What does Genesis 46:28 mean?

The count of Joseph's descendants in the previous verses delayed a long-awaited reunion. Joseph has not seen his father since being sold as a slave some twenty years earlier (Genesis 37:24–28). Jacob, for his part, had thought Joseph was dead (Genesis 37:31–34). Now, as Jacob's large family moves into Egypt to escape famine (Genesis 45:9–11), the moment has finally arrived.

The caravan of Jacob's family is traveling with everything they own from the Promised Land of Canaan to Egypt (Genesis 45:16–21). This included herds of sheep and cattle. By necessity, the group would have moved slowly toward their designated place in Egypt, a region called Goshen.

Jacob sends Judah ahead of the company to let Joseph know they are coming. He's also to get directions to their final destination. It is fitting that Judah has taken the lead in bringing Joseph and Jacob back together. He he was the brother most outspoken about selling Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:26–27).

Pharaoh told Joseph his family would have the best of the land of Egypt (Genesis 45:18). The land of Goshen must have been suitable for raising crops and supporting livestock. Or, it would have been other than in times of severe famine (Genesis 41:56).