Death of Jacob and Joseph [Genesis 50:1-26]

In-Depth Study of “Death of Jacob and Joseph” (Genesis 50:1-26)

Date of Events & Date of Writing & Primary Audience

• Date of Events: Jacob’s death likely occurred around 1859 BC, and Joseph’s death around 1805 BC.
• Date of Writing: The book of Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, written around 1446-1406 BC.
• Primary Audience: The Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, providing them with the historical and theological foundation of their ancestry.

Story Summary

The chapter begins with the death of Jacob, followed by his elaborate embalming and mourning period. Joseph requests permission from Pharaoh to bury Jacob in Canaan, fulfilling Jacob’s last wish. The chapter concludes with the death of Joseph, who also requests to be buried in Canaan when God leads the Israelites out of Egypt.

Story Background

Jacob, the patriarch of Israel, dies in Egypt, where his family resides due to the famine. His death marks the end of an era and sets the stage for the Israelites’ future exodus. Joseph, his son, follows Egyptian customs for burial while honoring his father’s wish to be buried in the promised land of Canaan.

Story Highlights

• Mourning for Jacob: Joseph orders the embalming of Jacob and mourns for seventy days, reflecting both Egyptian and Hebrew customs (Genesis 50:1-3).
• Jacob’s Burial: With Pharaoh’s permission, Jacob is buried in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, fulfilling his final request (Genesis 50:4-14).
• Joseph’s Forgiveness: After Jacob’s death, Joseph reassures his fearful brothers, emphasizing God’s providential plan (Genesis 50:15-21).
• Joseph’s Death: Joseph lives to 110 years, sees his great-grandchildren, and requests that his bones be taken to Canaan (Genesis 50:22-26).

Story Purpose

To demonstrate God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs, highlight the significance of burial in the promised land, and underscore the themes of forgiveness and providence.

Story Theme

Themes include God’s faithfulness, the importance of covenant promises, forgiveness, and divine providence.

Jesus Connection

Joseph’s life and actions foreshadow Christ. Joseph forgives his brothers, prefiguring Jesus’ forgiveness of sinners. His request for his bones to be taken to Canaan parallels Jesus’ resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Kingdom Connection

The deaths of Jacob and Joseph reinforce the Kingdom theme of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Joseph’s assurance of God’s future deliverance points to the ultimate establishment of God’s Kingdom.

Archeology or Scientific Discovery

Archaeological findings, such as the custom of embalming and burial practices in Egypt, provide historical context for the events described in Genesis 50, affirming the Biblical narrative’s accuracy.

Hebrew Meanings of the Keywords

• Embalm (חָנַט, chanat): To preserve a body after death, a practice common in Egypt, indicating respect and care.
• Mourn (אֵבֶל, ebel): Expressing grief, highlighting the depth of Joseph’s sorrow and respect for his father.
• Covenant (בְּרִית, berit): The sacred agreement between God and His people, reflected in the promises to Jacob and Joseph.

Kingdom Teaching(s)

The narrative teaches about God’s providence and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, as seen in Joseph’s interactions with his brothers. The story underscores the hope in God’s ultimate deliverance, aligning with the Kingdom values of trust, faith, and divine purpose.

Scriptural Highlights

• (“Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”) (Genesis 50:19-20).
• (“I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”) (Genesis 50:24).

This in-depth study provides a comprehensive view of the story of “Death of Jacob and Joseph” from a Kingdom of God perspective, focusing on key themes, theological insights, and connections to broader Biblical narratives.