Genesis 50:5 - ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.’”
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What does "Genesis 50:5" mean?
This verse is a key part of the story of Jacob's death and burial in Genesis. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Joseph is speaking to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. His father, Jacob (also called Israel), has died.
"My father made me swear...": Jacob, before he died, made Joseph promise to bury him in the family burial ground in Canaan (modern-day Israel/Palestine). This was a serious oath, carrying immense weight in ancient cultures.
"...saying, 'Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.'": Jacob specifically designated where he wanted to be buried - not in Egypt where he had been living comfortably, but in Canaan, the land God had promised to his descendants. He had even prepared his own grave there, indicating the importance he placed on this burial.
"Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.'": Joseph is respectfully requesting Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt temporarily to fulfill his oath and carry out his father's last wishes. He assures Pharaoh that he will return to Egypt and his duties after the burial.
Significance and Interpretation:
Fulfillment of a Promise/Respect for the Dead: The passage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling oaths and honoring one's parents, even after death. Joseph is portrayed as a righteous and devoted son who takes his father's dying wish very seriously.
Connection to the Promised Land: Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan highlights the significance of the land in the Abrahamic covenant. Despite living in comfort and prosperity in Egypt, Jacob wants to be buried in the land God promised to his descendants, underscoring his faith and hope in God's promises.
Joseph's Integrity: By explicitly stating his intention to return to Egypt, Joseph demonstrates his honesty and integrity to Pharaoh. He is not trying to use the burial as an excuse to permanently leave his position in Egypt.
A Symbolic Act: Burying Jacob in Canaan is a symbolic act of claiming the land for Jacob's descendants. It's a physical act demonstrating their attachment to and claim on the land promised by God.
In essence, this verse portrays Joseph's dutifulness, Jacob's unwavering faith in God's promise, and the enduring importance of the land of Canaan to the Israelite identity. It sets the stage for the long and elaborate funeral procession and the eventual return of Joseph and his brothers to Egypt, continuing the narrative of the Israelite's sojourn in Egypt.
Genesis 50:5 - ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.’”
What does "Genesis 50:5" mean?
This verse is a key part of the story of Jacob's death and burial in Genesis. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Joseph is speaking to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. His father, Jacob (also called Israel), has died.
"My father made me swear...": Jacob, before he died, made Joseph promise to bury him in the family burial ground in Canaan (modern-day Israel/Palestine). This was a serious oath, carrying immense weight in ancient cultures.
"...saying, 'Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.'": Jacob specifically designated where he wanted to be buried - not in Egypt where he had been living comfortably, but in Canaan, the land God had promised to his descendants. He had even prepared his own grave there, indicating the importance he placed on this burial.
"Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.'": Joseph is respectfully requesting Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt temporarily to fulfill his oath and carry out his father's last wishes. He assures Pharaoh that he will return to Egypt and his duties after the burial.
Significance and Interpretation:
Fulfillment of a Promise/Respect for the Dead: The passage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling oaths and honoring one's parents, even after death. Joseph is portrayed as a righteous and devoted son who takes his father's dying wish very seriously.
Connection to the Promised Land: Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan highlights the significance of the land in the Abrahamic covenant. Despite living in comfort and prosperity in Egypt, Jacob wants to be buried in the land God promised to his descendants, underscoring his faith and hope in God's promises.
Joseph's Integrity: By explicitly stating his intention to return to Egypt, Joseph demonstrates his honesty and integrity to Pharaoh. He is not trying to use the burial as an excuse to permanently leave his position in Egypt.
A Symbolic Act: Burying Jacob in Canaan is a symbolic act of claiming the land for Jacob's descendants. It's a physical act demonstrating their attachment to and claim on the land promised by God.
In essence, this verse portrays Joseph's dutifulness, Jacob's unwavering faith in God's promise, and the enduring importance of the land of Canaan to the Israelite identity. It sets the stage for the long and elaborate funeral procession and the eventual return of Joseph and his brothers to Egypt, continuing the narrative of the Israelite's sojourn in Egypt.