to fulfill His purposes—as seen with Egypt’s role in preserving Israel.
Conclusion
Jacob blessed Pharaoh by invoking God’s favor over him when he entered and again when he departed. Though Pharaoh held earthly power, Jacob carried divine authority as the patriarch of God’s covenant people. This twofold blessing underscores themes of spiritual supremacy, covenant fulfillment, and God’s ability to elevate His servants even in foreign lands.
The brief encounter between Jacob and Pharaoh magnifies a profound truth:
God’s blessing flows through His chosen people, impacting even the greatest powers of the world.
What does Genesis teach about God’s provision through Joseph?