Genesis 50:13

For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

For his sons {H1121} carried {H5375} him into the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, and buried {H6912} him in the cave {H4631} of the field {H7704} of Machpelah {H4375}, which Abraham {H85} bought {H7069} with the field {H7704} for a possession {H272} of a buryingplace {H6913} of Ephron {H6085} the Hittite {H2850}, before {H6440} Mamre {H4471}.

they carried him into the land of Kena'an and buried him in the cave in the field of Makhpelah, which Avraham had bought, along with the field, as a burial-place belonging to him, from 'Efron the Hitti, by Mamre.

They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site.

for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field, for a possession of a burying-place, of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

Commentary

Genesis 50:13 describes the fulfillment of Jacob's dying wish: to be buried in the land of Canaan, specifically in the Cave of Machpelah, a burial site with profound historical and theological significance for the patriarchs.

Context

This verse marks the final act of Jacob's life narrative, following his death in Egypt (Genesis 49:33). Jacob had made his sons, particularly Joseph, promise to carry his body out of Egypt and bury him with his ancestors in Canaan (Genesis 47:29-31, Genesis 49:29-32). The journey from Egypt to Canaan for the burial was a grand procession, signifying the family's deep respect for Jacob and their commitment to his final instructions. This act underscores their adherence to the covenant promises associated with the land of Canaan, even while they resided elsewhere.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Patriarchal Faith: Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan, far from the prosperity of Egypt, reflects his unwavering faith in God's promise of the land of Canaan to his descendants. It was a symbolic act, asserting a claim to the Promised Land even in death.
  • Family Loyalty and Obedience: The sons' arduous journey and elaborate funeral procession demonstrate their profound respect and obedience to their father's dying wish, highlighting the strong family bonds and the importance of ancestral ties in ancient Israelite culture.
  • Ancestral Heritage and Covenant Continuity: The Cave of Machpelah was already the burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. Jacob's burial there reinforces the continuity of the covenant lineage and the collective identity of the chosen family. It was a tangible link to their past and a testament to God's faithfulness across generations.
  • Significance of Machpelah: This specific location, bought by Abraham from Ephron the Hittite, was the first piece of the Promised Land legally owned by the patriarchs, making it a powerful symbol of their future inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Machpelah" (Hebrew: ืžึทื›ึฐืคึตึผืœึธื”, Machpelah) is believed to mean "double" or "portion," possibly referring to a double cave or a divided plot of land. The phrase "possession of a buryingplace" (Hebrew: ืึฒื—ึปื–ึทึผืช ืงึธื‘ึถืจ, achuzzat qaver) emphasizes that Abraham's purchase was a permanent, legally recognized acquisition, reinforcing the patriarchs' legitimate claim to a piece of the promised territory.

Practical Application

Genesis 50:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Honoring Family and Heritage: The sons' dedication to fulfilling Jacob's wish reminds us of the importance of respecting and honoring our elders and maintaining family connections.
  • Living with a Long-Term Vision of Faith: Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan, despite living comfortably in Egypt, illustrates the power of faith in God's future promises. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's ultimate plan.
  • The Significance of Spiritual Inheritance: Just as Jacob's burial connected him to the physical land of promise, believers are called to remember their spiritual inheritance in Christ. Our ultimate hope is not in earthly possessions but in the eternal promises of God (Colossians 3:1-2).
  • God's Faithfulness Across Generations: The recurring theme of the patriarchs being buried together in Machpelah serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises from one generation to the next.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 23:16 (3 votes)

    ยถ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

  • Genesis 23:18 (3 votes)

    Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

  • Genesis 49:29 (3 votes)

    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 49:31 (3 votes)

    There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

  • Acts 7:16 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 23:20 (2 votes)

    And the field, and the cave that [is] therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

  • Genesis 25:9 (2 votes)

    And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which [is] before Mamre;