Genesis 50:12

KJV

And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sons {H1121} did {H6213} unto him according as he commanded {H6680} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

His sons did to him as he had ordered them to do -

Berean Standard Bible

So Jacob’s sons did as he had charged them.

American Standard Version

And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:12 succinctly records the faithful and complete execution of Jacob's final, solemn command by his sons, who meticulously carried out his wish to be interred in the land of Canaan. This act not only profoundly demonstrates filial respect, obedience, and a newfound unity among the brothers, but also serves as a powerful affirmation of their patriarch's unwavering faith in God's enduring covenant promises regarding the land and the future of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 50:12 immediately follows the detailed account of Jacob's death, embalming, and the extensive mourning period in Egypt, which lasted seventy days for the Egyptians and seven days for Jacob's family. Prior to his death, Jacob (Israel) had gathered his sons to pronounce prophetic blessings and, crucially, to give explicit instructions regarding his burial. His most fervent desire, reiterated multiple times, was not to be buried in Egypt, but to be carried back to the land of Canaan and laid to rest with his ancestors in the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Burial Place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah"). This verse, therefore, acts as the culminating statement of obedience and fulfillment, bridging the patriarch's death with the subsequent grand funeral procession described in the verses that follow ([Genesis 50:7-11](/genesis/50-7-11 "Genesis 50:7-11 - The Great Mourning and Burial Procession")). It sets the stage for the narrative's shift from the patriarchal stories to the impending national development of Israel in Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, deathbed commands were considered sacred and binding, carrying immense weight and obligation. Disobeying a patriarch's final wishes was a grave offense, often viewed as a curse upon the disobedient. Embalming, as performed for Jacob and Joseph, was an Egyptian custom, reflecting their advanced mortuary practices and the high status accorded to these figures within Egyptian society. The elaborate funeral procession, involving Pharaoh's officials and a large retinue, underscores the significant respect Joseph and, by extension, his family commanded in Egypt. Jacob's insistence on burial in Canaan, despite his prosperity and status in Egypt, was a powerful cultural statement. It rejected the Egyptian worldview that emphasized burial in the land of one's life and instead affirmed a deep-seated identity tied to the ancestral land and the covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Filial Obedience and Respect**, demonstrating the sons' adherence to the sacred duty of honoring their father's final wishes, a principle later codified in the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment"). Crucially, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and the Promise of the Land**. Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan, and his sons' fulfillment of it, is an act of profound faith in God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). This act is a tangible expression of hope beyond the immediate prosperity of Egypt. Furthermore, the collective action of "his sons" in carrying out this command speaks to the theme of **Family Unity and Reconciliation**, suggesting a significant healing of the deep fractures that had plagued Jacob's family throughout their history, particularly evident in the story of [Joseph and his brothers](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Brothers Sell Him into Slavery"). This unity is vital for the nascent nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word signifies not merely male offspring but those who build and perpetuate the family name and legacy. In this context, "his sons" refers collectively to the twelve patriarchs of Israel, emphasizing their unified action as the foundational generation of the nation. Their obedience here is not just individual but corporate, representing the nascent nation's commitment to its heritage and God's promises.
* **Did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh_):** This primitive root is broad in its meaning, encompassing "to do," "to make," "to accomplish," or "to perform." Here, it denotes the active and complete fulfillment of a command. The use of this verb implies not just a passive agreement but a diligent and thorough execution of Jacob's instructions, involving significant logistical effort and a journey. It highlights the intentionality and completeness of their obedience.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh_):** This verb, used intensively, means "to constitute," "to enjoin," or "to give a charge/command." It suggests a solemn, authoritative instruction, often with legal or moral weight. Jacob's "command" was not a mere request but a binding directive, underscoring the gravity of his dying wish and the sons' recognition of its imperative nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sons did unto him":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject and their action. "His sons" refers to the collective body of Jacob's twelve sons, particularly those who were present and responsible for his burial, with Joseph taking a leading role. The verb "did" (Hebrew _ʻâsâh_) signifies a complete and active performance, not merely a passive acknowledgment. It implies that they undertook the necessary preparations, journey, and rituals required to fulfill their father's wishes. This collective action is significant, indicating a measure of unity and shared purpose among brothers who had previously been marked by deep division and conflict.
* **"according as he commanded them":** This phrase clarifies the precise nature of their action: it was in exact conformity to Jacob's specific instructions. The Hebrew phrase _ka'asher tzivam_ (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּם) emphasizes the precise and unwavering obedience. Jacob's command, as detailed in [Genesis 49:29-31](/genesis/49-29-31 "Genesis 49:29-31 - Jacob's Burial Instructions"), was to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. This clause confirms that no detail was overlooked, and no deviation occurred, highlighting the sons' profound respect and commitment to their patriarch's final will.

