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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 13:17–22. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The choice God made of their way, Exo 13:17, Exo 13:18. He was their guide. Moses gave them direction but as he received it from the Lord. Note, The way of man is not in himself, Jer 10:23. He may devise his way, and design it; but, after all, it is God that directs his steps, Pro 16:9. Man proposes, but God disposes, and in his disposal we must acquiesce, and set ourselves to follow providence. There were two ways from Egypt to Canaan. One was a short cut from the north of Egypt to the south of Canaan, perhaps about four or five days' journey; the other was much further about, through the wilderness, and that was the way in which God chose to lead his people Israel, Exo 13:18. 1. There were many reasons why God led them through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. The Egyptians were to be drowned in the Red Sea. The Israelites were to be humbled and proved in the wilderness, Deu 8:2. God had given it to Moses for a sign (Exo 3:12), You shall serve God in this mountain. They had again and again told Pharaoh that they must go three days' journey into the wilderness to do sacrifice, and therefore it was requisite that they should bend their march that way, else they would justly have been exclaimed against as notorious dissemblers. Before they entered the lists with their enemies, matters must be settled between them and their God, laws must be given, ordinances instituted, covenants sealed, and the original contract ratified, for the doing of which it was necessary that they should retire into the solitudes of a wilderness, the only closet for such a crowd; the high road would be no proper place for these transactions. It is said (Deu 32:10), He led them about, some hundreds of miles about, and yet (Psa 107:7), He led them forth by the right way. God's way is the right way, though it seem about. If we think he leads not his people the nearest way, yet we may be sure he leads them the best way, and so it will appear when we come to our journey's end. Judge nothing before the time. 2. There was one reason why God did not lead them the nearest way, which would have brought them after a few days' march to the land of the Philistines (for it was that part of Canaan that lay next to Egypt), namely, because they were not as yet fit for war, much less for war with the Philistines, Exo 13:17. Their spirits were broken with slavery; it was not easy for them to turn their hands of a sudden from the trowel to the sword. The Philistines were formidable enemies, too fierce to be encountered by raw recruits; it was more suitable that they should begin with the Amalekites, and be prepared for the wars of Canaan by experiencing the difficulties of the wilderness. Note, God proportions his people's trials to their strength, and will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able, Co1 10:13. That promise, if compared with the foregoing verses, will seem to refer to this event, as an instance of it. God knows our frame, and considers our weakness and faintheartedness, and by less trials will prepare us for greater. God is said to bring Israel out of Egypt as the eagle brings up her young ones (Deu 32:11), teaching them by degrees to fly. Orders being thus given which way they should go, we are told, (1.) That they went up themselves, not as a confused rout, but in good order, rank and file: they went up harnessed, Exo 13:18. They went up by five in a rank (so some), in five squadrons, so others. They marched like an army with banners, which added much to their strength and honour. (2.) That they took the bones of Joseph along with them (Exo 13:19), and probably the bones of the rest of Jacob's sons, unless (as some think) they had been privately carried to Canaan (Act 7:16), severally as they died. Joseph had particularly appointed that his bones should be carried up when God should visit the (Gen 50:25, Gen 50:26), so that their carrying up his bones was not only a performance of the oath their fathers had sworn to Joseph, but an acknowledgment of the performance of God's promise to them by Joseph that he would visit them and bring them out of the land of Egypt, and an encouragement to their faith and hope that he would fulfil the other part of the promise, which was to bring them to Canaan, in expectation of which they carried these bones with them while they wandered in the desert. They might think, "Joseph's bones must rest at last, and then we shall." Moses is said to take these bones with him. Moses was now a very great man; so had Joseph been in his day, yet he was now but a box full of dry bones; this was all that remained of him in this world, which might serve for a monitor to Moses to remember his mortality. I have said, You are gods; it was said so to Moses expressly (Exo 7:1); but you shall die like men.
