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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 50:22–26. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The prolonging of Joseph's life in Egypt: he lived to be a hundred and ten years old, Gen 50:22. Having honoured his father, his days were long in the land which, for the present, God had given him; and it was a great mercy to his relations that God continued him so long, a support and comfort to them.
II.The building up of Joseph's family:
he lived to see his great-grand-children by both his sons (Gen 50:23), and probably he saw his two sons solemnly owned as heads of distinct tribes, equal to any of his brethren. It contributes much to the comfort of aged parents if they see their posterity in a flourishing condition, especially if with it they see peace upon Israel, Psa 128:6.
III.The last will and testament of Joseph published in the presence of his brethren, when he saw his death approaching.
Those that were properly his brethren perhaps were some of them dead before him, as several of them were older than he; but to those of them who yet survived, and to the sons of those who were gone, who stood up in their fathers' stead, he said this.
1.He comforted them with the assurance of their return to Canaan in due time: I die, but God will surely visit you, Gen 50:24. To this purport Jacob had spoken to him, Gen 48:21. Thus must we comfort others with the same comforts with which we ourselves have been comforted of God, and encourage them to rest on those promises which have been our support. Joseph was, under God, both the protector and the benefactor of his brethren; and what would become of them now that he was dying? Why, let this be their comfort, God will surely visit you. Note, God's gracious visits will serve to make up the loss of our best friends. They die; but we may live, and live comfortably, if we have the favour and presence of God with us. He bids them be confident: God will bring you out of this land, and therefore,
(1.)They must not hope to settle there, nor look upon it as their rest for ever; they must set their hearts upon the land of promise, and call that their home.
(2.)They must not fear sinking, and being ruined there; probably he foresaw the ill usage they would meet with there after his death, and therefore gives them this word of encouragement: "God will bring you in triumph out of this land at last." Herein he has an eye to the promise, Gen 15:13, Gen 15:14, and, in God's name, assures them of the performance of it.
2.For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation of theirs, he charges them to keep him unburied till that day, that glorious day, should come, when they should be settled in the land of promise, v. 25. He makes them promise him with an oath that they would bury him in Canaan. In Egypt they buried their great men very honourably and with abundance of pomp; but Joseph prefers a significant burial in Canaan, and that deferred too almost 200 years, before a magnificent one in Egypt. Thus Joseph, by faith in the doctrine of the resurrection and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment concerning his bones, Heb 11:22. He dies in Egypt; but lays his bones at stake that God will surely visit Israel, and bring them to Canaan.
IV.The death of Joseph, and the reservation of his body for a burial in Canaan, Gen 50:26.
He was put in a coffin in Egypt, but not buried till his children had received their inheritance in Canaan, Jos 24:32. Note,
1.If the separate soul, at death, do but return to its rest with God, the matter is not great though the deserted body find not at all, or not quickly, its rest in the grave.
2.Yet care ought to be taken of the dead bodies of the saints, in the belief of their resurrection; for there is a covenant with the dust, which shall be remembered, and a commandment is given concerning the bones.
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Summary
Genesis 50:25 records Joseph's final, profound testament, a declaration rooted in unwavering faith in God's covenant promises to Israel. As his long and impactful life in Egypt draws to a close, Joseph transcends his personal comfort and unparalleled prominence, anchoring his hope and the future of his people in God's promised return to the land of Canaan. This verse encapsulates Joseph's prophetic insight and his deep conviction that God would faithfully remember and deliver His chosen people, ultimately leading them to their divinely appointed inheritance.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to the book of Genesis, immediately following the death and burial of Jacob and Joseph's compassionate reassurance to his brothers regarding their past actions and God's sovereign plan (Genesis 50:15-21). Joseph, now 110 years old, is the last of the patriarchs to die, and his final charge echoes the foundational covenant promises that began with Abraham. His instruction for his bones to be carried out of Egypt is a powerful literary device that bridges the narrative gap between Genesis and Exodus, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people out of bondage and into the Promised Land. It signifies that despite their current prosperity in Egypt, their true identity and destiny lie elsewhere, emphasizing the temporary nature of their sojourn.
