Genesis 50:26

So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.

Study Bible

So Joseph died
The phrase marks the end of an era in the Genesis narrative. Joseph, a central figure in the history of Israel, passes away, signifying the close of the patriarchal stories. The Hebrew word for "died" is "mût," which is often used in the Old Testament to denote the physical death of a person. Joseph's death is not just a biological end but a transition in God's unfolding plan for His people. His life, marked by faithfulness and divine providence, serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises.

at the age of 110
The age of 110 is significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often considered an ideal lifespan. In Egyptian culture, which heavily influenced Joseph's life, living to 110 was seen as a sign of divine favor and a full, blessed life. Joseph's long life reflects God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs. It also underscores Joseph's integration into Egyptian society while maintaining his Hebrew identity and faith.

And they embalmed his body
Embalming was a common Egyptian practice, reflecting Joseph's high status in Egypt. The Hebrew word "ḥānat" is used here, indicating the process of preserving the body, which was typically reserved for the elite. This act shows the respect and honor given to Joseph by the Egyptians, acknowledging his significant role in their history. It also highlights the intersection of Hebrew and Egyptian cultures during Joseph's time.

and placed it in a coffin
The use of a coffin, or "’ārôn" in Hebrew, is notable as it is the first mention of a coffin in the Bible. This practice was distinctly Egyptian, further illustrating Joseph's assimilation into Egyptian customs while maintaining his Hebrew heritage. The coffin signifies a temporary resting place, foreshadowing the eventual exodus of the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them to the Promised Land.

in Egypt
Joseph's burial in Egypt, rather than Canaan, emphasizes the beginning of Israel's sojourn in a foreign land. Egypt becomes a place of both refuge and eventual bondage for the Israelites. Joseph's presence in Egypt, even in death, symbolizes God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant, as Joseph's bones would later be carried to the Promised Land, fulfilling his request and God's promise to Abraham.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob and Rachel, Joseph is a key figure in the Book of Genesis. Known for his coat of many colors, his rise to power in Egypt, and his role in saving his family from famine, Joseph's life is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power as second-in-command under Pharaoh. Egypt serves as both a place of refuge and a place of bondage for the Israelites, setting the stage for the Exodus.

3. Embalming
A process used in ancient Egypt to preserve bodies for the afterlife. Joseph's embalming signifies his high status in Egyptian society and the respect he commanded even in death.

4. Coffin
The Hebrew word for coffin here is (aron), which can also mean "ark" or "chest." This term is significant as it later refers to the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence with His people.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Joseph's life and death remind us of the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Legacy of Faith
Joseph's instructions regarding his bones show his concern for the spiritual legacy he leaves behind, encouraging us to consider the impact of our faith on future generations.

Cultural Engagement
Joseph's embalming and burial in Egypt illustrate how believers can engage with and influence the culture around them while maintaining their faith.

Hope Beyond Death
The preservation of Joseph's body and his request to be buried in the Promised Land point to a hope that transcends death, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's life demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith leaves a lasting legacy for future generations, as Joseph did?

3. How can we engage with the culture around us without compromising our faith, following Joseph's example in Egypt?

4. What does Joseph's hope for burial in the Promised Land teach us about living with an eternal perspective?

5. How does the account of Joseph connect with the broader account of God's deliverance of His people, and how can this shape our understanding of God's faithfulness today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15:13-14
God's promise to Abraham about his descendants being strangers in a foreign land and eventually being delivered. Joseph's death in Egypt foreshadows the Israelites' eventual enslavement and deliverance.

Exodus 13:19
Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt during the Exodus, fulfilling Joseph's request and demonstrating the Israelites' faith in God's promises.

Hebrews 11:22
Joseph's faith is highlighted in the New Testament, emphasizing his belief in God's promises concerning the future of Israel.