II.Here is the guidance they were blessed with in the way:
The Lord went before them in a pillar, Exo 13:21, Exo 13:22. In the first two stages it was enough that God directed Moses whither to march: he knew the country and the road well enough; but now that they had come to the edge of the wilderness (Exo 13:20) they would have occasion for a guide; and a very good guide they had, one that was infinitely wise, kind, and faithful: The Lord went before them, the shechinah (or appearance of the divine Majesty, which was typical of Christ) or a previous manifestation of the eternal Word, which, in the fulness of time, was to be made flesh, and dwell among us. Christ was with the church in the wilderness, Co1 10:9. Now their King passed before them, even the Lord on the head of them, Mic 2:13. Note, Those whom God brings into a wilderness he will not leave nor lose there, but will take care to lead them through it; we may well think it was a very great satisfaction to Moses and the pious Israelites to be sure that they were under divine guidance. Those needed not to fear missing their way who were thus led, nor being lost who were thus directed; those needed not to fear being benighted who were thus illuminated, nor being robbed who were thus protected. Those who make the glory of God their end, and the word of God their rule, the Spirit of God the guide of their affections, and the providence of God the guide of their affairs, may be confident that the Lord goes before them, as truly as he went before Israel in the wilderness, though not so sensibly; we must live by faith.
1.They had sensible evidences of God's going before them. They all saw an appearance from heaven of a pillar, which in the bright day appeared cloudy, and in the dark night appeared fiery. We commonly see that that which is a flame in the night is a smoke in the day; so was this. God gave them this ocular demonstration of his presence, in compassion to the infirmity of their faith, and in compliance with that infant state of the church, which needed to be thus lisped to in their own language; but blessed are those that have not seen and yet have believed God's gracious presence with them, according to his promise.
2.They had sensible effects of God's going before them in this pillar. For,
(1.)It led the way in that vast howling wilderness, in which there was no road, no track, no way-mark, of which they had no maps, through which they had no guides. When they marched, this pillar went before them, at the rate that they could follow, and appointed the place of their encampment, as Infinite Wisdom saw fit, which both eased them from care, and secured them from danger, both in moving and in resting.
(2.)It sheltered them by day from the heat, which, at some times of the year, was extreme.
(3.)It gave them light by night when they had occasion for it, and at all times made their camp pleasant and the wilderness they were in less frightful.
III.These were constant standing miracles (Exo 13:22):
He took not away the pillar of cloud; no, not when they seemed to have less occasion for it, travelling through inhabited countries, no, not when they murmured and were provoking; it never left them, till it brought them to the borders of Canaan. It was a cloud which the wind could not scatter. This favour is acknowledged with thankfulness long afterwards, Neh 9:19; Psa 78:14. There was something spiritual in this pillar of cloud and fire.
1.The children of Israel were baptized unto Moses in this cloud, which, some think, distilled dew upon them, Co1 10:2. By coming under this cloud, they signified their putting themselves under the divine guidance and command by the ministry of Moses. Protection draws allegiance; this cloud was the badge of God's protection, and so became the bond of their allegiance. Thus they were initiated, and admitted under that government, now when they were entering upon the wilderness.
2.Some make this cloud a type f Christ. The cloud of his human nature was a veil to the light and fire of his divine nature; we find him (Rev 10:1) clothed with a cloud, and his feet as pillars of fire. Christ is our way, the light of our way and the guide of it.
3.It signified the special guidance and protection which the church of Christ is under in this world. God himself is the keeper of Israel, and he neither slumbers nor sleeps, Psa 121:4; Isa 27:3. There is a defence created, not only on Sion's assemblies, but on every dwelling-place in Sion. See Isa 4:5, Isa 4:6. Nay, every Israelite indeed is hidden under the shadow of God's wings (Psa 17:8); angels, whose ministry was made use of in this cloud, are employed for their good, and pitch their tents about them. Happy art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people?
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Summary
Exodus 13:19 records the pivotal moment when Moses, amidst the urgency of the Exodus, faithfully carried Joseph's bones out of Egypt. This profound act, rooted in a centuries-old oath, powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, the Israelites' deep commitment to their ancestral heritage, and their enduring hope in the ultimate fulfillment of the Promised Land. It serves as a tangible testament to God's meticulous orchestration of history to bring His long-term redemptive plans to fruition.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically positioned at a critical juncture in the Exodus narrative, immediately following the detailed accounts of the Passover institution and the consecration of the firstborn. These preceding events emphasize God's mighty hand in delivering His people from 430 years of Egyptian bondage, marking their definitive departure. Exodus 13:19, therefore, highlights a crucial human act of obedience and remembrance amidst divine liberation. It serves as a bridge, connecting the historical fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (that his descendants would return to Canaan) with the immediate narrative of God leading Israel by a pillar of cloud and fire towards the Red Sea and their wilderness journey.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, the disposition of ancestral remains and burial practices held immense cultural and theological significance. To be buried in one's homeland or with one's ancestors was considered vital for identity, belonging, and continuity of lineage, signifying a profound connection to the land and family. Conversely, being denied proper burial or having one's bones remain in foreign soil was often viewed as a great dishonor or tragedy. Joseph's dying wish, recorded in Genesis 50:25, was thus far more than a sentimental request; it was a profound theological statement. By exacting an oath from his family to carry his bones to Canaan, he expressed unwavering faith in God's covenant promise of the land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even though he would not live to see its immediate fulfillment. This act of transporting bones across generations symbolized a continuous claim to the promised inheritance and a deep commitment to a shared destiny within a covenant community.
