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Commentary on Genesis 50 verses 7–14
We have here an account of Jacob's funeral. Of the funerals of the kings of Judah, usually, no more is said than this, They were buried with their fathers in the city of David: but the funeral of the patriarch Jacob is more largely and fully described, to show how much better God was to him than he expected (he had spoken more than once of dying for grief, and going to the grave bereaved of his children, but, behold, he dies in honour, and is followed to the grave by all his children), and also because his orders concerning his burial were given and observed in faith, and in expectation both of the earthly and of the heavenly Canaan. Now, 1. It was a stately funeral. He was attended to the grave, not only by his own family, but by the courtiers, and all the great men of the kingdom, who, in token of their gratitude to Joseph, showed this respect to his father for his sake, and did him honour at his death. Though the Egyptians had had an antipathy to the Hebrews, and had looked upon them with disdain (Gen 43:32), yet now, that they were better acquainted with them, they began to have a respect for them. Good old Jacob had conducted himself so well among them as to gain universal esteem. Note, Professors of religion should endeavour, by wisdom and love, to remove the prejudices which many may have conceived against them because they do not know them. There went abundance of chariots and horsemen, not only to attend them a little way, but to go through with them. Note, The decent solemnities of funerals, according to a man's situation, are very commendable; and we must not say of them, To what purpose is this waste? See Act 8:2; Luk 7:12. 2. It was a sorrowful funeral (Gen 50:10, Gen 50:11); standers-by took notice of it as a grievous mourning. Note, The death of good men is a great loss to any place, and ought to be greatly lamented. Stephen dies a martyr, and yet devout men make great lamentations for him. The solemn mourning for Jacob gave a name to the place, Abel-Mizraim, the mourning of the Egyptians, which served for a testimony against the next generation of the Egyptians, who oppressed the posterity of this Jacob to whom their ancestors showed such respect.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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, 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), suggest that some underlying issues of trust and guilt still lingered. Joseph's gracious response in Genesis 50:19-21 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. 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), 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).