My dear sister Annette, From reading your post, I do sincerely believe you have a seeking heart. But in so far as the Scriptural interpretations you offer, and the typology you define - these I cannot accept. I will try to keep it short and to the point, just mentioning some of the major problems created by using your interpretations:"Egypt" was on several occasions a refuge from stress and danger for God's servants - e.g. Abraham/Sarah - Naomi and family - Jacob/Mary and baby Jesus.

This is the first time I have come across the meaning you have given to Egypt. Of those 3 of 4 dozen saints I am aware of, who excelled in typology over the last few centuries, they interpret Egypt as a picture of the world. Do you see the conflict that arises by saying Egypt - the world - is a refuge. Quite a contradiction, seeing that Christ came to save us from the world, and the world is at enmity with God (James 4:4).

As for Abraham: God tested him in Canaan through a famine, as He tests all of us as we learn the walk of faith. Trouble is, I find we are as prone as Abraham to run down to Egypt - the world - for help when the testing is sore against us. Furthermore, Abraham, he did not find Egypt a refuge. He found nothing but trouble there, and was booted out.

As for Jacob/Mary and Jesus, Scripture is clear as to the reason why God wanted them in Egypt, so that he could be called out of there according to prophecy: "And he was there until the death of Herod, that that might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son" (Matt. 2:15; Hos. 11:1).  (Incidentally, this is typology yet to be realized in total fulfillment. As we are one with the Son, we are called out of the world - Egypt - as Jesus was called out. We - the Church- are the body, for the Head, that make up the Second Man. You see? God is calling His son out of Egypt - not sending it down there as a place of refuge.)

And last: Jacob knew very well the trouble his grandfather (Abraham), found by going into Egypt; as well as the fact that his father was prevented by direct intervention of God, when he would have gone down to Egypt. Having said that, by going back and reading through the story, you might get a better grasp of why Jacob had such difficulty going down into Egypt. He knew it was a place off limits for those called of God - so much so, that it was not until he offered a sacrifice at Beersheba and heard directly from God that it was alright to go down, that he continued on into Egypt (Gen. 46:1-4) .

In general, typologists have held that this particular part of the story of Jacob and his sons represents Israel at the time subsequent to the tribulation, after Christ has gathered Israel together, and sits on the throne in the millennium; when the nation of Israel takes the preferred place of first among all the other peoples of the earth. And they shall have Goshen - an elevated place in the world, and the best of all the world has to offer. Their brother, whom they previously rejected but now embrace, Jesus the Christ - as their Zephnath-paneah - shall see to that (Deut. 28:13; Jer. 31:7, 10; Isa. 11:12, 55:5).

If you are interested in a typological picture of Is real - not the Church - and the tribulation, refer to the incident at Shechem - where a covenant was made and broken (Gen. 33:34).

Goshen therefore signifies:

The position Israel will have when the Son of Man rules in world during the millennium. And they shall live off the fat of the land. And be revered as a most special people (Zach. 8:23).

Pharoah's wagons that brought them down to Goshen. As it is God's grace and a fulfillment of His promise to Israel that will bring this people to a place where they will say "blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

It is a time, when Joseph, as a brother previously rejected, is now accepted and who saves his brethren. As such, it is not a type of resurrection, but a type revealing the change of heart, his own people had toward him - a type of the One who, though previously rejected by his own, will soon be embraced by them, and live under HIS protection.

By the way, in spite of the above, there is no indication in scripture that all 7 of the bad years were fulfilled

Joseph had already predicted - nine years ago - that there would be 7 years of plenty, and seven years of want. There is quite a bit of inference in Scripture that this was literally fulfilled. Also! This has been widely accepted for many years as a picture of the Church age (the first seven years) - where the rain of God's grace has been poured our upon the world, which shall be followed by seven years of want - where Christ will bring all things in the world under His subjection, once and for all. Genesis 47 is a prophecy depicting how that will be accomplished by Christ during the 1000 year reign. All will come and offer Him His due, or they shall find, He withholds the provisions they need. (Zach 14:17). As absolute ruler, and provider, it is a fulfillment of what pharaoh said, "no man shall lift . . . . . (Gen 41:14). In this way, He will put down all opposition, until finally, at the end of His glorious reign, He shall deliver up the kingdom to he Father (1 Cor. 15:24).Last! I am not unsettled by what I read in your post, or in others I read from time to time, posted on Five Doves, as well as other boards. I only say, when I come across these new interpretations that tend to be in conflict with more orthodox and accepted views of well-known saints of the past, I simply accept it as no more, and no less, than a sign of the times. Babylon - confusion - will become stronger and stronger as the day approaches. In conclusion, the time is very near. Our gracious and loving Savior shall soon appear. But till then, I do get grieved at times, that the testimony of the Spirit's work in past days is often so neglected. A good portion of the more outlandish interpretations would not be presented to confuse the saints if more gave heed to the insights of those saints of the past who are well recognized as having entered into the depths of an intimate walk with the Lord. But then, His next appearing will be not be much different than when He appeared the first time. Remember! All Jerusalem was in a stir. But there were only a few - the Anna's and Simeons, who most thought were off their rocker - they were the ones who knew Him enough in their daily walk to recognized Him when He did appear (though it was only as a babe).Next time it will be as KING of Kings. Yet, what perplexes me most, is how easy we can utter the words, and say we know Him, while still having so many areas in our heart's where He is not yet on the throne. Which leads me to ask myself: Do I really know Him enough to recognize Him when He comes?? Yours as I strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection life, Sentinel KulpAdministratorWell of Oath