The answer is: They were shepherds, which are an abomination to the Egyptians

Gen 46:34

Let's dig into that colorful bit of biblical history! The story of Joseph and his family settling in Egypt is packed with drama and some interesting cultural clashes. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt looking for food during a famine, Joseph was in a high-ranking position and cleverly navigated family dynamics. He ultimately invited his family to live in Egypt—not just anywhere, but in the land of Goshen.

Why Goshen? Well, here’s the twist—it turns out that shepherds were considered lowly in Egyptian society. The Egyptians were masterful farmers and had little regard for those tending to their flocks. By settling Joseph’s family in Goshen, Pharaoh effectively gave them a spot away from the bustling heart of Egyptian civilization, while also allowing his new vizier to reconnect with his heritage.

Interestingly, this aligns with an instance of the Egyptians’ complex relationship with livestock and land. In the broader context, their disdain for shepherding can be mirrored in how many tribes and nations built identities largely disconnected from livestock.

And get this: Goshen was later significant in biblical history. It would become a setting for bonding but also for suffering during the years of slavery when generations of Israelites were enslaved. There, nestled amid their sheep and cattle, the roots of Israel’s identity and community flourished, setting the stage for deliverance stories we know so well. So that seemingly simple decision to settle in Goshen? It echoed in ways far beyond the immediate scene!