Genesis 46:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the wisdom with which he counsels his brothers, not merely offering casual suggestions, but genuinely desiring to enhance their security and keep them from associating with the Egyptians. The Egyptians held a strong disdain for those who lived as shepherds, and since Joseph's siblings lacked knowledge of Egyptian customs, he advises them to reveal their livelihood at the outset. By doing this, they may, under this reasonable pretense, be distanced from the most suitable land for their well-being, where they could reside safely.

Joseph was instructed to inform his brothers in the presence of Pharaoh that their family, including their ancestors, had been shepherds. This was intended so that Pharaoh could assign them land in Goshen, allowing them to be distinct from those who served sheep and calves.

The essence of the immortal individual, who cannot be taken by the gates of the grave, is to conquer his spirit, control his wrath, and reconcile the opposing natures of body and soul. Consequently, Moses, the esteemed lawgiver, chose to take on the role of a shepherd for Jethro’s flock, whose name signifies 'the abundant one,' and guided them into a desolate place. In doing so, he transformed the aimless daily discourse, representative of excessive speech, into profound insights of genuine doctrine. This led to the disdain of the Egyptians towards the shepherds, as those who are consumed by earthly desires and passions tend to reject the judge of truth and the instructor of godliness. Therefore, Moses conveyed profound truths in parables concerning the offerings pleasing to God, which equate to the labor and teaching of righteousness that the foolish often avoid.

If Pharaoh inquires of you about your profession, you should reply, "We your servants have been shepherds from our youth until now, just as our fathers were." He will then instruct you to settle in the land of Goshen. This expansive and fertile area, ideal for raising livestock, had remained unoccupied. The reason for establishing the patriarch's family in this separate and barren region, as noted in Scripture, is attributed to the Egyptians' widespread belief that those who tended sheep were considered unclean.

Declare: We are your servants, and we have been shepherds. Indeed, long before now, the region of Goshen was designated for shepherds, who lived there separately from the Egyptians. The Egyptians hold a disdain for all who tend to sheep. This animosity towards shepherds of sheep and goats stems from the fact that in Egypt, with only a few exceptions, the slaughter of sheep was prohibited, as affirmed by Herodotus, Strabo, Plutarch, and Diodorus.