Genesis 50:25

And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, "God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place."

Study Bible

And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath
Joseph, as a leader and patriarch, ensures that his final wishes are respected by binding his brothers with an oath. This reflects the importance of oaths in ancient Near Eastern culture, where spoken promises were considered binding and sacred. The act of making an oath also signifies the seriousness of Joseph's request and his faith in God's promises to his forefathers. Oaths were often used to ensure future actions, as seen in Genesis 24:2-9 when Abraham made his servant swear to find a wife for Isaac from his own people.

and said, “God will surely attend to you,
Joseph expresses his unwavering faith in God's providence and future deliverance of Israel. This statement is prophetic, anticipating the Exodus when God would indeed "attend" to the Israelites by delivering them from Egyptian bondage. It echoes God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14, where God foretold the enslavement and eventual liberation of Abraham's descendants. Joseph's confidence in God's faithfulness serves as a model of trust for believers.

and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”
Joseph's request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land signifies his deep connection to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the importance of the land promised by God and Joseph's desire to be part of that promise even in death. This act prefigures the Exodus, as Joseph's bones were indeed carried out of Egypt by Moses, as recorded in Exodus 13:19. It also symbolizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that are fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and fulfiller of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The eleventh son of Jacob, who rose to prominence in Egypt. He is a key figure in the account of Genesis, known for his faithfulness to God and his role in saving his family during a famine.

2. Sons of Israel
Refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), who would later become the twelve tribes of Israel. They are the recipients of Joseph's instructions regarding his bones.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power and where the Israelites lived for several generations. It represents both a place of refuge and eventual bondage for the Israelites.

4. Oath
A solemn promise made by the sons of Israel to Joseph, signifying the importance of fulfilling his last wishes and the faith in God's future deliverance.

5. God's Aid
Refers to the anticipated divine intervention that would lead the Israelites out of Egypt, foreshadowing the Exodus.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's request demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's promise to deliver Israel from Egypt. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Legacy of Faith
Joseph's instructions about his bones serve as a testament to his faith and a reminder to future generations of God's covenant. Our actions and words can leave a lasting impact on those who come after us.

The Importance of Oaths
The seriousness with which the sons of Israel took Joseph's oath underscores the importance of keeping our promises, especially those made before God.

Hope in Future Deliverance
Joseph's anticipation of God's aid points to a hope that transcends present circumstances. Believers can find encouragement in the hope of God's ultimate deliverance.

Connection to the Land
Joseph's desire to be buried in the Promised Land reflects the significance of God's promises regarding the land. It reminds believers of the spiritual inheritance promised to them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's request to have his bones carried to the Promised Land reflect his faith in God's promises?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith in God's promises in our own lives, even when fulfillment seems far off?

3. How does the fulfillment of Joseph's request in Exodus 13:19 and Joshua 24:32 encourage us about God's faithfulness?

4. What are some ways we can ensure that our legacy points others to faith in God, as Joseph's did?

5. How can the concept of hope in future deliverance, as seen in Joseph's anticipation of God's aid, be applied to our current life situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 13:19
This verse describes the fulfillment of Joseph's request when Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt during the Exodus, demonstrating the faithfulness of the Israelites to Joseph's oath.

Hebrews 11:22
This verse highlights Joseph's faith, as he spoke of the Exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones, showing his belief in God's promises.

Joshua 24:32
This verse records the final burial of Joseph's bones in Shechem, fulfilling the oath made by the sons of Israel and connecting to the land promised to Abraham.