Genesis Chapter 50 — Jacob's Burial and Joseph's Final Days
Joseph buries his father Jacob in Canaan, reassures his brothers of his forgiveness, and eventually dies in Egypt after reminding them of God's promises.
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Notable Verses
Genesis 50:20
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.”
This verse is a central summary of Joseph's life and the theme of God's sovereignty over human actions.
Genesis 50:24
“Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.””
It demonstrates Joseph's unwavering faith in the covenant promises God made to his ancestors.
Chapter Summary
Genesis 50 concludes the book of Genesis with the mourning and burial of Jacob. Following his father's request, Joseph leads a massive funeral procession to Canaan to bury Jacob in the cave of Machpelah. After returning to Egypt, Joseph's brothers fear he will finally take revenge for their past actions now that their father is gone. However, Joseph reassures them, stating that while they intended evil, God used their actions for good to preserve many lives. Joseph lives to see his great-grandchildren and, before his death at 110, makes the children of Israel swear to carry his bones back to the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The book ends with Joseph's death and his placement in a coffin in Egypt, looking forward to the eventual fulfillment of God's covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacob was buried in the cave of the field of Machpelah in the land of Canaan. This site was originally purchased by Abraham from Ephron the Hittite as a family burial plot for his wife Sarah.
Joseph wept and comforted them, explaining that God had turned their past evil intentions into a means for saving many people. He promised to continue providing for them and their families in Egypt rather than seeking retribution.
Joseph made the children of Israel take an oath that they would carry his bones out of Egypt when God eventually led them back to the promised land. He died at the age of 110 and was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
Study Note
The Egyptian mourning period of seventy days for Jacob was nearly equivalent to the mourning period for a Pharaoh, indicating Joseph's exceptionally high status in Egyptian society.
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