Genesis 42:1

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Jacob, voyant qu'il y avait du blé en Egypte, dit à ses fils: Pourquoi vous regardez-vous les uns les autres?

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Jacob notices there is corn in Egypt and asks his sons why they are looking at each other. He is concerned about their lack of action to secure food for the family.

Explained for Children

Imagine you see a big bowl of ice cream and your friends are just staring at each other. You might ask, 'Why aren't you grabbing a spoon?' That's what Jacob is doing here, but with corn instead of ice cream.

Historical Background

This part of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC, detailing the life of Jacob and his sons. The Israelites were facing a severe famine, and Jacob's sons had to go to Egypt to buy food.

Living It Out Today

Today, if you know of a solution to a problem, don't just sit and look at others. Take action and solve the issue. This can apply to work, family, or community problems.

Topics

• hope
• provision
• family
• famine
• action
• leadership

Related Verses

• Genesis 41:56
• Exodus 1:11
• Ruth 1:1
• Luke 16:31
• Acts 7:12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Jacob ask his sons why they look at each other?

Jacob is showing concern and leadership. He recognizes the urgency of the situation and wants his sons to act.

What was the context of the famine mentioned?

The famine in Egypt and Canaan was severe, forcing Jacob's sons to eventually go to Egypt to buy food.

How does this verse illustrate leadership?

It shows Jacob taking the initiative and challenging his sons to find solutions, demonstrating proactive leadership.

What can we learn about family dynamics from this verse?

The verse highlights the importance of family members supporting each other, especially during difficult times.