Genesis 50
BSB1 Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him. 2 And Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, 3 taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4 When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that 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." 6 Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do." 7 Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all the servants of Pharaoh accompanied him—the elders of Pharaoh’s household and all the elders of the land of Egypt— 8 along with all of Joseph’s household, and his brothers, and his father’s household. Only their children and flocks and herds were left in Goshen. 9 Chariots and horsemen alike went up with him, and it was an exceedingly large procession. 10 When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. 11 When the Canaanites of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn ceremony of mourning by the Egyptians.” Thus the place across the Jordan is called Abel-mizraim. 12 So Jacob’s sons did as he had charged them. 13 They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. 14 After Joseph had buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father. 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him." 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!" 19 But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. 21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them. 22 Now Joseph and his father’s household remained in Egypt, and Joseph lived to the age of 110. 23 He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees. 24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." 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." 26 So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.
Study Notes — Genesis 50
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 50
- Themes from Genesis 50
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 50
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 50 begins with Jacob's death, and Joseph's emotional response to the loss of his father. Joseph then embalms his father and, with a large company of Egyptians, buries him in the cave of Machpelah, as Jacob had requested. After the burial, Joseph's brothers, fearing his revenge now that their father is dead, send a message to Joseph asking for forgiveness. However, Joseph weeps and reassures them that he will provide for them and their families, demonstrating his faithfulness and forgiveness. The chapter concludes with Joseph's death at the age of 110, and his request to be buried in the Promised Land, showing his faith in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. Key verses include Genesis 50:20, where Joseph says that God meant the evil his brothers did for good, and Genesis 50:24-25, where Joseph makes the Israelites swear to carry his bones with them when God visits them to bring them out of Egypt.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 50 is the final chapter of the book of Genesis, concluding the story of Joseph and his family. The chapter provides a sense of closure and completion to the narrative, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people and the fulfillment of His promises. The events of this chapter also set the stage for the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages readers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and faithfulness, demonstrating how these virtues can bring healing and restoration to relationships. By reflecting on Joseph's example, readers can cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and wisdom, and seek to extend mercy and grace to those around them.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 50 is about Jacob's death and Joseph's faithfulness in fulfilling his father's wishes. Joseph's brothers fear his revenge, but he forgives them and reassures them of his care. The chapter shows how God is always working for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 50:20). It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and faithfulness, demonstrating how these virtues can bring healing and restoration to relationships.
Voices from the Church
“The story of Joseph is a remarkable illustration of the truth that God is always working for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem to be against them.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The faithfulness of Joseph in fulfilling his father's requests is a powerful example of the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our commitments.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jacob's Death and Burial (Genesis 50:1-14) — The chapter begins with Jacob's death, and Joseph's emotional response to the loss of his father. Joseph then embalms his father and, with a large company of Egyptians, buries him in the cave of Machpelah.
- The Brothers' Fear and Joseph's Forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21) — After the burial, Joseph's brothers fear his revenge, but he reassures them of his forgiveness and care, demonstrating his faithfulness and mercy.
- Joseph's Death and Request (Genesis 50:22-26) — The chapter concludes with Joseph's death at the age of 110, and his request to be buried in the Promised Land, showing his faith in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites.
- The Theme of Providence (Genesis 50:20) — Joseph's statement about God intending good out of evil is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, which is a central theme of the chapter.
- The Importance of Forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, demonstrating how this virtue can bring healing and restoration to relationships, as seen in Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events, working for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem to be against them (Genesis 50:20).
- Forgiveness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, demonstrating how this virtue can bring healing and restoration to relationships, as seen in Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21).
- Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness, demonstrating how Joseph's loyalty to his father and his commitment to fulfilling his requests, even after his death, is a powerful example of this virtue (Genesis 50:1-14).
- Providence
- The chapter teaches that God's providence guides the events of human life, working for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances (Genesis 50:20).
Lessons from Genesis 50
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events, working for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem to be against them.
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, demonstrating how this virtue can bring healing and restoration to relationships.
- Faithfulness and Loyalty — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness, demonstrating how Joseph's loyalty to his father and his commitment to fulfilling his requests, even after his death, is a powerful example of this virtue.
- God's Providence — The chapter teaches that God's providence guides the events of human life, working for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in trusting God's promises and providence, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Themes from Genesis 50
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events, working for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem to be against them.
- Forgiveness and Mercy — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, demonstrating how this virtue can bring healing and restoration to relationships.
- Faithfulness and Loyalty — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness, demonstrating how Joseph's loyalty to his father and his commitment to fulfilling his requests, even after his death, is a powerful example of this virtue.
- God's Providence — The chapter teaches that God's providence guides the events of human life, working for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter demonstrates the power of faith in trusting God's promises and providence, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Questions for Meditation
- How does Joseph's response to his father's death reveal his character and faith?
- What does the brothers' fear of Joseph's revenge reveal about their understanding of his character and God's providence?
- How does the theme of forgiveness in this chapter relate to your own life and relationships?
- What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and providence, and how can you apply this to your own life?
- How does the chapter conclude the story of Joseph and his family, and what significance does this have for the larger narrative of the Bible?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jacob's Death and Mourning (Genesis 50:1-3)
| 50:1 | Joseph threw himself upon his father's face and wept over him and kissed him. |
| 50:2 | Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father, and the physicians embalmed Israel. |
2. The Burial of Jacob (Genesis 50:4-14)
| 50:4 | When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh's court, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me and say, |
| 50:5 | 'My father made me swear an oath and said, 'I am about to die; in my tomb which I hewed out 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.' |
3. The Brothers' Fear and Joseph's Forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21)
| 50:15 | When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 'What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?' |
| 50:16 | So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, 'Your father charged before he died, saying, |
4. Joseph's Death and Request (Genesis 50:22-26)
| 50:22 | Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father's household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. |
| 50:23 | Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph's knees. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jacob's death in Genesis 50?
