Yaakov would finally see his son after twenty-two years of painful separation. Consequently, he would advance the oppression of his children and the murder of his grandchildren, as promised to Avraham. Can one imagine the struggle that tormented every step Yaakov took towards Mitzrayim?
It is in this light that Ramban explains Yaakov's time in Be'er Sheva (46:1) on his way down to Mitzrayim. Be'er Sheva, according to the Ramban, was the place from which Yitschok was going to take leave of Israel as he wished to escape the famine that gripped his homeland (26:13). Hashem demanded that Yitschok stay in Israel, assuring him protection and great prosperity. In many ways, Yaakov wished that Hashem would also ask him to stay in Israel, and perhaps fulfill his dream of a united family at home. Maybe this would indeed happen if he prayed the same way his father prayed. That is why the Torah stresses that Yaakov sacrificed to the G-d of his father Yitschok and does not mention Avraham (46:1).
Though Hashem insists that Yaakov continue on his way, He assures Yaakov that he will become a great nation in Mitzrayim and that He will accompany them there and bring the Jewish people out. In reassuring Yaakov of what lies ahead, Hashem says that "Yosef will place his hands on your eyes" (46:4). What reassurance was Hashem offering to Yaakov? Many commentaries ponder these words, leading some to find in this phrase the beginnings of the chevra kadisha's practice of closing the eyes of a niftar or having a child of the deceased close them. Yet it is hard to imagine that this or similar ideas would be comforting to Yaakov.
As I try to imagine the thoughts plaguing Yaakov while traveling, it would seem that he had to be concerned that his life's dreams and accomplishments may not endure. No doubt he would question, as he did on his death bed, that perhaps Egyptian culture and religion, as well as recently acquired power, would severely challenge the supreme concern of obedience to Hashem. To this Hashem responds that that too need not frighten Yaakov, for Yosef's hands, i.e. his actions, will truly realize Yaakov's "eyes", i.e. Yaakov's vision for his children's future.
Though Yaakov brought his family to reside in galus, he received the most coveted blessing: his vision of life's purpose would be furthered by his children throughout the most unfriendly situations.