Historical & Cultural Context
Joseph lived in Egypt during a period likely corresponding to the Middle Kingdom, where foreign influence, especially Semitic, was not uncommon. As a vizier, Joseph held immense power and prestige, enjoying a life of comfort and honor. However, ancient Near Eastern cultures placed great significance on burial practices, often linking one's final resting place to their identity, lineage, and future hope. To be buried outside one's ancestral land was often seen as a misfortune. Joseph's specific instruction to be buried in Canaan, despite his high status in Egypt, was a radical act of faith. It defied the cultural norm of honoring the land of one's power and instead aligned himself with the prophetic destiny of his people, emphasizing their distinct identity as God's covenant nation, not merely another Egyptian tribe. This act also anticipates the later oppression of Israel in Egypt, as foretold to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-16.
Key Themes
Genesis 50:25 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the Pentateuch. Foremost is Covenant Faithfulness, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, particularly concerning the land and the multiplication of their descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). It also underscores Divine Providence and Sovereignty, as Joseph's life, marked by suffering and elevation, consistently demonstrates God's ability to orchestrate all events for His ultimate purposes, even using human evil for good (Genesis 50:20). The verse further emphasizes the Hope of Inheritance, as Joseph's desire to be buried in Canaan points to the deep spiritual significance of the promised land as the inheritance of God's people, a physical manifestation of their spiritual destiny. Finally, it embodies Faith in the Unseen, as Joseph, at the end of his life, trusts in a future deliverance and a land he will not personally see, a faith later commended in Hebrews 11:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 50:25 presents Joseph's solemn charge to the children of Israel, encapsulating his profound faith and prophetic insight into God's future dealings with His people. This verse is not merely a personal request but a covenantal act, binding future generations to the divine promise of the land.
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)." This word signifies a binding, solemn commitment, often invoked with divine witness. Joseph's act of taking an oath from the children of Israel elevates his request beyond a mere dying wish to a sacred obligation, ensuring its fulfillment through a divinely sanctioned pledge.
The plural form of Eloah, used here (especially with the article, though not present in the KJV text's Strong's tagging for this specific instance, the general definition applies) to refer to the supreme God. This term emphasizes the omnipotent, sovereign Creator God, the one who is faithful to His covenant promises. Joseph's declaration is not based on human will but on the certain action of the Almighty.
Meaning "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." In this context, paqad conveys more than a casual inspection; it signifies God's active, purposeful intervention and remembrance of His covenant people, leading to their deliverance and blessing. It implies a divine reckoning, a decisive act of God to fulfill His promises, specifically to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage.
Meaning "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame." The request to carry up his bones, rather than his entire body, highlights the enduring nature of his identity and hope even in death. It serves as a tangible, physical symbol of his spiritual conviction and a constant reminder to the Israelites of their true inheritance.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel,"
This opening clause establishes the solemnity and binding nature of Joseph's final charge. By requiring an oath, Joseph ensured that his dying wish, rooted in God's covenant, would be honored by future generations. This act underscores his authority even in death and transforms a personal request into a communal, covenantal obligation for the nascent nation of Israel.
"saying, God will surely visit you,"
This is the theological core of Joseph's declaration, a profound statement of faith and prophetic assurance. The phrase "God will surely visit you" is a promise of divine intervention and remembrance. It signifies that God would not forget His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, specifically the one concerning the land of Canaan and the deliverance from their sojourn in a foreign land. This "visitation" would culminate in the Exodus, a powerful demonstration of God's faithfulness and active involvement in the history of His people.
"and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."
This command is the practical and symbolic manifestation of Joseph's unwavering faith. By refusing permanent burial in Egypt, Joseph ensured that his remains would serve as a constant, tangible reminder of the future exodus and the ultimate destination: the Promised Land. This instruction was not merely a personal preference but a prophetic act, binding the generations to a shared hope and a future divine act of deliverance. It served as a beacon of hope during their centuries of bondage, a physical testament to God's enduring covenant.
