Genesis 50:1-6 – Burial
Even though Jacob is old and must die, even though he is poor in comparison to others, and a constant responsibility of his son Joseph, yet Joseph loves his father so much and is very aware of the loss of a prudent, godly, praying father, that he can’t part with him without floods of tears.
Joseph orders that the body be embalmed, not only because he died in Egypt, and that is the custom of the Egyptians, but because he is to be carried to Canaan, which will take time, and so it is necessary that the body be preserved.
Even the Egyptians, many of them, out of the great respect they have for Joseph put themselves into mourning for his father. Joseph then asks and obtains leave of Pharaoh to go to Canaan to attend the funeral of his father. It is a piece of necessary respect to Pharaoh that he will not go without leave, because he still is conducting the business of Pharaoh. He employs some of the household to ask Pharaoh for him, either because it is not proper for him in the days of his mourning to come before Pharaoh, or because he doesn’t want to presume. Joseph gives as his reason for going the obligation his father has laid upon him, by an oath, to bury him in Canaan. He promises to return, and so he obtains leave from Pharaoh.
Questions
- Why is Joseph so sad?
- How long did they mourn for Jacob?
- Why does Joseph say he needs to go to Canaan?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for godly, praying fathers.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.