(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.
Pharaoh responded, "Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear."
Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”
And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.
And Pharaoh{H6547} said{H559}, Go up{H5927}, and bury{H6912} thy father{H1}, according as he made thee swear{H7650}.
Genesis 50:6 is a verse from the final chapter of the Book of Genesis, which concludes the story of Joseph and his family. The historical context of this verse is set in ancient Egypt, during the time when Joseph, one of the sons of the patriarch Jacob (also known as Israel), has risen to a position of great power as the second-in-command to Pharaoh.
The themes present in this verse include:
1. **Fulfillment of a Promise**: Joseph had asked Pharaoh for permission to bury his father Jacob in Canaan, where Jacob's ancestors were buried, fulfilling a promise he had made to his father. This request reflects the importance of honoring one's parents and keeping one's word, central tenets in the moral fabric of the Bible.
2. **Respect for Tradition and Custom**: The burial of Jacob according to his wishes demonstrates respect for the family's cultural and religious traditions, which were significant in maintaining the identity and faith of the Israelites.
3. **Authority and Compassion**: Pharaoh's consent to Joseph's request showcases his recognition of Joseph's loyalty and his own capacity for compassion and understanding, even towards the customs of a foreign people within his kingdom.
4. **Transition of Leadership**: This moment marks a transition as Joseph takes on the mantle of the family's patriarch after his father's death. It is a pivotal point that sets the stage for the subsequent events in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites' presence in Egypt becomes a central element of the narrative.
5. **God's Continuing Providence**: The verse also implicitly reflects the theme of God's providence, as Joseph's position in Egypt and Pharaoh's favorable response to his request are seen as part of the divine plan for the Israelites.
In summary, Genesis 50:6 encapsulates themes of promise-keeping, respect for tradition, the exercise of authority tempered with compassion, the transition of leadership, and the providence of God, all set within the historical context of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)