Two Promises Kept - Genesis 50:12-14

And thus his sons did for him as he had charged them; for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field for a burial site from Ephron the Hittite.  And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.

To those that have studied the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, these verses mark the end of a great era that made up the lives and trials of the famous “fathers’” trio of Israel.  It is fitting that a grandson gets buried in the cave of the field that his grandfather had bought.  This was the same cave where Abraham’s son Isaac buried him.  The same cave where Isaac’s son Jacob buried him.  And now the same cave Jacob’s son Joseph was burying him.  But things were going to be somewhat different now.  The tribes were growing.  The grandmothers were also all gone.  The sons of Jacob were living in Egypt.  Keeping all the Israelites focused on living with and for their God was not going to be an easy task.  What happens from here on in to the people of God left behind by Jacob is something that many of us who are alive now can well identify with.  While some of the members of the generations that came after us are as true to the Word of God as we may be, and perhaps more so in some cases, the majority just pay lip service.  They take what they want and do what they have to, either because that is what they have always done, or because they want to be sure they qualify for the “free gift of eternal life”.  There is often no real repentance of their past sinful ways, nor is daily life a conscious attempt to live for and to serve their Savior.  As one moves on to study Exodus and the rest of the Old Testament one observes a loving God who will not let go of His people.  Today, we too, can be thankful of God’s desire to keep on calling us to a closer relationship with Him.

This short passage is also an account of two promises kept.  First, Jacob’s sons led by Joseph, kept their promise to Jacob to bury him in the land of Canaan and in the place he made them promise to do so as he was dying.  A father’s wish was fulfilled.  Second, Joseph’s promise to Pharaoh that all of the family would return to Egypt after they buried their father, was also kept.

We thus begin “life after Jacob” with men of integrity.  What could possibly go wrong?  Lots, as we’ll find out in the rest of the Pentateuch and beyond.

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Traveling to Canaan to Bury Jacob - Genesis 50:7-11

So Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt, and all the household of Joseph and his brothers and his father’s household; they left only their little ones and their flocks and their herds in the land of Goshen.  There also went up with him both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company.  When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he observed seven days mourning for his father.  Now when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning for the Egyptians.”  Therefore it was named Abel-mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.

Can you imagine the burial procession going up from Egypt towards Canaan? Scripture tells us the entire households of all of Jacob’s sons went along with the household of Jacob himself, plus it says ‘all’ the servants of Pharaoh.  It goes on to say that the elders of ‘his’ household, most likely with reference again to Pharaoh’s household, also went along with ‘all’ the other elders of the land of Egypt.

Here too is another place we can make a point about truth and Scripture and whether the Bible means exactly what it says.  Did every single servant of Pharaoh go on this trip leaving Pharaoh to fend for himself?  Did every single elder in the land of Egypt go up to Canaan to bury Jacob?  I would suggest that was not the case.  But if I make that assertion, you could well argue that I am questioning the infallibility of Scripture.  Or am I?  First, let me assure you that I believe in the infallibility of Scripture – there are no errors therein.  Second, let me suggest that it is totally possible (that is from a physical perspective) that ‘all’ the servants of Pharaoh and ‘all’ the elders of Egypt did go on this journey.  But, it is highly unlikely.  So, what then are we left with?

It is possible that the word ‘all’ is used to refer to ‘a great number’ along the lines of us saying today, “You should have seen ‘all’ the people at the football game”.  Clearly, “all” the people that exist were not at the game, but there surely were a good number of people there.  It is also possible that the author was writing this from the perspective of what was being conveyed to him over the generations with respect to what those that were there actually saw.  That is, referring to “all the servants” and “all the elders” that they saw, and there were many of them.  Again the point is being made that we have to allow a text claiming to be ‘truth’ to be examined by other probable explanations as to how it is still ‘truth’ and not be quick to judge its validity.  We will find that this test of “other probable explanations” is a good one and will always find Scripture to be true.