Key Themes
Exodus 13:19 powerfully contributes to several major themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It exemplifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His word, though spanning centuries, is always fulfilled. It underscores the theme of remembrance and continuity, showing how the Israelites honored a multi-generational oath, thereby affirming their identity as a people bound by a shared history and divine destiny. Furthermore, it highlights the power of faith and hope in the face of daunting circumstances, as Joseph's dying act, and Moses' subsequent obedience, served as a tangible symbol of the future inheritance in the Promised Land, even during their arduous journey through the wilderness. This verse also subtly reinforces the theme of divine guidance and presence, as God orchestrates events to ensure His promises are realized.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 13:19 states: "And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you."
Key Word Analysis
From a root meaning "to be strong," this word refers to a bone, and by extension, the body or even the substance/selfsame. In this context, "bones" represents the physical remains of Joseph, but more profoundly, it symbolizes his enduring legacy, his faith, and the tangible link to the ancestral promise. The act of carrying his bones was a weighty, physical manifestation of a spiritual commitment.
A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying to swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times), thus binding oneself by an oath. The adverb "straitly" emphasizes the solemnity, gravity, and binding nature of Joseph's oath. It highlights the sacredness of covenants and commitments within ancient Israelite culture, indicating a promise made with the utmost seriousness and expected adherence.
This is an emphatic construction using the infinitive absolute of the verb paqad, meaning "to visit, oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit." The repetition ("pâqod yiphqod") conveys absolute certainty and intensity. It signifies that God will "certainly, without fail, visit" His people, implying a divine intervention on their behalf, a remembering of His covenant, and an act of deliverance or redemption. It is a powerful declaration of God's active involvement in human history.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him"
This opening clause immediately establishes Moses' direct and immediate obedience to a directive given centuries prior. Amidst the chaos and urgency of the Exodus, this deliberate act of remembering and honoring Joseph's dying wish demonstrates a profound commitment to ancestral faith and the fulfillment of divine promise. It physically links the past promise with the present fulfillment, showing Moses as the faithful instrument of God's long-term plan.
"for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying,"
This explanatory clause provides the crucial context for Moses' action. Joseph, before his death, had exacted a solemn and binding oath from his family, a directive meticulously recorded in Genesis 50:25. The phrase "straitly sworn" underscores the enduring, covenantal nature of this promise, passed down and honored through generations, emphasizing the weight of such an ancestral commitment.
"God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you."
This is the precise content of Joseph's oath, revealing the depth of his faith. His conviction was rooted in the absolute certainty that God would "surely visit" (intervene for) His people, leading them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Therefore, carrying his bones was not merely about his personal burial preference but served as a living testament to his unwavering belief in God's covenant promises and a powerful symbol of Israel's future inheritance in Canaan. It was a physical marker of their true, divinely appointed home.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Emphasis through repetition in the Hebrew phrase "surely visit" (pâqod yiphqod), an infinitive absolute construction that underscores the absolute certainty and intensity of God's promised divine intervention and deliverance. This linguistic emphasis powerfully mirrors the theological certainty of God's faithfulness. Furthermore, the act of carrying Joseph's bones functions as profound Symbolism. The physical burden of the bones represents the spiritual weight of the covenant promise, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of their destination and God's faithfulness throughout the wilderness journey. It is a Metonymy, where "bones" stand for Joseph's entire legacy and the enduring hope of the Abrahamic covenant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 13:19 is pregnant with theological significance, revealing profound truths about God's character and humanity's response.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 13:19 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, encouraging us to cultivate a forward-looking faith anchored in God's unchanging word. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promise to Joseph and Israel after centuries of waiting, we can possess unwavering confidence that God will ultimately fulfill all His promises to us, even if their realization seems distant, challenging, or beyond our immediate comprehension. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's timing is perfect, His purposes are unshakeable, and His sovereign will shall always prevail. Joseph's act of faith concerning his future burial, believing in a promise he would not see fully realized in his lifetime, inspires us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances, trusting in God's unseen hand and His ultimate, glorious plan for our lives and the world. Furthermore, the Israelites' diligence in carrying out Joseph's oath, even amid the urgency and chaos of their liberation, profoundly emphasizes the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and steadfastness in keeping our word, both to God and to others. Our commitments, especially those made in the light of God's truth, reflect our character and our reverence for divine principles.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was carrying Joseph's bones so important to the Israelites?
