Goshen was more than just a region in Egypt—it was a place where God showed favor, protection, and faithfulness to His people. From the time of Joseph to the Exodus, Goshen holds a rich place in Israel’s story.
Here are ten interesting facts about Goshen, with Bible verses to show its spiritual and historical importance.
1. Goshen Was Located in Egypt
Goshen was in the northeastern part of Egypt, likely in the eastern Nile Delta. This made it rich in soil and perfect for raising livestock.
Genesis 45:10 – “You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have.”
Genesis 46:28–29 – “He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen.”
2. Joseph Chose Goshen for His Family
Joseph made sure his family settled in Goshen to protect them and provide for them during the famine.
Genesis 47:1 – “So Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, ‘My father and my brothers… have come from the land of Canaan; they are now in the land of Goshen.’”
Genesis 47:6 – “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.”
3. It Was Known as the Best of Egypt
Goshen was described as “the best of the land.” This shows Pharaoh’s generosity and God's provision.
Genesis 47:11 – “Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.”
Isaiah 1:19 – “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
4. The Israelites Became a Great Nation in Goshen
Israel entered Egypt as a family and grew into a mighty people.
Exodus 1:7 – “But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.”
Deuteronomy 10:22 – “Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.”
5. It Was a Land of Separation
The Israelites remained distinct from the Egyptians, both in lifestyle and worship.
Genesis 46:34 – “You shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now…’ for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”
6. Goshen Was Protected During the Plagues
God set Goshen apart from the rest of Egypt when He sent plagues upon the land.
Exodus 8:22 – “But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen… so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.”
Exodus 9:26 – “Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.”
Exodus 10:23 – “They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”
7. Goshen Symbolized God’s Provision
Goshen was God's answer to famine. Joseph brought his family there so they would not perish.
Genesis 45:7 – “And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.”
Psalm 37:19 – “They are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.”
8. Goshen Was Part of God’s Prophetic Plan
God had already told Abraham this would happen.
Genesis 15:13–14 – “Then the LORD said to Abram, ‘Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs… But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions.’”
Exodus 12:35–36 – “The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them… So they plundered the Egyptians.”
9. It Became a Place of Bondage Over Time
Eventually, a new Pharaoh turned Goshen into a land of suffering.
Exodus 1:8–9 – “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.’”
Exodus 1:11 – “Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens.”
10. Goshen Reminds Us of God’s Faithfulness
Even in slavery, God remembered His people. Goshen was not forgotten. It became the starting point of deliverance.
Exodus 3:7–8 – “Then the LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt… and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up… to a land flowing with milk and honey.’”
Psalm 105:37 – “Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.”
Summary Table
| Fact | Key Detail | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Goshen’s Location | Northeastern Nile Delta | Gen. 45:10; Gen. 46:28–29 |
| Joseph’s Choice | Chose it to protect family | Gen. 47:1, 6 |
| Best of Egypt | Fertile pastureland | Gen. 47:11; Isa. 1:19 |
| Israel Multiplied | From 70 to a nation | Ex. 1:7; Deut. 10:22 |
| Separation Preserved | Distinct from Egypt | Gen. 46:34 |
| Protected from Plagues | No flies, hail, or darkness | Ex. 8:22; 9:26; 10:23 |
| Symbol of Provision | Refuge during famine | Gen. 45:7; Ps. 37:19 |
| Fulfilled Prophecy | God kept His Word | Gen. 15:13–14; Ex. 12:35–36 |
| Became Slavery | Pharaoh enslaved them | Ex. 1:8–11 |
| God’s Faithfulness | He delivered His people | Ex. 3:7–8; Ps. 105:37 |
