(The Lord speaking is red text)
And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:
His sons did to him as he had ordered them to do -
So Jacob’s sons did as he had charged them.
And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:
And his sons{H1121} did{H6213} unto him according as he commanded{H6680} them:
**Themes:**
- **Fulfillment of Vows and Promises:** The verse reflects the theme of honoring commitments, as Joseph's brothers carry out his final wishes, demonstrating loyalty and integrity.
- **Family Dynamics and Reconciliation:** It illustrates the restoration of Joseph's relationship with his brothers, who are now united in honoring their father's wishes, despite their past conflicts.
- **Respect for the Dead and Burial Customs:** The verse underscores the importance of respecting the deceased and adhering to cultural and familial burial practices, which were significant in ancient times.
**Historical Context:**
Genesis 50:12 is set at the end of the story of Joseph and his family in Egypt. Jacob (Israel), Joseph's father, has died, and Joseph is ensuring that his father's body is embalmed and taken back to Canaan for burial in the family tomb at Machpelah, as per Jacob's specific instructions (Genesis 47:29-31, 49:29-32). This event occurs during the period when Joseph and his family are living in Egypt, where Joseph has risen to a position of great power.
The historical context includes the following elements:
- **The Patriarchal Period:** This is the era of the patriarchs, where the lives and interactions of the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are central to the narrative.
- **Egyptian Influence:** The practice of embalming reflects Egyptian customs, indicating the cultural influence on the family of Jacob during their time in Egypt.
- **Covenantal Significance:** The return to Canaan to bury Jacob is a symbolic act that reaffirms the family's connection to the Promised Land, a central theme in the book of Genesis.
This verse is part of the closure of the book of Genesis, tying up the narrative of Joseph and setting the stage for the subsequent books of the Bible, which will deal with the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their eventual exodus under the leadership of Moses.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)