God sent me before youThis phrase highlights the divine orchestration in Joseph's journey to Egypt. Despite the malicious intent of his brothers, God had a sovereign plan. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence, where He uses human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His purposes (
Genesis 50:20). Joseph's role as a forerunner is a type of Christ, who was sent ahead to prepare the way for salvation (
John 1:29-30).
to preserve you as a remnant on the earth
The concept of a "remnant" is significant throughout Scripture, often referring to a small, faithful group preserved by God during times of judgment or calamity (Isaiah 10:20-22). Here, Joseph's position in Egypt ensures the survival of Jacob's family during the famine, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This preservation is a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:1-3).
and to save your lives
Joseph's role in saving his family from famine is a direct act of deliverance, prefiguring the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph provided physical sustenance, Christ offers spiritual salvation (John 6:35). This deliverance also underscores the theme of redemption, where God rescues His people from peril.
by a great deliverance
The "great deliverance" refers to the extraordinary means by which God saved Jacob's family, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises. This deliverance is not only physical but also spiritual, as it sets the stage for the eventual formation of the nation of Israel. It parallels the future deliverance of Israel from Egypt during the Exodus, another pivotal moment of salvation history (Exodus 14:30-31).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JosephThe central figure in this passage, Joseph is speaking to his brothers. He was sold into slavery by them but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His journey from suffering to leadership is a testament to God's providence.
2.
Joseph's BrothersThey are the recipients of Joseph's revelation. They had previously betrayed him, but now they are in need of his help during a famine.
3.
EgyptThe land where Joseph was taken as a slave and where he eventually became second in command. It serves as the backdrop for God's plan to preserve the family of Israel.
4.
God's ProvidenceThe overarching theme of this passage is God's sovereign plan to use Joseph's trials for the greater good of preserving His chosen people.
5.
FamineThe event that brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt, setting the stage for reconciliation and the fulfillment of God's plan.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in TrialsRecognize that God can use difficult circumstances for His greater purpose and our ultimate good.
Forgiveness and ReconciliationJoseph's willingness to forgive his brothers is a powerful example of grace and reconciliation, which we are called to emulate.
Purpose in SufferingUnderstand that our trials may have a divine purpose beyond our immediate understanding, as seen in Joseph's life.
Trust in God's PlanTrust that God is in control, even when His plans are not immediately clear to us.
Preservation of God's PeopleReflect on how God preserves His people through various means, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 45:7?
2.How does Genesis 45:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's life circumstances?
3.What role does divine providence play in Joseph's journey to Egypt?
4.How can Genesis 45:7 inspire trust in God's plans during personal trials?
5.Connect Joseph's preservation of life to Jesus' mission in the New Testament.
6.How can we apply Joseph's perspective on God's purpose to our own challenges?
7.How does Genesis 45:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's life?
8.What does Genesis 45:7 reveal about God's purpose in suffering?
9.How does Genesis 45:7 relate to the theme of divine providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 45?
11.What does "remnant" mean in the Bible?
12.How does the judgment in Ezekiel 9 align with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?
13.Who were the believers in the Old Testament?
14.Why would the governor of Egypt personally handle these seemingly minor food transactions without delegation (Genesis 42:6)?What Does Genesis 45:7 Mean
God sent me before you• Joseph’s first words underline God’s sovereignty. Though his brothers sold him, he recognizes the Lord’s hand guiding every step.
•Genesis 50:20 affirms the same truth: “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good…”
•Acts 7:9-10 reminds us: “But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.”
•Romans 8:28 anchors the principle: “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.”
Takeaway: What looks like detours or disasters are often God’s direct routes to His purposes.
to preserve you• The famine threatened to wipe out Jacob’s household, yet the Lord positioned Joseph to keep them alive.
•Genesis 41:56: “The famine was severe over all the land of Egypt.”
•Psalm 105:16-17 highlights God’s initiative: “He called down famine… He sent a man before them—Joseph.”
Practical insight: God does not merely react to crises; He prepares deliverance long before we know we need it.
as a remnant on the earth• “Remnant” signals more than survival; it speaks of covenant continuity. Israel had to remain intact so that the promises to Abraham would reach fulfillment.
•Isaiah 10:21-22 foresees a future remnant returning to the Mighty God.
•Romans 11:5 echoes, “There is at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.”
Thought to ponder: God always preserves a people through whom He advances His redemptive plan.
and to save your lives• Physical rescue from starvation mirrors a deeper spiritual pattern—God delights in saving.
•Exodus 14:13: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation the LORD will accomplish for you today.”
•John 3:16 reveals the ultimate expression of that saving heart.
Life application: The same God who cared about empty stomachs in Canaan still cares about every dimension of our need—body and soul.
by a great deliverance• The phrase points to the scale of God’s rescue—monumental, memorable, and far-reaching.
•Psalm 136:10-12 celebrates a later “great deliverance” from Egypt, linking Joseph’s story to the Exodus.
•1 Peter 1:18-19 speaks of the greatest deliverance of all, secured “with the precious blood of Christ.”
Encouragement: What God calls “great” dwarfs every obstacle; His deliverance is never partial or tentative.
summaryGenesis 45:7 reveals a God who sends in advance, preserves His people, safeguards His covenant remnant, rescues lives, and does it all through a deliverance so great that it foreshadows the saving work of Christ. Our setbacks, then, are opportunities to witness His sovereign, saving hand at work—both for us and for those He intends to bless through us.
(7)
To preserve you a posterity in the earth.--Heb.,
To put for you a remnant in the land,that is, to preserve a remainder for you, as the word is translated in
2Samuel 14:7. During the seven years' famine many races probably dwindled away, and the Hebrews, as mere sojourners in Canaan, would have been in danger of total extinction.
By a great deliverance.--That is, by a signal interference on your behalf. But the word rendered "deliverance," more exactly signifiesthat which escapes(see2Kings 19:31, where, as here, it is joined with the wordremnant,and2Kings 19:30, where it is itself renderedremnant).The two nouns really signify the same thing; but whereas in the first clause the words seem to forebode that only few would escape, in the second there is the assurance of their surviving in such numbers as to be able to grow into a great nation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Godאֱלֹהִים֙(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativesentוַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֤נִי(way·yiš·lā·ḥê·nî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outme before youלִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם(lip̄·nê·ḵem)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6440:The faceto preserveלָשׂ֥וּם(lā·śūm)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setyouלָכֶ֛ם(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewas a remnantשְׁאֵרִ֖ית(šə·’ê·rîṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7611:Rest, residue, remnant, remainderon the earthבָּאָ֑רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landand to save your livesוּלְהַחֲי֣וֹת(ū·lə·ha·ḥă·yō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2421:To live, to reviveby a greatגְּדֹלָֽה׃(gə·ḏō·lāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentdeliverance.לִפְלֵיטָ֖ה(lip̄·lê·ṭāh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6413:Deliverance, an escaped portion
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve (Gen. Ge Gn) 
