Israel (aka Jacob) packed up all of his sheep and cows and began the journey toward Egypt with his entire family, which numbered 66 people, all of whom are painstakingly named later on in the chapter. He stopped in Beersheba to pour a 40 out on the curb for God as a sacrifice. He stayed a short while and had a chat with God, who told him not to worry, that his people would multiply in Egypt and would eventually be led out. God failed to mention the generations of slavery, but he’s never been much for wasting time with minor details.

Anyway, Jacob and his family met up with Joseph in Egypt, so that the total number of Israelites in Egypt was 70, counting Joseph’s wife and kids. Joseph met up with Jacob on their way in, and much hugging and crying ensued. You’d think Joseph’s Egyptian-style mascara would run with all the crying he’s been doing in the past several chapters, but evidently Egyptian makeup technology was far ahead of its time. Joseph said he would go and announce their arrival to Pharaoh. He also mentioned that he would tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds, and they should also tell Pharaoh they were shepherds but did have some experience with cattle too. This was because the Egyptians thought shepherds were scum, so Pharaoh would be eager to give them all of his cows so they would have something to do that didn’t involve sheep.