Genesis 50
Joseph threw himself on his father and wept over him and kissed him. 2 Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So the physicians embalmed him, 3 taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.
4 When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him, 5 ‘My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.’”
6 Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”
7 So Joseph went up to bury his father. All Pharaoh’s officials accompanied him—the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt— 8 besides all the members of Joseph’s household and his brothers and those belonging to his father’s household. Only their children and their flocks and herds were left in Goshen. 9 Chariots and horsemen also went up with him. It was a very large company.
10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan, they lamented loudly and bitterly; and there Joseph observed a seven-day period of mourning for his father. 11 When the Canaanites who lived there saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “The Egyptians are holding a solemn ceremony of mourning.” That is why that place near the Jordan is called Abel Mizraim.
12 So Jacob’s sons did as he had commanded them: 13 They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite. 14 After burying his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, together with his brothers and all the others who had gone with him to bury his father.
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years 23 and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.
24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “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.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”
26 So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.
Genesis 50 Meaning
The Bible verses in Genesis 50 tell the story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers after the death of their father, Jacob. These verses highlight themes of forgiveness, restoration, and God’s sovereignty. They teach us the importance of forgiving others and trusting in God’s plan even in difficult circumstances.
Genesis 50 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 50 is a poignant chapter that marks the conclusion of the book of Genesis. It is a chapter filled with profound themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the sovereignty of God. This final chapter is the culmination of Joseph’s journey and the conclusion of the patriarchal era.
The chapter opens with the death of Jacob, also known as Israel. His passing is a significant moment in the bible, signifying the end of the generation of the patriarchs. This event reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14, where He foretold that Abraham’s descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land for 400 years. The mention of embalming and mourning for Jacob reflects the respect and honor shown to the deceased in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Joseph’s brothers, who had once betrayed him and sold him into slavery, now fear retribution after their father’s death. They approach Joseph with a contrite heart, acknowledging their past wrongdoings. This act of humility and repentance exemplifies the transformative power of God’s grace and forgiveness. It echoes the principle of forgiveness taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.
Joseph’s response to his brothers’ plea is a testament to his deep faith in God’s providence. He reassures them, saying, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). This echoes the theme of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for good, as expressed in Romans 8:28. Joseph recognizes that God allowed his suffering and subsequent rise to power for a divine purpose.
Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20 are particularly profound: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” This verse illustrates the overarching theme of divine providence and redemption, highlighting that even in the face of betrayal and adversity, God’s plans ultimately prevail. It echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
The chapter concludes with Joseph’s death and a promise he extracts from his brothers. He requests that his bones be carried out of Egypt when God fulfills His promise to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Genesis 50:24-25). This request is reminiscent of the faith-filled actions of other Old Testament figures, such as Abraham and Isaac, who also received and passed on divine promises (Hebrews 11:8-22).
Genesis 50 serves as a fitting conclusion to the book of Genesis. It shows us the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and God’s sovereignty that run throughout the Bible. It also sets the stage for the events of Exodus, where God’s promise to bring the Israelites out of Egypt is fulfilled, reminding us that God’s plans are always carried out in His perfect timing.
Also Read: Genesis 28:15 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 50
To fully understand these verses, it is important to consider the entire story of Joseph. His brothers had sold him into slavery out of jealousy, and Joseph went through years of hardships and trials. However, God’s favor was upon Joseph, and he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt.
After their father’s death, Joseph’s brothers worry that he will seek revenge. They send a message to him, expressing their father’s dying wish for Joseph to forgive them. Joseph’s response is filled with grace and compassion, assuring them that he bears them no ill will.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 50
Verse 19: “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?'” Joseph reminds his brothers that he is not here to seek revenge. Instead, he acknowledges that God is the ultimate judge and has a plan for their lives.
Verse 20: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” This verse encapsulates the core message of the passage. Joseph recognizes that although his brothers intended harm, God used their actions for good. God’s sovereignty is highlighted here, reminding us that He can turn even the darkest situations into something beneficial.
Verse 21: “So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Joseph reassures his brothers that he will take care of them and their families. He demonstrates his forgiveness by offering kindness and provision.
Bible Study on Genesis 50
This passage offers several lessons for us to apply in our own lives. Firstly, it reminds us about the power of forgiveness. Just as Joseph forgave his brothers, we should seek to forgive those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is a choice we make to release the burden of anger and allow God to work in our hearts.
Secondly, we learn that God uses even the darkest situations for good. Just as He used Joseph’s trials to save many lives, God can use our own difficult experiences to bring about blessings and growth. We should trust in His plan and have faith that He will work all things together for our good.
Lastly, this passage encourages us to extend kindness and provision to those who have hurt us. Joseph’s actions demonstrate the power of love overcoming bitterness. As Christians, we are called to show love and grace to those who have wronged us, just as Christ has shown love and grace to us.
Final Thoughts
The story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 50 teaches us profound lessons about forgiveness, trust in God’s plan, and the power of love.
As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to forgive those who have wronged us, trusting that God can bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.
May we extend love and grace to others, just as Christ has extended it to us. Let us remember that God is always in control, and He can use everything for His purposes.