Carrying Joseph's bones was profoundly important for several interconnected reasons. Primarily, it was an act of direct obedience to a solemn oath made by their revered ancestor, Joseph, demonstrating the Israelites' faithfulness to their covenant heritage and the sanctity of promises passed down through generations. Theologically, it symbolized their unwavering faith in God's promise to bring them to the Promised Land, a conviction Joseph held even while serving as a powerful ruler in Egypt. Joseph's dying wish not to be buried in Egypt, despite his high status there, powerfully underscored his conviction that Israel's true and ultimate home was in Canaan, the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thus, carrying his bones served as a tangible, constant reminder of their divinely appointed destination and God's enduring faithfulness throughout their arduous wilderness journey.
Did they carry the bones for the entire 40 years in the wilderness?
Yes, the biblical record explicitly indicates that Joseph's bones were carried throughout the entirety of the wilderness wanderings. Joshua 24:32 records their eventual burial in Shechem, within the land of Canaan, only after the Israelites had successfully entered and begun to possess the promised territory. This remarkable dedication highlights the incredible commitment and perseverance of the Israelites in fulfilling this multi-generational, sacred promise, underscoring the profound significance of Joseph's dying request.
Does Joseph's request imply a belief in an afterlife or resurrection?
While the primary focus of Joseph's request was on the fulfillment of the land promise and his desire to be buried with his ancestors in the promised land, it certainly reflects a robust and forward-looking faith in God's future dealings with His people. The New Testament, in Hebrews 11:22, celebrates Joseph's faith, noting that "by faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones." This "faith" encompasses not just the physical exodus but also the ultimate hope of God's redemptive plan, which for believers includes resurrection and eternal life. While the Old Testament's understanding of the afterlife was progressively revealed, Joseph's act undeniably points to a hope beyond this earthly life and a profound trust in God's ultimate restoration and faithfulness to His covenant people, even in death.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The poignant narrative of Joseph's bones, carried as a tangible symbol of hope and a promise of future inheritance, finds its most profound fulfillment and ultimate amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joseph's unwavering faith in God's promise to "surely visit" His people and bring them to the Promised Land foreshadows the ultimate and decisive "visitation" of God in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. All of God's magnificent promises, spanning all of history, find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20), who perfectly embodies and fulfills every covenant. The long, generational wait for Joseph's bones to reach their promised resting place in Canaan beautifully points to the even longer, yet ultimately fulfilled, anticipation of the Messiah who would bring about God's final and complete redemption, not merely from physical slavery, but from the bondage of sin and death. Joseph's desire for his bones to be carried to the earthly promised land symbolizes the hope of an earthly inheritance, but in Christ, believers are granted a far greater, eternal, and spiritual inheritance—not merely a physical land, but spiritual blessings beyond measure, adoption as children of God, and a secure place in the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of Abraham and others looking for a "better country—a heavenly one"). Jesus Himself is our ultimate inheritance and the one who perfectly leads us to our true, eternal home. The Israelites' journey with Joseph's bones was a constant, tangible reminder of their future; similarly, the Christian life is a journey of faith, where Jesus Christ is the ultimate "symbol" or "living hope" we carry within us (Colossians 1:27). His historical death, burial, and glorious resurrection are the irrefutable guarantee of our own future resurrection and our triumphant entrance into God's eternal presence. Just as Joseph's bones were eventually laid to rest in the promised land, so too will believers find their ultimate rest, fulfillment, and eternal inheritance in Christ in the New Heavens and New Earth. Joseph's act of faith concerning his bones, even in death, powerfully points to Christ, who conquered death itself, demonstrating that God "visits" His people not just with deliverance from earthly oppression, but with ultimate deliverance from sin and death, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him.