Genesis 46:34

that ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, being cattle-men was the traditional occupation of the family, both we and also our fathers; that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen, that Pharaoh might confirm the order of Joseph permitting them to make that their home; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Since they themselves considered agriculture the basis of national stability, the Egyptians regarded all nomadic forms of living as a barbarian form of existence. There was a good deal of shrewdness in the attitude of Joseph, for he knew that his relatives, under cover of the Egyptians' contempt, would remain secluded and unmixed, would keep their ancient religion and customs, and thus be worthy of being the bearers of the Messianic promise. Incidentally, they would be occupying a very rich section of the land of Egypt. It is far better to be in a lowly station and remain faithful to the Lord than to occupy a position of prominence and deny His goodness and mercy.