Genesis 46:1

Came to Beer-sheba. Jacob’s camp had probably been at Hebron for many years (chs. 35:27; 37:14), the place where his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac were buried, together with other members of the family. This was probably the place of departure. On his way to Egypt, Jacob halted at Beersheba, on the southern borders of Canaan, where Abraham (ch. 21:33) and Isaac (ch. 26:25) had erected altars to Jehovah. When Jacob passed this sacred place, and saw, possibly, the remains of his father’s altar, he stopped to offer sacrifices to God, who had dealt with him so graciously in the past. These sacrifices were probably thank offerings for the good tidings concerning Joseph. Jacob may also have desired to consult with God concerning his journey to Egypt, which may have occasioned gloomy forebodings in view of the scenes of affliction revealed to Abraham (ch. 15:13). It is certain that Jacob here commended himself and his family to the care of God.