Jacob is leaving the promised land. He stops at Beersheba—where Abraham planted a tree, where Isaac built an altar—and sacrifices. He needs to hear from God. His grandfather went to Egypt and it ended in disgrace. His father was explicitly told not to go. What should Jacob do? God speaks in the night: "Do not be afraid. I will go down with you. I will make you a great nation there. I will bring you up again. And Joseph's hand will close your eyes." Four promises. The presence travels with the person. Seventy people descend into Egypt—a remnant, a seed, a future disguised as refugees fleeing famine. Joseph meets his father in Goshen and weeps on his neck a long time. Jacob speaks: "Now let me die, since I have seen your face." Not despair—completion. The impossible reunion has happened.

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