Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. Their bones were carried back to ShechemThis phrase refers to the burial of the patriarchs, specifically Joseph, whose bones were carried from Egypt to Canaan. Shechem is a significant location in biblical history, situated in the heart of the Promised Land. It was a city of refuge and a place where God appeared to Abraham. The act of carrying bones back to Shechem symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. Exo 13:19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him.… and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought Abraham's purchase of the tomb signifies a legal claim to the land, emphasizing the permanence of God's covenant with Abraham. This act of buying a burial site in Canaan demonstrates Abraham's faith in God's promise that his descendants would inherit the land. The tomb serves as a physical reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of resurrection. Gen 49:29-32 Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered… from the sons of Hamor at Shechem The sons of Hamor were the original inhabitants of Shechem. This detail highlights the historical and legal transaction that took place, ensuring that the burial site was rightfully owned by Abraham's family. It underscores the importance of Shechem as a place of covenant and God's unfolding plan for Israel. Gen 33:18-19 After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely… for a price he paid in silver. The mention of silver indicates a formal and recognized transaction, emphasizing the legitimacy of Abraham's purchase. Silver was a common medium of exchange in ancient times, and its use here underscores the seriousness and permanence of the agreement. This transaction prefigures the redemption theme found throughout Scripture, where a price is paid for the fulfillment of God's promises. Jos 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch who originally purchased the tomb in Shechem. His faith and obedience to God are foundational to the account of the Israelites. 2. Shechem A significant location in biblical history, often associated with covenantal events and patriarchal accounts. It is where Abraham bought the tomb and where Joseph's bones were eventually laid to rest. 3. Sons of Hamor The original inhabitants of Shechem from whom Abraham purchased the burial site. This transaction signifies a legitimate and peaceful acquisition of land. 4. Joseph Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Joseph's bones were carried from Egypt and buried in Shechem, fulfilling the promise made to him by his brothers. 5. Stephen The speaker in Acts 7, who is recounting the history of Israel to the Sanhedrin. His speech highlights God's faithfulness and the Israelites' history of resistance to God's messengers. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe burial of the patriarchs in Shechem serves as a testament to God's enduring promises. Just as God was faithful to Abraham, He remains faithful to us today. The Importance of Spiritual Heritage The act of carrying Joseph's bones to Shechem underscores the value of honoring our spiritual forebears and maintaining a connection to our faith's history. The Significance of Covenant The purchase of the tomb in Shechem is a reminder of the covenants God made with the patriarchs. We are called to live in light of the New Covenant through Christ. Peaceful Acquisition and Integrity Abraham's purchase of the tomb reflects integrity and peaceful dealings. As Christians, we are called to conduct our affairs with honesty and integrity. The Role of Remembrance in Faith Just as the Israelites remembered their patriarchs, we are encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness as we face present challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the purchase of the tomb in Shechem by Abraham reflect God's promises to the patriarchs, and how can this encourage us in our faith journey today?2. In what ways does the burial of Joseph's bones in Shechem serve as a fulfillment of God's promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 3. How does the concept of spiritual heritage influence your personal faith, and what steps can you take to honor and preserve it? 4. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's peaceful acquisition of the tomb in Shechem about conducting our own affairs with integrity? 5. How can remembering God's faithfulness in the past help us trust Him with our present and future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 33:19This verse describes Jacob's purchase of land in Shechem, which connects to the theme of the patriarchs securing a foothold in the Promised Land. Joshua 24:32 This verse recounts the burial of Joseph's bones in Shechem, directly linking to the fulfillment of the promise made to Joseph and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. Hebrews 11:22 This verse highlights Joseph's faith in God's promises, as he instructed that his bones be carried out of Egypt, demonstrating trust in God's future provision.
People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Bought, Carried, Emmor, Got, Hamor, Laid, Money, Paid, Placed, Price, Purchased, Removed, Rest, Sepulcher, Sepulchre, Shechem, Silver, Sons, Sum, Sychem, TombDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:16Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:16 NIVActs 7:16 NLT Acts 7:16 ESV Acts 7:16 NASB Acts 7:16 KJV Acts 7:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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