And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly. (Genesis 47:27)
Since Jacob’s family lived in a fertile region and were amply supplied by Joseph (v. 12), it is not astonishing that they enjoyed an unprecedented period of prosperity. The result was not only an accumulation of wealth but also a rapid increase in population. Thus began the fulfillment of the promise made by God to Jacob at Beersheba (ch. 46:3).