Genesis 50:5

my father made me swear an oath when he said, 'I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.' Now let me go and bury my father, and then return."

Study Bible

my father made me swear an oath
In ancient Near Eastern culture, oaths were solemn and binding, often invoking the name of God as a witness. Jacob's insistence on an oath underscores the importance of his burial wishes. This reflects the patriarchal authority and the seriousness with which such promises were regarded. The act of swearing an oath is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 24:3, where Abraham makes his servant swear to find a wife for Isaac from his own people.

when he said, ‘I am about to die.
Jacob's awareness of his impending death is a common biblical theme, where patriarchs often give final instructions or blessings before passing. This reflects the belief in the importance of preparing for death and ensuring one's wishes are fulfilled. It also highlights the transient nature of life, a recurring biblical motif, as seen in Psalm 90:10, which speaks of the brevity of life.

You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself
The preparation of one's burial site was a significant act, reflecting a desire for a proper and respectful burial. Jacob's request to be buried in a specific tomb indicates the importance of family burial sites, which were seen as a way to maintain familial bonds even in death. This is reminiscent of Abraham purchasing the cave of Machpelah in Genesis 23 as a family burial site, emphasizing the importance of being laid to rest with one's ancestors.

in the land of Canaan.
Canaan holds significant theological and historical importance as the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). Jacob's desire to be buried there underscores the connection to God's covenant promises and the hope of future fulfillment. This request also foreshadows the eventual return of the Israelites to Canaan, as seen in the Exodus narrative.

Now let me go and bury my father,
Joseph's request to Pharaoh to fulfill his father's burial wish demonstrates his respect for his father's authority and the importance of filial piety. It also highlights the tension between Joseph's Egyptian position and his Hebrew heritage. This act of honoring one's parents is consistent with the biblical commandment found in Exodus 20:12.

and then return.”
Joseph's assurance of his return to Egypt after fulfilling his father's burial request indicates his commitment to his responsibilities in Egypt. It reflects the balance between honoring family obligations and maintaining one's duties in a foreign land. This duality is seen in the lives of other biblical figures, such as Daniel, who served foreign kings while remaining faithful to his heritage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob, who is speaking to Pharaoh in this verse. Joseph is a key figure in the account of Genesis, known for his rise to power in Egypt and his role in saving his family during a famine.

2. Jacob (Israel)
Joseph's father, who has passed away. He made Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan, highlighting the importance of the Promised Land to the patriarchs.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, to whom Joseph is speaking. Pharaoh's relationship with Joseph is significant, as Joseph holds a high position in Egypt due to Pharaoh's favor.

4. Canaan
The land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Jacob's desire to be buried there underscores the covenantal promise and the significance of the land to the Israelites.

5. The Oath
The promise Joseph made to his father, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's word and the cultural significance of burial practices.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Promises
Joseph's commitment to fulfilling his father's request highlights the value of integrity and faithfulness in our relationships and commitments.

The Significance of the Promised Land
Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan reflects the deep connection to God's promises. Believers are reminded of the importance of God's promises and our eternal inheritance.

Honoring Parents
Joseph's actions demonstrate respect and honor for his father, aligning with the biblical commandment to honor one's parents.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan is an act of faith in God's covenant. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
The burial request signifies the importance of cultural and spiritual heritage, encouraging believers to value and pass on their faith traditions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's fulfillment of his father's burial request demonstrate the importance of keeping promises in our own lives?

2. In what ways does Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan reflect his faith in God's promises, and how can we apply this faith to our own lives?

3. How does the relationship between Joseph and Pharaoh illustrate the potential for believers to influence secular authorities positively?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's respect and honor for his father, and how can we apply these lessons in our relationships with our own parents or elders?

5. How does the concept of a promised land in Genesis relate to the New Testament teachings on our eternal inheritance, and how should this influence our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 47:29-31
Jacob makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan, showing the continuity of the promise and the importance of the land.

Hebrews 11:21-22
Reflects on the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob's instructions about his burial, as an act of faith in God's promises.

Exodus 13:19
Joseph's bones are later carried out of Egypt, fulfilling his own request to be buried in Canaan, showing the ongoing fulfillment of God's promises.