Genesis 46:28-50:26 As Genesis comes to a conclusion, the final days of Jacob and Joseph are addressed. Jacob is reunited with Joseph, he meets and blesses Pharaoh, adopts Joseph's two oldest sons (Manasseh and Ephraim), and blesses his 12 sons before he dies. In the ancient Near Eastern world, these kind of death bed communications from a patriarch were significant and binding for the family. The blessings of Jacob to his sons are prophetic and communicate events that will come many years in the future, as the families and tribes develop. As both Jacob and Joseph die, they die in faith, believing that God will still fulfill his promises to their children. They both offer hope-filled reminders that God will keep his promises to his people, even as they die. As believers, we too must trust and follow God, even when his promises seem impossible. 

Genesis is a book of new beginnings. It offers the origins of the universe, the atmosphere, the human race, language, culture, marriage, language, order, time, worship, and a chosen people. Genesis focuses on God as creator and sustainer of all things. Genesis introduces the patriarchs of Israel and the promises made to them by God. Genesis demonstrates throughout that God has spoken, spoken in creation, spoken in blessing humanity, spoken even in the curses and judgment because of sin and evil of humanity. Genesis is focused on the communication of God with humanity, communication that presents the truths of God, about himself and his world he created.