Jacob's death marks the end of an era and the conclusion of his story, but it also sets the stage for the events of the book of Exodus. Genesis 50:1-14 provides a sense of closure and completion to the narrative, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people and the fulfillment of His promises.
Why do Joseph's brothers fear his revenge after Jacob's death?
The brothers fear Joseph's revenge because they do not understand his character and God's providence in their lives. Despite Joseph's previous kindness and provision, they still doubt his intentions, revealing their lack of faith in God's sovereignty and Joseph's faithfulness.
What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and providence?
The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events, working for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem to be against them (Genesis 50:20). This is evident in Joseph's statement about God intending good out of evil, which highlights God's providence and wisdom in guiding the events of human life.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 50:20 → Romans 8:28 | Both Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28 teach that God works for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrating His sovereignty and providence. |
| 2 | Genesis 50:24 → Hebrews 11:22 | Both Genesis 50:24 and Hebrews 11:22 mention Joseph's faith in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites, highlighting his trust in God's providence and sovereignty. |
| 3 | Genesis 50:1 → John 11:35 | Both Genesis 50:1 and John 11:35 describe a scene of mourning and weeping, with Joseph throwing himself upon his father's face and weeping over him, and Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. |
| 4 | Genesis 50:15 → Matthew 6:14-15 | Both Genesis 50:15 and Matthew 6:14-15 teach about the importance of forgiveness, with Joseph forgiving his brothers and Jesus teaching about the need to forgive others in order to be forgiven by God. |
| 5 | Genesis 50:20 → Psalm 105:16-17 | Both Genesis 50:20 and Psalm 105:16-17 describe how God works for the good of His people, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrating His sovereignty and providence. |
| 6 | Genesis 50:24 → Acts 7:9-10 | Both Genesis 50:24 and Acts 7:9-10 mention Joseph's faith in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites, highlighting his trust in God's providence and sovereignty. |
| 7 | Genesis 50:1 → Isaiah 57:1-2 | Both Genesis 50:1 and Isaiah 57:1-2 describe a scene of mourning and weeping, with Joseph throwing himself upon his father's face and weeping over him, and the righteous man perishing and no one taking it to heart. |
| 8 | Genesis 50:15 → Luke 6:27-28 | Both Genesis 50:15 and Luke 6:27-28 teach about the importance of forgiveness, with Joseph forgiving his brothers and Jesus teaching about the need to love and forgive one's enemies. |
| 9 | Genesis 50:20 → 1 Thessalonians 5:18 | Both Genesis 50:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 teach about giving thanks in all circumstances, recognizing God's sovereignty and providence in guiding the events of human life. |
| 10 | Genesis 50:24 → Revelation 21:4 | Both Genesis 50:24 and Revelation 21:4 mention the promise of a future inheritance, with Joseph trusting in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:4. |
Sermons on Genesis 50
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Meaning of Life - 4. From Negative to Positive Believing by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that humans are naturally inclined towards negativity due to the negative world we live in. They discuss how people often view their problems |
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(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
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Always Giving Thanks (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a spirit of thankfulness and praise, even in the face of challenges and false accusations. It highlights how God can use difficult s |
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Satan's Wiles to Accuse and Trouble the Saint (Reading) by William Gurnall | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of holding on to the receipts of God's forgiveness for our sins. He emphasizes that there are special moments, like jubilee fe |
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Bearing Much Fruit by Bob Hoekstra | This sermon focuses on the theme of God's faithfulness and provision in times of uncertainty and challenges, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His promises and seeking His |
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(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |
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(Genesis) Genesis 50:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee discusses the burial of Jacob in Genesis 50, emphasizing the deep sorrow Joseph felt for his father and the Egyptian customs of embalming. He notes that Jacob's des |
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(Genesis) Genesis 50:14-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights how Joseph's brothers had evil intentions towards him, but God turned their actions into s |
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(Genesis) Genesis 12 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Abraham in the Bible and how he has remained famous for over 4,000 years. Abraham was not only a wealthy man but also a gen |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 50
Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 50 emphasizes the faithfulness of Joseph in fulfilling his father's requests, even after his death. Henry notes that Joseph's statement about God intending good out of evil is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, which is a central theme of the chapter. Henry also highlights the importance of forgiveness, demonstrating how Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers brings healing and restoration to their relationships. Furthermore, Henry emphasizes the significance of Jacob's death, which marks the end of an era and the conclusion of his story, but also sets the stage for the events of the book of Exodus. Overall, Henry's commentary provides a detailed and insightful analysis of the chapter, emphasizing God's character, practical lessons, and theological significance. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Joseph's Emotional Response
Joseph's emotional response to his father's death shows the deep love and respect he had for Jacob. This is evident in his weeping and mourning, which demonstrates the significant impact his father had on his life.
The Brothers' Fear
The brothers' fear of Joseph's revenge after Jacob's death reveals their lack of understanding of Joseph's character and God's providence in their lives. Despite Joseph's previous kindness and provision, they still doubted his intentions.
The Theme of Forgiveness
The theme of forgiveness is prominent in this chapter, as Joseph forgives his brothers and reassures them of his care. This shows that Joseph had let go of any bitterness or resentment towards them, choosing instead to extend mercy and grace.