Genesis 46:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Without delay, the righteous man embarked on his journey, eagerly striving to reunite with his beloved son, now exalted as the king of Egypt, whom he had long believed to be lost and devoured by wild beasts. Upon reaching the treasury of oaths, he offered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude to the Lord and presented sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. In light of this, we should learn that before undertaking any endeavor, engaging in any work, or embarking on a journey, we must first offer a prayer to the Lord, seeking His assistance to initiate our undertaking. This practice reflects the piety of the ancient righteous.

The individual who eagerly approaches Christ is justly elevated, as faith comes before sacrifice. Jacob ascended first and only then made his offering. The true sacrificer is one who has thoroughly sought an understanding of the divine nature.

The patriarch ascended with his entire family and all his belongings. Upon arriving at the site known as the Swearing Well, he presented an offering to God in proximity to it.

Israel began their journey, likely departing from Hebron, and arrived at Beer-sheba. This location was significant not only because it was on the route to Egypt, but also due to its historical importance where Abraham had dedicated an altar and offered worship (Gen. 21:33). Here, God had also manifested to Isaac, providing him comfort through a promise during a time of trial (Gen. 26:23, 24). Isaac made sacrifices to the God of his father. The Lord, in reference to Jacob, was invoked as He had been during His solemn revelation to Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:13).

The urgency to escape the ongoing famine and, more significantly, the longing to reunite with his long-lost son led Jacob to accept the invitation of Joseph and Pharaoh to go to Egypt. Jacob, who had settled in Hebron after Isaac's passing and where the tombs of his ancestors lay, began his journey from there (Genesis 37:14). As he traveled from Hebron, Israel—an identity bestowed upon Jacob by God following his mysterious encounter with the Divine before entering Canaan (Gen. 32:28)—directed his steps toward Beersheba, a revered place known as ‘the treasure-house of oaths,’ significant for commemorating the sacrifices of Abraham and Isaac, as well as the revelation to Isaac (Gen. 21:33, Gen. 26:23-24).