The text also tells us that ‘they’ most likely in reference to Jacob’s sons, left their little ones and their flocks back in Egypt.  In order to do so, there must have been either some mothers left behind with children that were being nursed, or some servants to take care of the children.  More evidence that the ‘all’ referred to the vast numbers involved rather than the totality of what was being described.  This is yet another example of how “biblical text answers biblical text” when combined with common sense and a sincere desire to show that our belief of its infallibility is correct.  But what is more significant in this statement about little ones and flocks being left behind is that it is further evidence of the fact they did indeed intend to return to Egypt, as Joseph had promised Pharaoh.  When we make a promise, we need to act accordingly.

The next thing we notice here is that somehow, someone, likely with Pharaoh’s permission, a host of chariots and horsemen accompanied the burial procession to Canaan.  One could argue that this was to make sure the Israelites would return to Egypt.  Perhaps.  But if that were the case, then there was no need for so many of the servants and the elders of Egypt to go with them.  My guess is that this was to protect the Israelites on their journey.  The entire trip from Egypt to Canaan where Jacob was to be buried was approximately three hundred miles.  There is no doubt that this entire entourage would attract attention, some of it not so welcomed.

Our passage indicates that they “came to the threshing-floor of Atad”.  Some believe this proper name as used here may indeed have referred to a common noun that translates to “the plain of the thorn bushes”.  Scholars place it on the border between Egypt and Canaan.  Robert Jamieson in his commentary suggests that this was the last spot where both the family and the Egyptians present could indulge in grieving together and thus called for a prolonged halt.  After this, Jacob’s family likely moved ahead on their own to the actual place of burial.  So, this was to be the place of the last and most demonstrative mourning with respect to wailing and crying and for these reasons, Joseph ensured that the burial company remained here for seven days.

Some may wonder why Scripture only refers to Joseph as observing seven days of mourning here for his father.  Again, we need to look at various possibilities.  It is very unlikely that the other brothers no longer mourned.  Instead, what we have here is the probability that only Joseph is mentioned because he was indeed in charge of the group at the time.  He was the organizer of both the trip and the burial given his position in Egypt.  When we remain true to the idea that Scripture is infallible, we are open to possible explanations that support our premise.

Finally, we note that the local inhabitants in the land of Canaan noticed the serious mourning of the Egyptians.  For whatever reason, they missed the fact that these Egyptians were actually mourning on behalf of their new Israelite friends that had earned a respected place among them since Jacob and his family had come to Egypt and who really were among the mourners as well.  It appeared to the Canaanites that the company before their eyes was indeed homogenous.  What a testimony that is.  What an example we have here of how we should act and live when we go to another culture, another place, especially for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We must work hard to earn the respect of those whose land we are guests in.  That is not to imply, however, that we must give up our principles and our beliefs for remember, the Egypt were agreeing to join the Israelites in Joseph’s desire to bury his father in Canaan.  The Israelites did not give in to burying him in Egypt.  There are things on which we are to hold our ground and things that we must not force our hosts to change.  I pray God gives us the wisdom to know which are which.

So well had the Israelites done this that the Canaanites mistook everyone as being Egyptians.  And thus the Canaanites gave another name to that location, that of “Abel-mizraim” which is interpreted to mean “the mourning of the Egyptians” and only used this one time in Scripture.

As we leave this passage, we are reminded of several things.  First, the extent to which Jacob’s family went to mourn his loss and to bury him as per his request.  Second, the respect that Joseph, Jacob, and the Israelites in general had gained in Egypt.  And third, that as “children of God” live according to His will and plan for their lives when it comes to how we deal with others, the world will notice us as the Canaanites noticed the unity of the mourners.   I pray it will be so with us.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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Joseph Seeks Permission To Leave Egypt To Bury Jacob - Genesis 50:4-6

And when the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am about to die; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.’” And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.”

