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Commentary on Genesis 50 verses 1–6
Joseph is here paying his last respects to his deceased father. 1. With tears and kisses, and all the tender expressions of a filial affection, he takes leave of the deserted body, Gen 50:1. Though Jacob was old and decrepit, and must needs die in the course of nature - though he was poor comparatively, and a constant charge to his son Joseph, yet such an affection he had for a loving father, and so sensible was he of the loss of a prudent, pious, praying father, that he could not part with him without floods of tears. Note, As it is an honour to die lamented, so it is the duty of survivors to lament the death of those who have been useful in their day, though for some time they may have survived their usefulness. The departed soul is out of the reach of our tears and kisses, but with them it is proper to show our respect to the poor body, of which we look for a glorious and joyful resurrection. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and love to his father, by kissing his pale and cold lips, and so giving an affectionate farewell. Probably the rest of Jacob's sons did the same, much moved, no doubt, with his dying words. 2. He ordered the body to be embalmed (Gen 50:2), not only because he died in Egypt, and that was the manner of the Egyptians, but because he was to be carried to Canaan, which would be a work of time, and therefore it was necessary the body should be preserved as well as it might be from putrefaction. See how vile our bodies are, when the soul has forsaken them; without a great deal of art, and pains, and care, they will, in a very little time, become noisome. If the body have been dead four days, by that time it is offensive. 3. He observed the ceremony of solemn mourning for him, Gen 50:3. Forty days were taken up in embalming the body, which the Egyptians (they say) had an art of doing so curiously as to preserve the very features of the face unchanged; all this time, and thirty days more, seventy in all, they either confined themselves and sat solitary, or, when they went out, appeared in the habit of close mourners, according to the decent custom of the country. Even the Egyptians, many of them, out of the great respect they had for Joseph (whose good offices done for the king and country were now fresh in remembrance), put themselves into mourning for his father: as with us, when the court goes into mourning, those of the best quality do so too. About ten weeks was the court of Egypt in mourning for Jacob. Note, What they did in state, we should do in sincerity, weep with those that weep, and mourn with those that mourn, as being ourselves also in the body. 4. He asked and obtained leave of Pharaoh to go to Canaan, thither to attend the funeral of his father, Gen 50:4-6. (1.) It was a piece of necessary respect to Pharaoh that he would not go without leave; for we may suppose that, though his charge about the corn was long since over, yet he continued a prime-minister of state, and therefore would not be so long absent from his business without licence. (2.) He observed a decorum, in employing some of the royal family, or some of the officers of the household, to intercede for this licence, either because it was not proper for him in the days of his mourning to come into the presence-chamber, or because he would not presume too much upon his own interest. Note, Modesty is a great ornament to dignity. (3.) He pleaded the obligation his father had laid upon him, by an oath, to bury him in Canaan, Gen 50:5. It was not from pride or humour, but from his regard to an indispensable duty, that he desired it. All nations reckon that oaths must be performed, and the will of the dead must be observed. (4.) He promised to return: I will come again. When we return to our own houses from burying the bodies of our relations, we say, "We have left them behind;" but, if their souls have gone to our heavenly Father's house, we may say with more reason, "They have left us behind." (5.) He obtained leave (Gen 50:6): Go and bury thy father. Pharaoh was willing his business should stand still so long; but the service of Christ is more needful, and therefore he would not allow one that had work to do for him to go first and bury his father; no, Let the dead bury their dead, Mat 8:22.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 50:4 captures a pivotal moment following Jacob's death, where Joseph, having meticulously observed the extensive Egyptian mourning rites for his father, respectfully initiates a diplomatic appeal to Pharaoh's inner circle. This verse underscores Joseph's deep filial piety, his astute understanding of royal protocol, and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the solemn oath he made to Jacob regarding his burial in Canaan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated immediately after the seventy-day period of mourning and embalming for Jacob, as detailed in Genesis 50:1-3. Joseph's actions here are a direct consequence of his father's dying wish, expressed in Genesis 47:29-31 and reiterated in Genesis 49:29-32. The verse sets the stage for Pharaoh's permission and the subsequent grand procession to Canaan for Jacob's burial, which is described in Genesis 50:7-14. It highlights Joseph's character as a faithful son and a wise administrator, even in a foreign land.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egyptian mourning customs, particularly for high-ranking individuals, were elaborate and protracted, often involving a seventy-day period, with forty days dedicated specifically to embalming, as alluded to in Genesis 50:3. Joseph, despite his immense power as vizier, meticulously adhered to these protocols, demonstrating respect for the land and its customs. His decision to address "the house of Pharaoh" – referring to the king's trusted officials, advisors, and perhaps even members of the royal family – rather than directly approaching the monarch, was a shrewd diplomatic move. It reflected a deep understanding of Egyptian court etiquette, where direct appeals to the king, especially on personal matters, were often made through intermediaries to ensure proper decorum and a higher likelihood of success.
