God remained with Jacob and his family until the appointed time for their departure. Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:2:
“I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee… behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
God has an appointed time for everything under heaven. The “time of favor” refers to a season when God extends His grace and mercy. In Isaiah, this promise was given to the exiled Israelite as a reassurance of future restoration. Paul later applies this promise to the present age, showing that God’s grace is now available to all through Christ.
When Jacob and his family arrived in Egypt, Pharaoh spoke to Joseph saying:
“The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell.” (Genesis 47:5–6)
Joseph then placed his father and brothers in the best part of the land and provided for them according to their families (Genesis 47:11–12).
Discovering Goshen: A Symbol of Divine Favor
Interestingly, before Pharaoh ever spoke these words, Joseph had already declared to his brothers that he would provide for them. This reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. When we discern God’s will, we must be willing to speak His promises into the atmosphere.
Despite the favor they experienced, the Egyptians actually viewed the Hebrews with disdain. Shepherds were considered socially inferior, and Egyptians typically would not associate or even eat with them. Yet God gave them favor among people who normally would have rejected them.
Joseph’s position as second-in-command gave his family access and influence. His connection brought favor to his household. Sometimes God places us in relationship with the right people so that doors can open at the right time.
Even among those who may not care much for you, God can still grant favor.
Jacob’s family received the best part of the land—Goshen.
The Meaning of Goshen
Goshen was a fertile region in the Nile Delta. It was also geographically close to Canaan, the land God had promised them. The journey between the two regions was roughly 150–160 miles across the Sinai Peninsula, a trip that could take about one to two weeks on foot.
But Goshen represented more than a geographical location. It symbolized favor, protection, preservation, and divine provision. It was a place where God sustained His people.
In many ways, Goshen represents revival. Revival is the act of bringing something back to life, an outpouring, a renewal, a spiritual awakening.
We are living in a time filled with uncertainty, yet God is calling many of us to step into places like Goshen, both spiritually and physically. Chaos often precedes revival. Sometimes what looks like disruption is actually preparation for God’s next move.
The question becomes: Are we prepared for this place?
What delays or distractions in our lives might be hindering us from entering into God’s appointed season?
We do not want to miss our Goshen moment.
Jeremiah once described a vision of two baskets of figs, one good and one bad (Jeremiah 24). The condition of the figs represented the condition of the people. The lesson reminds us that our posture before God determines how we experience His seasons.
When Joseph sent word for Jacob to come quickly, Jacob was ready. When God calls us to move, we must be ready as well. The place where God’s presence rests is the place we should desire to be, even if it brings us into proximity with people who once opposed us.
Fear, doubt, and discouragement must not prevent us from experiencing the goodness and favor of God.
Every believer has the opportunity to experience their own Goshen but that experience comes through Christ.
The story of Joseph and Israel reveals how God works line upon line, precept upon precept, weaving His promises through generations. Ultimately, it points forward to what Christ has already accomplished for us all.
The question remains: Are we securely positioned in Goshen, or are we still wandering in Canaan?
