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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 50:14 succinctly records Joseph's return to Egypt, accompanied by his brothers and the entire funeral entourage, immediately after the solemn burial of his father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan. This pivotal verse marks the completion of a profound familial duty, underscoring Joseph's unwavering filial devotion, the enduring reconciliation and unity within Jacob's family, and their continued residence in Egypt as a crucial phase in God's sovereign plan for the burgeoning nation of Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Repetition ("after he had buried his father") to emphasize the completion and finality of the burial task, underscoring Joseph's meticulous fulfillment of his filial duty. This repetition also provides a sense of closure to the long narrative of Jacob's death and funeral. The Synecdoche "all that went up with him" represents the entire large and diverse funeral procession, illustrating the scale and significance of the event. The simple, declarative sentence structure contributes to the Conciseness and directness of the narrative, moving the story forward efficiently while still conveying profound meaning about Joseph's character and the family's situation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 50:14, though seemingly a simple statement of travel, is deeply embedded in the theological tapestry of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the principle of filial piety and the sacredness of family bonds, as Joseph meticulously honors his father's final wishes, even across significant geographical and cultural divides. More profoundly, it highlights the theme of divine providence and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The return to Egypt, rather than settling in Canaan, reaffirms that God's plan for the nascent nation of Israel was to grow and multiply in a foreign land before their eventual exodus, as foretold to Abraham. This temporary sojourn was crucial for their development into a distinct people, protected and provided for by Joseph, whom God had strategically placed in power. The enduring unity of Joseph and his brothers, journeying together, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation, a divine work that healed deep familial wounds.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 50:14, a seemingly mundane detail of travel, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Joseph's unwavering dedication to fulfilling his father's dying wish, despite his immense responsibilities and the logistical challenges, serves as a powerful model of commitment and integrity. It calls us to reflect on our own faithfulness in keeping promises, especially to family, and in honoring those who have poured into our lives. The image of Joseph and his brothers returning together, united after years of bitter division, is a poignant reminder of the redemptive power of forgiveness and the importance of pursuing reconciliation in our own relationships. It challenges us to lay aside past hurts and embrace the healing that God offers, fostering unity within our families and communities. Furthermore, this verse subtly reinforces the truth that God's sovereign plan is at work even in the ordinary comings and goings of life. Just as Joseph's return to Egypt was part of a larger divine purpose for Israel, so too are our daily movements and decisions woven into God's grand design, guiding us toward His ultimate purposes, as Joseph himself declared, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph and his family return to Egypt after burying Jacob in Canaan?
Answer: Joseph and his family returned to Egypt because it was their established place of residence and the center of Joseph's significant administrative responsibilities in Pharaoh's court. Their journey to Canaan was solely to fulfill Jacob's specific dying wish to be buried in the ancestral tomb, the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah (Genesis 49:29-31). Egypt was the divinely appointed location for the nascent Israelite nation to grow and multiply, as part of God's covenant plan revealed to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14), before their eventual Exodus and inheritance of the Promised Land.
What does this verse tell us about Joseph's character?
Answer: This verse powerfully highlights several facets of Joseph's exemplary character. His meticulous fulfillment of his father's final, demanding request, despite his high status and responsibilities in Egypt, underscores his profound filial piety and unwavering devotion. It demonstrates his integrity and commitment to promises, even those requiring significant effort and travel. Furthermore, his leadership in orchestrating such a grand procession and his subsequent return with his entire family implicitly show his continued role as a protector and provider for his brethren, solidifying his reconciled and compassionate leadership over Jacob's household.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's return to Egypt after fulfilling his sacred duty to his father subtly prefigures the redemptive trajectory of Christ. Just as Joseph, a type of savior to his family who preserved them from famine and death, returned to his place of authority in Egypt to continue providing for and protecting his people, so too Christ, after accomplishing the ultimate work of redemption through His death and resurrection, ascended to His rightful place of authority at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9-11). From there, the resurrected Christ continues to intercede for His Church (Romans 8:34), to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7), and to sovereignly rule over all creation, ensuring the spiritual sustenance and ultimate inheritance of His redeemed people (Ephesians 1:20-23). The temporary dwelling of Israel in Egypt, overseen by Joseph, also serves as an earthly shadow of the believer's temporary sojourn on earth, guided and sustained by Christ, before entering the promised eternal rest and true home in the new heavens and new earth, secured by His sacrifice and resurrection (Hebrews 11:13-16 and Revelation 21:1-4).