There are several interesting thoughts that arise from this section of Scripture.  The first that comes to mind is that Joseph and his brothers had to sit through seventy days of mourning before they actually knew for sure that they could carry out the wishes of their deceased father Jacob, to be buried in Canaan.  I would find it hard living without knowing whether I could carry out my deceased parent’s wishes.  But Joseph and his brothers bided their time and just trusted God for the outcome.

When the seventy days of morning had past, Joseph spoke not to Pharaoh himself, as he had done when his family first came to Egypt and he wanted to settle them in a particular location, but to the “household of Pharaoh”, concerning this matter.  He relied on the fact that he had treated them all well as servants and family of Pharaoh while he himself was second in the land.  Sometimes God puts us in various places of influence and then depending on how well we do there, he allows us to be blessed by the very relationships we develop.  So he implored them to speak to Pharaoh on his behalf and ask him for permission for him to be allowed to go and bury his father in the land of Canaan.

Joseph also told them to tell Pharaoh that he promised to return.  There are times when we ask for a favor that we need to consider the needs of those we ask the favor from with respect to our role or contribution to their lives.  What inconvenience will our request cause them?  I am reminded of those who I supervised over the years.  With respect to asking for favors, all my employees could be divided into two main types.  First, there are those that ask “to leave work early tonight” and then there are those that ask “to leave work early tonight and promise to work the extra time off by shortening my lunch hours” and then do so.   Now, which type of employee would you be more likely to happily grant the time off to?  Clearly, the second type is not trying to take advantage of you but rather is earnestly seeking a favor and is willing to be responsible for minimizing the inconvenience granting such a favor may cause you.  So, it was with Joseph when he asked to bury his father in Canaan – he promised to return to the service of Pharaoh.

The text does not record the conversation between Pharaoh and his household on this matter.  Instead, we simply have Pharaoh’s response to Joseph, “Go and bury your father as he made you promise.”  Joseph waited for seventy days, then he made the appropriate request to his authority, and God granted the desired response.  We do not know what Joseph would have done had Pharaoh said ‘no’.  But we do know that Joseph trusted God with his need and God met it at the right time.

All the parties involved realized the value and significance of an oath made in good faith.  Much of Pharaoh’s response was dependent on that.  Joseph was allowed to go and bury Jacob primarily because he had made that promise to him and Pharaoh knew it.

Every day we get opportunities to make promises.  Sometimes to those we are supposed to love (you know, “until death do us part”), sometimes to our children (“yes, we can go out for a bike ride today”) and sometimes to our boss, our peers, or our subordinates.  But do we keep them all?  We need to think of whether or not we have an almost 100% capability if at all possible of fulfilling any promise, before we make it, and then do so.  This world lacks integrity and promise keeping is one way to regain at least our own integrity.  I have five grandchildren ranging from age six to ten right now.  I make them promises, but sometimes they get a little over-anxious about when they’ll be fulfilled and try to speed the process up.  At that point I ask them, “Excuse me, but ever since you can remember, does pappou (Greek for grandfather) keep his promises?”  The answer is always a “Yes”, albeit reluctantly as they realize they have to be patient a while longer. 

While I am on this topic, let me get something off my chest.  And here I write to those of my brothers and sisters that are in the ministry.  Why is it that many people identify a pastor’s “promise to get back to them” as a common practical weakness among clergy?  Why is it that pastors and ministers cannot live their lives keeping the promises they make?  Surely it is not because they don’t care about people.  Surely it is not because they do not use electronic gadgets and other means to remind them of what is important to them, for many do.  I once had to wait several years for a loaned book to be returned to me from a pastor friend who kept promising to do so every time he phoned me for human resources advice I could provide.  On another occasion, I am still waiting for a pastor friend to take me to a ball game that was promised years ago.  Another pastoral friend called me and asked me if I would do something for him and if so, he would discuss it with his board that night and let me know the next day.  That was months ago.  I finally ran into him at another event and when I challenged him on that, he replied he had thought he would only be doing so if the board agreed to go ahead with what he was proposing.  And more recently, a pastor friend who had put it in his electronic calendar mind you to call and see how the widow of a man who had served as his church’s Chairman of the Board for many years was doing, has still not done so at this point of writing, several months later.  Pastors, none of us are perfect, but let me honestly tell you how your attitude to keeping even small promises to others on simple matters, actually has a deep impact on people, your ministry, your integrity, and the name of Jesus Christ.

