Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 46:3

3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father, fear not to go down into Egypt: for I will there make of thee a great nation.

For here were many causes of fear; lest he should do evil in forsaking the promised and blessed land, and going to a place which had been incommodious to his grandfather, Gen. 12. 15. and forbidden to his father. Gen. 26. 2. lest he should expose his children to manifold perils, as, of being infected with the vices and particularly the Idolatry which reigned there above all other countries, and of being inveagled by the pleasantness and eminent fruitfulness of that soil to give up themselves to all manner of pleasures and to settle themselves there and give over all thoughts of returning to Canaan; and of being brought into that grievous bondage and affliction which was spoken of Gen. 15. 13. and lest some mischief should befal him or his in so long and dangerous a journey.