#### Literary Devices
The conciseness of Genesis 50:12 is a powerful **Literary Device**. Despite the immense logistical undertaking and the emotional weight of Jacob's funeral, the narrative presents the fulfillment of his command with striking brevity. This **Understatement** amplifies the significance of the act, suggesting that the obedience was so complete and natural that it required no further elaboration. The simple declaration "And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them" serves as a definitive statement of resolved obligation. This narrative choice also employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future unity and collective identity that the tribes of Israel would eventually forge, even as they remained in Egypt. The unified action of the sons in this moment stands in stark contrast to their earlier disunity, marking a pivotal step in their development as a cohesive family and, ultimately, a nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unwavering obedience of Jacob's sons to his dying command is a profound theological statement, underscoring the sacred nature of filial duty and the enduring power of covenantal faith. Their commitment to bury Jacob in Canaan, rather than in the land of their current prosperity, was not merely an act of family loyalty but a powerful affirmation of God's promises. It demonstrated their shared belief that God would indeed bring their descendants back to the promised land, even as they remained in Egypt. This act of faith, carried out with unity, speaks to the importance of honoring one's heritage, fulfilling solemn commitments, and trusting in God's long-term plan, even when its full realization is yet to come.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment")
* [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Joseph's Faith Regarding His Bones")
* [Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Jacob's Request to Joseph")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The faithful obedience of Jacob's sons in Genesis 50:12 provides a rich tapestry of timeless principles for believers today. It serves as a profound reminder of the enduring importance of honoring our commitments, especially those made to family and those who have entrusted us with their final wishes or legacy. This narrative underscores the deep biblical value placed on filial respect and care, extending beyond life into death, by faithfully upholding the wisdom and desires of our elders. Furthermore, the remarkable unity displayed by the brothers, who had a long history of bitter rivalry and betrayal, offers a powerful message of reconciliation and the possibility of healing fractured relationships. Their collective effort for a noble, sacred purpose demonstrates that even deep-seated divisions can be overcome when there is a shared commitment to honor and a greater vision. For us, it challenges us to consider where we might need to lay aside past grievances for the sake of a higher calling or a unified purpose within our families, communities, or the body of Christ. Just as Jacob's burial in Canaan affirmed a future hope, our actions today should reflect our faith in God's promises and our ultimate spiritual inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the obedience of Jacob's sons challenge my own commitment to honoring my family and fulfilling my promises?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate faith in God's long-term promises, even when I am in a "foreign land" or a season of waiting?**
* **What steps can I take to foster unity and reconciliation within my own relationships, especially where there have been past divisions?**

### FAQ

**What was Jacob's specific command to his sons?**

Answer: Jacob's specific command, reiterated several times before his death, was that he should not be buried in Egypt. Instead, he wished to be carried back to the land of Canaan and laid to rest with his ancestors – Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah – in the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/49-29-31 "Genesis 49:29-31 - Jacob's Instructions for Burial"), which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite. This command was a profound expression of his faith in God's covenant promise of the land to his descendants.

**Why was it so important for Jacob to be buried in Canaan?**

Answer: Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan was a deeply significant act of faith in God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself regarding the land. It was a symbolic declaration that his true home and inheritance were not in prosperous Egypt, but in the land God had promised to his descendants. By choosing burial in Canaan, Jacob affirmed his belief in the future return of his family to the promised land, even though they were currently dwelling in Egypt. It was a testament to his spiritual identity and hope, looking beyond the temporal comforts of Egypt to the eternal faithfulness of God's word. This act also served as a powerful reminder to his sons of their ultimate destiny.

**Does this act of obedience signify complete reconciliation among the brothers?**

Answer: While the united effort of Jacob's sons in fulfilling his burial command demonstrates a significant step towards reconciliation and a newfound unity, it does not necessarily imply that all past resentments were immediately erased. Their collective action for a common, sacred purpose was a vital component of healing, showing a willingness to set aside differences. However, the subsequent actions of the brothers, particularly their fear of Joseph's retaliation after Jacob's death ([Genesis 50:15-18](/genesis/50-15-18 "Genesis 50:15-18 - Brothers Fear Joseph's Retaliation")), suggest that some underlying issues of trust and guilt still lingered. Joseph's gracious response in [Genesis 50:19-21](/genesis/50-19-21 "Genesis 50:19-21 - Joseph's Forgiveness and Assurance") ultimately solidified their peace and demonstrated true forgiveness, building upon the foundation of unity established by their shared obedience to their father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithful obedience of Jacob's sons in burying him in the promised land of Canaan profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Jacob's unwavering faith, even in death, that his true inheritance lay not in Egypt but in the promised land, points to Christ as the true "Promised Land"—the ultimate inheritance and place of eternal rest for all believers. Just as Jacob's body was carried from the land of temporary dwelling to the land of promise, so too does Christ's work deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death, leading us into the spiritual promised land of His eternal kingdom, as described in [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People"). The unified action of Jacob's sons in honoring their father's command mirrors Christ's perfect obedience to His Heavenly Father, even unto the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")), which secured our salvation and eternal inheritance. Furthermore, Jacob's burial in Canaan, a land he possessed only by promise, anticipates Christ's resurrection and ascension, through which He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in the heavenly city, the true and eternal promised land ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 49:29

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

Genesis 49:32

The purchase of the field and of the cave that [is] therein [was] from the children of Heth.

Acts 7:16

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Genesis 47:29

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

Genesis 47:31

And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.