Why was Joseph buried in Shechem specifically, and not elsewhere in the Promised Land?

Joseph's burial in Shechem was deeply significant for several reasons, as highlighted in the verse itself. Firstly, it fulfilled his dying request that his bones be carried up from Egypt to the land God promised to his ancestors (Genesis 50:25). Secondly, Shechem held immense historical and theological importance for Israel. It was the first place in Canaan where Abraham built an altar to the Lord (Genesis 12:6), and more directly, it was a parcel of ground that Joseph's father, Jacob, had legitimately purchased from the sons of Hamor for "an hundred pieces of silver" (Genesis 33:19). This established an ancient, legal claim to that specific plot. Burying Joseph there, at the site of the covenant renewal under Joshua, powerfully underscored Israel's rightful inheritance of the land and connected the present generation directly to their patriarchal roots and God's enduring promises.

What is meant by "an hundred pieces of silver" in this verse?

The "hundred pieces of silver" refers to a specific unit of currency or weight known as a qesitah (קְשִׂיטָה). While its precise value in modern terms is uncertain, it was a recognized standard of measurement and value in ancient times, perhaps equivalent to a lamb or a specific weight of precious metal. The mention of this exact amount in both Genesis 33:19 and Joshua 24:32 serves to emphasize the legitimacy and legality of Jacob's original land purchase. It highlights that Israel's claim to the land was not only by divine decree but also by a valid, documented transaction, reinforcing their rightful possession of the territory.

What is the overall significance of Joseph's bones being carried and buried in the Promised Land?

The journey and burial of Joseph's bones represent a profound act of faith and a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness. Joseph's dying request was an act of profound faith, believing that God would indeed bring his descendants out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, even centuries after his death (Hebrews 11:22). The Israelites' diligent carrying of his bones throughout the Exodus (Exodus 13:19) and their eventual burial in Canaan demonstrated their commitment to an ancient oath and their trust in God's promises. This act served as a tangible, physical reminder to every generation that God fulfills His word, that the land was truly theirs, and that the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were being realized. It provided a sense of closure and continuity, linking the foundational faith of the patriarchs to the settled nation of Israel.

24:31 24:31

Joshua 24:32

24:33 24:33

Bible Versions

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

And the bones {H6106} of Joseph {H3130}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} brought up {H5927} out of Egypt {H4714}, buried {H6912} they in Shechem {H7927}, in a parcel {H2513} of ground {H7704} which Jacob {H3290} bought {H7069} of the sons {H1121} of Hamor {H2544} the father {H1} of Shechem {H7927} for an hundred {H3967} pieces of silver {H7192}: and it became the inheritance {H5159} of the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}.

The bones of Yosef, which the people of Isra'el had brought up from Egypt, they buried in Sh'khem, in the parcel of ground which Ya'akov had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Sh'khem for a hundred pieces of silver; and they became a possession of the descendants of Yosef.

And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. So it became an inheritance for Joseph’s descendants.

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money: and they became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 50:25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
Genesis 33:19

And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.
Exodus 13:19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Acts 7:16

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 48:22

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
John 4:5

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Hebrews 11:22

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Bible Versions

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