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Genesis 50

26 verses

TL;DR

Joseph mourns his father Jacob, goes to Canaan for burial, and reconciles with his brothers before dying.

Summary

In Genesis 50, Joseph weeps for Jacob and arranges his embalming. He requests Pharaoh’s permission to bury Jacob in Canaan, and Pharaoh grants the request. Joseph, accompanied by Pharaoh’s officials and his own household, travels to Atad and then to the Cave of Machpelah, where Jacob is laid to rest. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution but ask for forgiveness; Joseph forgives them, promises provision, and reaffirms the covenantal blessing that God will bring Israel to the Promised Land. Joseph dies at one hundred and ten, is embalmed, and buried in Egypt.

Outline
  1. Joseph mourns Jacob and arranges his embalming; obtains Pharaoh’s permission to bury Jacob in Canaan.
  2. Joseph leads a large delegation to Atad, mourns, and inters Jacob in the Cave of Machpelah.
  3. After Jacob’s death, Joseph forgives his brothers, promises future blessings, and dies peacefully in Egypt.
Themes
Reconciliation and forgivenessGod’s providence and covenantal promiseDeath and burial rites
Keywords
burialforgivenessJosephPharaohJacobCave of MachpelahReconciliationCovenantProvidence
People
JosephJacob (Israel)PharaohPharaoh’s physiciansJoseph’s brothers (including Benjamin)Pharaoh’s servantsPharaoh’s house eldersEgyptian eldersCanaanite inhabitants
Places
EgyptCanaanGoshenAtadAbelmizraimCave of Machpelah (near Mamre)Judea
Things
embalming procedurecoffincasketchariotshorsemensorrowful lamentation
Key Verses
  • Genesis 50:6: Joseph receives Pharaoh’s permission to bury Jacob.
  • Genesis 50:16-17: Brothers plead for Joseph’s forgiveness, highlighting themes of reconciliation.
  • Genesis 50:20-21: Joseph’s assurance that God used their hatred for a greater good.
  • Genesis 50:25: Joseph’s covenantal oath to his brothers about the future of Israel.
Questions
  • What does Joseph’s request to Pharaoh reveal about Egyptian-Israelite relations?
  • How does the burial of Jacob in Canaan symbolize the fulfillment of Israel’s covenantal promise?
  • In what ways does Joseph’s forgiveness reflect the nature of divine justice?
  • What theological implications arise from Joseph’s oath regarding the future of Israel?
  • How does the chapter portray the transition from Joseph’s leadership to the impending Exodus?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter balances mourning with reconciliation, reflecting both sorrow and hope.