Genesis 45:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Joseph invited Jacob to bring his entire family and belongings to settle in the land of Goshen. This location was close to the capital of Egypt, as he said, "thou shalt be near me," specifically referring to Tanis (Ps. 77:12), and it was adjacent to the Nile River (Ex. 2:3; Num. 11:5; Deut. 11:10). To the west, it bordered Arabia—hence its designation as Arabian in the Septuagint—and it was near the territory of the Philistines (cf. Exod. 13:17; 1 Chr. 7:21). The principal city there was Ramessah (Gen. 47:11). This region was especially favorable in Egypt due to its rich pastures, making it ideal for the Israelites, who were shepherds (Gen. 46:34). The area yielded such an abundance of vegetables that the Israelites enjoyed cucumbers, melons, onions, and garlic without charge (Num. 11:5). Although the Israelites lived in proximity to the Egyptians in Goshen, they chose to remain separate, as the Egyptians held a disdain for shepherds (Gen. 46:34).