So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan. They are now in the land of Goshen.” And from among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.” They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
Comment: Joseph had been given much authority but obviously an invasion of foreigners to come and settle in the land at a troubled famine time like this needed approval of Joseph’s plans straight from the lips of Pharaoh. Previously Joseph combined the knowledge that his family were shepherd/graziers and that the Egyptians thought this a low caste occupation and had told his family to by pass the big cities and camp in the looked down upon Goshen area. He took 5 of his brothers to meet Pharaoh face to face. Tomorrow we get this meeting expanded a bit. Pharaoh, however, approves the plan.
Prayer: Your word tells us to give honour to those in authority. Even when I disagree help me to courteous and if possible submissive.
As I read it! 