It is my prayer we all not make promises we cannot keep and keep the promises we make.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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The Death of Jacob - Genesis 49:28-33

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him. Then he charged them and said to them, “I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site.  There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah -- the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth.”  When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

As I read the first sentence in this portion of Scripture I realize the value in the blessing one bestows on his or her children (the ‘blessees’) is not always found in the words one utters (for Jacob uttered some tough words), but in both the act of blessing a child prior to one’s passing and in the sharing of the truth that lies ahead to the extent it has been revealed by God to the ‘blessor’.   Each of Jacob’s sons, regardless of their history, was blessed with a blessing suitable for them and with a glimpse of what God had in store for their descendants.

What came next was an instruction to all of them.  Jacob told them he was about to die and join his ancestors.  He wanted his sons to bury him in a particular field with his fathers.  This field was purchased many years ago by his grandfather Abraham to bury his beloved wife Sarah.  It was the same field where his father Isaac was buried along with Rebekah his wife, and it was the field that Jacob himself had buried Leah, his first wife.  We note also this was not where Jacob had buried Rachel.  She was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, near where she had died, because the family was in the midst of a journey.  But Jacob wanted to be buried with his fathers and with Leah.  Perhaps this was yet another indication that as a godly man, he also loved her as he did Rachel.  Given Joseph’s position in the land, Jacob could have been buried in the best of tombs in Egypt, but he did not want to.  He realized he was not an Egyptian, but rather as David Guzik says, “he was a son of the promise, an heir of God’s covenant with Abraham”, and thus he wanted to be buried in the land of promise.  This was a simple instruction, given once to Joseph, now to all the sons, and it was expected that it be carried out.  And then Jacob died.

I will never forget the one simple request made of me by my own father as he lay dying in the hospital in his 91^st year of life.  The simple request that I not sell the family property as long as I lived.  I agreed.  It was like a charge at the end of my father’s life to me.  But it was also God’s blessing to my wife and I through my dad.  In order to make it financially feasible to keep my family’s property, a decision was made that both my wife and I and our daughter’s family as well sell our respective homes, and build one together where we could all live.  We are now in our fourth year and while there are always some challenges when the range of the oldest to the youngest in a group of seven spans nearly six decades, the blessings and advantages to all do outweigh them.  We would do well to heed the charges that our godly parents leave us.

There is a possibility that at his great age, Jacob in saying, “I am about to be gathered to my people” was actually indicating his desire, or at least welcoming that ultimate end to physical life.  He had lived long, he had experienced much, and he had been part of God’s plan for him and others, and now it was time to be gathered to his people.  As one rereads the last sentence of verse 33 above, one realizes that it is possible that Jacob actually realized he had completed all he had to do in life.  He then put himself in the ‘yielding to death’ position drawing his feet towards him in the bed as like unto a fetal position.  And thus, he indicated his willingness to take the next step.  And then God took him.  It is a blessed man or woman that can die like that, knowing he or she has done what they were intended to do, and that their death was a natural next step in their deeper ongoing relationship with their God.

And even in his death, or more specifically his burial, he wanted to be sure that by requiring his sons to bury him in the land of Canaan, they would continue to remember that they were not true Egyptians, but really people of the covenant – people of the God of Israel.  They all still had a part to play in fulfilling the promises of God to his people.

It makes me wonder how we will charge our children when it is time for us to go?  Will it be something for the building up of our own memorial; will it be something for their own good; or will it be something that compliments God’s plan for mankind?

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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