Genesis 50:12

So Jacob's sons did as he had charged them.

Study Bible

So Jacob’s sons did
This phrase highlights the obedience of Jacob's sons to their father's wishes. It reflects the importance of honoring one's parents, a principle deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the time. This act of obedience is consistent with the commandment later given in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother." The sons' actions also demonstrate unity among the brothers, which contrasts with their earlier discord, such as the selling of Joseph into slavery.

as he had charged them.
Jacob's charge to his sons was to bury him in the cave of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a burial site for his family (Genesis 49:29-32). This cave is located in Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and holds significant ancestral importance as the burial place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah. The fulfillment of Jacob's request underscores the importance of burial customs and the connection to the Promised Land, which God had sworn to give to Abraham and his descendants. This act of fulfilling Jacob's charge can be seen as a type of Christ, who also fulfilled the will of His Father, as seen in John 6:38, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me."

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, Jacob is the father of the twelve sons who become the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. His death and burial are significant events in Genesis 50.

2. Jacob’s Sons
The twelve sons of Jacob, who are responsible for carrying out their father's final wishes. They are the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

3. Canaan
The land where Jacob wished to be buried, specifically in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a burial site.

4. Egypt
The place where Jacob and his family resided during the latter part of his life due to the famine, and where Joseph held a position of power.

5. Joseph
Jacob's eleventh son, who played a crucial role in the survival of his family during the famine and ensured his father's burial wishes were fulfilled.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Parental Wishes
The sons of Jacob demonstrate respect and obedience to their father's wishes, highlighting the importance of honoring one's parents as commanded in the Ten Commandments.

Faithfulness to Promises
The fulfillment of Jacob's burial request is a testament to the faithfulness of his sons, which can inspire believers to be faithful in keeping their promises.

Connection to Heritage
Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan underscores the importance of understanding and valuing one's spiritual heritage and God's promises.

Unity in Family Responsibilities
The collective action of Jacob's sons in fulfilling his burial request shows the strength and importance of family unity in carrying out responsibilities.

Hope in God's Promises
The burial in Canaan serves as a reminder of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, encouraging believers to hold onto God's promises in their own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of Jacob's sons to his burial instructions reflect the biblical command to honor one's parents, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the burial of Jacob in Canaan connect to God's promises to the patriarchs, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's promises today?

3. How can the unity of Jacob's sons in fulfilling their father's wishes serve as a model for family unity in our own responsibilities and commitments?

4. What does Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan teach us about the importance of spiritual heritage, and how can we ensure we are passing this on to future generations?

5. How does the faithfulness of Jacob's sons in carrying out his wishes inspire us to be faithful in our own commitments and promises to others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:29-32
Jacob's instructions to his sons about his burial in the cave of Machpelah, which they fulfill in Genesis 50:12.

Exodus 13:19
Joseph's later instructions regarding his own bones, showing a continued respect for burial wishes and the connection to the Promised Land.

Hebrews 11:22
Joseph's faith in God's promises, which is reflected in his actions and the actions of his brothers in fulfilling Jacob's burial request.