The action in this verse follows directly on Jacob’s decision to go to Egypt, reported in 45.28.

So Israel took his journey: So translates the Hebrew connective as a marker of the consequence of Jacob’s decision in 45.28. Took his journey may be rendered, for example, “started out,” “set off on his trip,” “began to travel.”

All that he had refers to his possessions, goods, and camp baggage: “all that he owned.” We may translate, for example, “Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions” or “Jacob took all he owned and started on his journey to Egypt.”

Came to Beer-sheba: according to 37.14 Jacob was living in the valley of Hebron when he sent Joseph to inquire about his brothers at Dothan. See also 22.19. If Jacob departed from Hebron, the trip to Beersheba would be about 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the south. With large herds this would be a two-day journey. In a number of translations this clause is made the beginning of a new sentence: “When he came to Beersheba he made a sacrifice….”

Offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac: in 26.25 Isaac built an altar at Beersheba. For sacrifices see 31.54. God of … Isaac must often be rendered “The God his father Isaac worshiped.” See 28.13.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .