471 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh , and said , "My father and my brothers and their flocks and their herds and all that they have, have come out of the land of Canaan ; and behold , they are in the land of Goshen ." 2 He took five men from among his brothers and presented e them to Pharaoh . 3 Then Pharaoh said to his brothers , " What is your occupation ?" So they said to Pharaoh , "Your servants are shepherds , both we and our fathers ." 4 They said to Pharaoh , " We have come to sojourn in the land , for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks , for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan . Now , therefore, please let your servants live in the land of Goshen ." 5 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph , "Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 "The land of Egypt is at your disposal ; settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land , let them live in the land of Goshen ; and if you know any capable men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 47:1-6
Commentary on Genesis 47:1-6
(Read Genesis 47:1-6)
Though Joseph was a great man, especially in Egypt, yet he owned his brethren. Let the rich and great in the world not overlook or despise poor relations. Our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren. In answer to Pharaoh's inquiry, What is your calling? they told him that they were shepherds, adding that they were come to sojourn in the land for a time, while the famine prevailed in Canaan. Pharaoh offered to employ them as shepherds, provided they were active men. Whatever our business or employment is, we should aim to excel in it, and to prove ourselves clever and industrious.