Commentary on Genesis 50

Genesis 50 concludes the book of Genesis with Joseph's final acts of faithfulness and reconciliation. Following Jacob's death, Joseph fulfills his father's burial request in Canaan, demonstrating deep respect and filial piety. The chapter then addresses the lingering fear of Joseph's brothers regarding his potential revenge, leading to a profound moment of forgiveness and a theological declaration of God's sovereign hand in all events. Joseph's own death and his final request for his bones to be carried to the Promised Land underscore the enduring hope of God's covenant promises.

Historical context

The book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses, serves as the foundational narrative for the nation of Israel. It chronicles creation, humanity's fall, the flood, and the patriarchal history through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Genesis 50 brings this epic to a close, specifically detailing events that occur in Egypt, where Jacob's family had settled during a severe famine (Gen 46-47). The setting is the land of Goshen, a fertile region in the Nile Delta, suitable for their livestock.

The cultural context is ancient Near Eastern, where respect for elders, elaborate burial customs, and the power dynamics within large families were paramount. The fear of Joseph's brothers after Jacob's death is understandable within this framework, as a new leader might revisit old grievances. Joseph's actions, however, transcend typical human responses, reflecting a deep understanding of God's providential care, a theme central to the entire Joseph narrative and indeed, to Genesis as a whole.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  Joseph's immediate reaction to his father Jacob's death is one of profound grief. He weeps, kisses his father, and prostrates himself, demonstrating deep filial love and respect. This emotional display highlights the strong bond that had been restored between them.

• 2:

  Joseph commands his physicians to embalm Jacob. This practice, common in ancient Egypt, was a lengthy process (forty days, as mentioned in v. 3) and signifies Jacob's status and Joseph's position of authority within Pharaoh's court. It was a way to preserve the body for a journey and a proper burial.

• 4:

  After the period of mourning and embalming, Joseph seeks Pharaoh's permission to bury his father in Canaan, fulfilling Jacob's dying wish (Gen 49:29-32). Joseph's humility in approaching Pharaoh, despite his high rank, shows proper protocol and respect for the monarch.

• 7:

  The funeral procession for Jacob is described as a grand affair, reflecting the honor Joseph held in Egypt and the respect shown to his family. It included Egyptian officials, Pharaoh's servants, and all of Joseph's household, signifying the importance of the deceased and the one arranging the burial.

• 10:

  The procession stops at Goren Atad, “the threshing floor of Atad,” east of the Jordan River. Here, they observe a seven-day period of intense mourning, so profound that the Canaanites observing it called the place Abel-Mizraim, meaning “mourning of Egypt,” recognizing the scale of the lamentation.

• 14:

  After Jacob's burial in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, Joseph and his entourage return to Egypt. This marks the physical separation of the family from the Promised Land, setting the stage for their eventual growth into a nation and their subsequent enslavement.

• 15:

  With Jacob gone, Joseph's brothers fear that he will finally exact revenge for their past betrayal. Their fear reveals a lingering guilt and a misunderstanding of Joseph's character and his profound forgiveness, which had been evident for years.

• 17:

  The brothers send a message, claiming Jacob's dying wish was for Joseph to forgive them. While Jacob did not explicitly say this in Genesis 49, the brothers' plea is a desperate attempt to appeal to Joseph's piety and prevent retribution. Joseph weeps at their continued distrust.

• 20:

  Joseph's response is a theological masterpiece: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” This declaration of God's sovereignty (Elohim) over human evil is central to the entire Joseph narrative and a key theme of Genesis.

• 24:

  Joseph, at the age of 110, senses his impending death. He reminds his brothers of God's promise to bring them out of Egypt and back to the land of Canaan (Gen 15:13-16). This covenant promise undergirds his final request.

• 25:

  Joseph makes his brothers swear an oath to carry his bones with them when God leads them out of Egypt. This act of faith looks forward hundreds of years to the Exodus, demonstrating his unwavering belief in God's covenant and his desire to be part of the Promised Land, even in death.

• 26:

  Joseph dies and is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. His unburied bones serve as a tangible reminder of God's promise and the future exodus, a silent testament to faith that would inspire generations of Israelites (Exod 13:19; Heb 11:22).

Key themes

• God's Sovereignty
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation
• Faith in God's Promises
• Filial Piety and Respect
• Hope in the Future

Application

Genesis 50 offers profound lessons for our lives today, particularly concerning the sovereignty of God and the power of forgiveness. Joseph's declaration in Gen 50:20—that what others intended for evil, God intended for good—is a cornerstone of Christian hope. It reminds us that even in the face of betrayal, injustice, or suffering, God is actively working His purposes, often in ways we cannot immediately discern. This truth invites us to trust Him fully, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Furthermore, Joseph's unwavering forgiveness of his brothers, even after Jacob's death, challenges us to extend grace to those who have wronged us. His actions demonstrate that true forgiveness is not merely forgetting but actively choosing to release bitterness and embrace reconciliation, mirroring the radical forgiveness we receive through Christ. Finally, Joseph's dying request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and the importance of living with an eternal perspective, anchored in the hope of Christ's return and the new heavens and new earth.

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