Key Themes: Genesis 50:4 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates filial piety and covenant faithfulness, as Joseph goes to great lengths to honor his father's dying wish and ensure his burial in the promised land, a place central to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., Genesis 15:18-21). The verse also showcases wisdom and diplomacy in leadership, as Joseph, despite his unparalleled authority in Egypt, navigates complex court protocols with humility and strategic foresight. This reflects a broader theme of God's providence working through human agency and wisdom, as seen throughout Joseph's life, from his rise to power in Genesis 41:37-45 to his reconciliation with his brothers in Genesis 45:5-8.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs Diplomacy and Rhetoric. Joseph's choice to speak to "the house of Pharaoh" rather than directly to the king, despite his high status, is a masterclass in diplomatic maneuvering. It demonstrates his astute understanding of court etiquette and his respect for the established hierarchy. His phrasing, "If now I have found grace in your eyes," is a classic example of Humility and polite Persuasion, utilizing an idiomatic expression to soften his request and appeal to the officials' goodwill. This rhetorical strategy ensures his petition is received favorably and presented to Pharaoh with the necessary endorsement and decorum, ultimately securing the desired outcome.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's actions in Genesis 50:4 are rich with theological significance, demonstrating profound biblical values. His meticulous adherence to his father's dying wish, even after a lengthy mourning period, exemplifies the importance of filial piety and integrity in promise-keeping. This commitment underscores the sacred nature of oaths and familial obligations within the biblical narrative. Furthermore, Joseph's humble and strategic approach to Pharaoh's court, despite his immense power, highlights the virtue of wisdom in leadership and the importance of respecting established authority and channels. This passage subtly reinforces the theme of divine providence working through human wisdom and diligence, as Joseph's careful actions ultimately facilitate the fulfillment of God's long-standing covenant promise regarding the land of Canaan, even in the context of a foreign nation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's conduct in Genesis 50:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today. His unwavering commitment to his father's final request, even after the passage of time and despite his elevated position, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and faithfulness in fulfilling our own commitments—whether to family, friends, or God. In a world that often prioritizes expediency over principle, Joseph's example calls us to honor our word and uphold our responsibilities with diligence. Moreover, his humble and strategic approach to authority, choosing to work through proper channels despite his immense power, teaches us the value of respect, diplomacy, and seeking wise counsel or intercession. This passage encourages us to cultivate good relationships and to navigate complex situations with wisdom and grace, recognizing that demonstrating integrity and respect can open doors and foster positive outcomes in our interactions, reflecting Christ's own example of humility and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph not approach Pharaoh directly, given his high position?
Answer: Joseph, despite being the second most powerful man in Egypt, chose to approach Pharaoh indirectly through "the house of Pharaoh" (his high-ranking officials and trusted advisors) out of profound respect for established court protocol and etiquette. This demonstrated his humility, wisdom, and understanding that even those in positions of great authority should honor proper channels and seek intercession when making significant requests. His diplomatic approach ensured the request was presented with due decorum, likely endorsement from key officials, and a higher probability of a favorable response from the monarch, as seen in Genesis 50:5-6.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 50:4 directly concerns Joseph's filial devotion and diplomatic skill, it indirectly points to Christ through its profound themes of intercession, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises. Joseph, acting as an intercessor before Pharaoh's court on behalf of his deceased father's burial wish, foreshadows Christ, our ultimate and perfect High Priest and Intercessor. Just as Joseph pleaded a case before an earthly king, Christ continually pleads our case before the heavenly Father, making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34). Moreover, Joseph's unwavering commitment to fulfill his father's dying wish for burial in the promised land prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His own death and resurrection (John 6:38 and Philippians 2:8). Through Christ's ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice, He secures for believers their eternal inheritance in the true promised land, the heavenly Canaan, a reality far surpassing any earthly burial site (1 Peter 1:3-4 and Hebrews 9:15).