Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: Mourns the Death of his Father

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history, not only for his rise to power in Egypt but also for his deep familial bonds. The mourning of his father, Jacob, marks a poignant moment in the narrative of Joseph's life, reflecting both his personal grief and his adherence to familial and cultural traditions.

Context and Background

Joseph's relationship with his father, Jacob, was marked by a special bond, as Jacob favored him over his other sons, which is evident from the "robe of many colors" that Jacob gave him (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, while causing strife among his brothers, underscores the depth of affection between Joseph and Jacob. After a series of trials, including being sold into slavery by his brothers and rising to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, Joseph is eventually reunited with his father when Jacob and his family move to Egypt to escape famine (Genesis 46:29).

Jacob's Death and Joseph's Mourning

The death of Jacob is recorded in Genesis 49:33-50:14. After blessing his sons and giving them instructions regarding his burial, Jacob "drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people" (Genesis 49:33). Joseph's response to his father's death is immediate and profound. Genesis 50:1 states, "Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him." This act of mourning is deeply personal, reflecting Joseph's love and respect for his father.

Following this, Joseph orders the embalming of Jacob, a process that takes forty days, and the Egyptians mourn for him seventy days (Genesis 50:2-3). This extended period of mourning indicates the high regard in which Jacob was held, not only by his family but also by the Egyptians, due to Joseph's esteemed position.

The Burial Procession

Joseph honors his father's request to be buried in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, the burial site of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah (Genesis 49:29-32). Joseph seeks Pharaoh's permission to fulfill this promise, which is granted, and he leads a grand funeral procession to Canaan. This procession includes "all Pharaoh’s officials, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all of Joseph’s household, his brothers, and his father’s household" (Genesis 50:7-8). The presence of such a large and distinguished company underscores the significance of Jacob's legacy and Joseph's influence.

Upon reaching the threshing floor of Atad, they hold a seven-day period of mourning, which is so intense that the Canaanites remark, "This is a solemn occasion of mourning by the Egyptians" (Genesis 50:11). This event is named Abel-mizraim, meaning "mourning of the Egyptians."

Significance

Joseph's mourning for Jacob is a testament to his deep filial piety and respect for his father's wishes. It also highlights the integration of Hebrew and Egyptian customs, as Joseph navigates his dual identity as a Hebrew and an Egyptian leader. The narrative emphasizes the importance of honoring one's parents and fulfilling familial obligations, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

Joseph's actions following Jacob's death reflect his character as a man of integrity, compassion, and faithfulness, qualities that define his life and legacy in the biblical account.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 50:1-14
And Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept on him, and kissed him.
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Library

Questions.
... What was Jacob's prophecy of the Redeemer?"Gen ... Why is it supposed that his father
was only the adopted son of Jehoiachin ... What had been the doctrine of Joseph? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... Christ appears to me in Joseph, who was persecuted and ... see Him worshipped by the
sons of Jacob, the remnant ... lion's whelp, as it is added, My son and offspring ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... fine coat of peace is torn and, like Joseph's coat, dipped ... Here I am' (Isaiah
58:9). When Jacob wept, then ... as one that mourneth for his only son' (Zechariah 12 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Matt. I. 1
... Wherefore he saith, "And Jacob begat Judas and his brethren ... world.' It was concealed
because of Joseph, because of ... person, He no where owned Himself Son of God ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm

Limiting God
... benediction, but it is not ours to uplift the hands as Joseph did those of Jacob,
and say ... If thou canst not have it like the prodigal son, who felt his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/limiting god.htm

Book ii.
... Holy Joseph experienced the hatred of his brethren, [1494] the guile of ... of our own;
God gave His only Son for us ... In Jacob, too, let us imitate the type of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... staff is supposed to be the same as that of Jacob with which ... replies: This is Ephraim,
the Messiah [the second Messiah, the son of Joseph]; My Righteousness ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... to every one of his mourners, even as Joseph allotted a ... I fail not, therefore ye
sons of Jacob are not ... other, "The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... O my bowels! Or, as the son of the Shunammite, 'My head ... 'And Jacob vowed a ... When Joseph's
mistress tempted him to lie with her, he was afraid of the Word of God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm