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

Gen 46:34

The story of Joseph and his family being settled in the land of Goshen is such a fascinating segment of the Bible, steeped in layers of culture and context! The Egyptians, especially Pharaoh and his court, found the occupation of shepherding rather detestable. This underscores the cultural differences within the ancient world. Egyptians were largely agriculturally oriented and held herding in disdain, viewing it as a lower form of livelihood.

By granting Joseph's family the land of Goshen, Pharaoh cleverly placed them in a region well-suited for their skills while simultaneously isolating them from the Egyptian society that looked down upon them. It emphasizes Pharaoh's respect and trust in Joseph—there was a real blending of worlds here, as Egyptians distinctively distanced themselves from shepherds, while Joseph’s family, through their experiences and agricultural practices, stood to contribute economically and socially to Egypt.

Interestingly, Goshen (Hebrew: גּוֹשֶׁן) is often depicted as a green and fertile area, harping on the contrast of arid Egypt, which could make life tough. This choice of land becomes more than just practical; it symbolizes a deeper acceptance and provides room for growth. Fun fact: even today, historians speculate about specific locations in modern Egypt that could correlate with ancient Goshen, opening a gateway to explore how ancient and modern history intertwine!

This story resonates not just as a tale of a family's misadventures but beautifully illustrates themes of acceptance and adaptation in a diverse and complex world.