Literary Devices
Genesis 50:25 is rich with literary significance. The most prominent device is Foreshadowing, as Joseph's dying words and request directly anticipate the future Exodus and the eventual entry into the Promised Land, centuries before these events occur. His command acts as a Prophecy, a divinely inspired declaration of future events. The act of carrying Joseph's bones functions as powerful Symbolism; the bones represent not just Joseph's physical remains, but the enduring covenant promise, the identity of Israel, and their future inheritance. It serves as a tangible link between the patriarchal era and the Mosaic era, reminding the enslaved Israelites of their true home and God's faithfulness. The language itself carries a Testamentary quality, as it is a final will and declaration from a patriarch, carrying immense weight and authority for his descendants. Furthermore, the "oath" signifies Covenant Language, emphasizing the binding nature of the promise and the reciprocal commitment between God and His people, mediated through Joseph's faith.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joseph's final words in Genesis 50:25 resonate deeply with core biblical truths, serving as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign plan for His people. This verse provides a crucial link between the patriarchal narratives and the subsequent history of Israel, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant promises across generations and through periods of hardship. It highlights that God actively remembers and intervenes on behalf of His chosen ones, orchestrating history to fulfill His divine purposes. Joseph's faith, expressed at the very end of his life, exemplifies the essence of biblical faith: believing in God's promises even when their fulfillment seems distant, impossible, or requires a long wait. His desire to be buried in Canaan is a profound statement about the ultimate hope of an inheritance, a theme that echoes throughout salvation history.
Reflection and Application
Joseph's final words in Genesis 50:25 serve as a profound encouragement for believers today to cultivate an eternal perspective and unwavering trust in God's promises. Joseph, at the pinnacle of worldly success and comfort, chose to align his final act with a future, unseen promise of God. This challenges us to consider where our ultimate hope and security lie. Are we anchored in the temporary comforts and achievements of this world, or in the enduring, unfailing promises of God? Joseph's steadfast faith, even when the fulfillment of God's promise seemed centuries away, reminds us that God's timing is perfect and His faithfulness is absolute. We are called to live with the conviction that God "will surely visit" us, actively intervening in our lives and in history to bring His purposes to fruition. This verse encourages us to live as pilgrims, acknowledging that our true home and ultimate inheritance are not found in this present world, but in the eternal kingdom secured by God's covenant.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph make the Israelites swear an oath about his bones?
Joseph's request for an oath regarding his bones served several crucial purposes, deeply rooted in his profound faith and understanding of God's covenant. First, it was an act of profound faith, demonstrating his absolute conviction that God would fulfill His promise to bring Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (Genesis 15:13-16). Joseph refused to be permanently interred in a foreign land, thereby aligning himself with God's future plan for his people. Second, it provided a tangible, constant reminder to the enslaved Israelites that Egypt was not their permanent home, fostering hope and preventing assimilation into Egyptian culture. This physical token served as a beacon during their long sojourn. Third, it symbolically connected future generations to the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring their identity remained tied to God's promises and the land of Canaan. This oath was faithfully honored centuries later by Moses, as recorded in Exodus 13:19.
What does "God will surely visit you" mean in this context?
The phrase "God will surely visit you" (Hebrew: paqad) signifies God's active, purposeful intervention on behalf of His people. It is far more than a casual visit; it implies a divine reckoning or intervention, often carrying connotations of deliverance, blessing, or judgment. In Genesis 50:25, it carries the strong connotation of God remembering His covenant and acting decisively to fulfill His promises, specifically to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage and lead them to the Promised Land. This "visitation" would culminate in the Exodus, where God powerfully demonstrated His faithfulness and commitment to His chosen people. It underscores God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign plan to bring about His purposes, even after long periods of apparent silence or delay.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's unwavering faith in God's "visitation" and the promise of an inheritance in the land of Canaan finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joseph's anticipation of a future deliverance from Egyptian bondage foreshadows the greater, spiritual Exodus from sin and death accomplished by Christ. The "visitation" Joseph spoke of points directly to Christ's first coming, where God "visited" humanity in the person of His Son, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), to redeem His people from the bondage of sin and spiritual death (Colossians 1:13-14). Just as Joseph's bones were carried to the Promised Land as a tangible sign of future inheritance, believers, through faith in Christ, are promised an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth (1 Peter 1:3-5), a spiritual homeland secured by His death, resurrection, and ascension. Joseph's hope in a physical land points to the Christian hope in a spiritual and eternal kingdom, where Christ will return to gather His elect and establish His eternal reign (John 14:1-3). Thus, Joseph's final act of faith becomes a powerful prefigurement of the ultimate hope found in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land" and the fulfillment of all God's promises.