So Joseph has told his brothers to come to Egypt.

But there was still a question of a three day trip from Canaan! And Jacob was a very old man.  He was also probably pretty sad because it says that “when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent, their father Jacob’s spirit came to life.” Sort of like a drooping plant getting water.

Jacob said “Joseph my son is still alive I must go and see him before I die.”  Such is the love of a father for a son.

So all Jacob’s other sons piled their wives and children into the wagons Joseph had sent and set off.

On the way, they stopped at Beersheba. Jacob had a vision:

Jacob! Jacob!

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

So it seems like, despite Jacob’s determination to see Joseph, he must still have been pretty scared. And it must have been comforting to have God reassure him.

And they all went off to Egypt, eleven sons, their women with their little ones, and hundreds of sheep. Just picture that procession!