Which Old Testament events connect with Joseph's actions in Hebrews 11:22? Hebrews 11:22 in Focus “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.” Genesis 50:24-26 — Joseph’s Prophetic Charge • Joseph tells his brothers, “God will surely come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” • He makes the sons of Israel swear to carry his bones out of Egypt. • These verses supply the direct Old-Testament source for what Hebrews 11:22 highlights. Genesis 15:13-16 — Covenant Promise to Abraham • Long before Joseph, God told Abram his descendants would be “strangers in a land that is not theirs,” oppressed for four hundred years, then “come out with great possessions.” • Joseph’s words echo this covenant, showing he trusted God’s timetable and guarantees. Exodus 12:40-41 — The Exodus Itself • Exactly on the promised day, “all the hosts of the LORD departed from the land of Egypt.” • Joseph’s faith looked ahead to this definitive rescue. Exodus 13:19 — Moses Honors Joseph’s Request • “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath, saying, ‘God will surely attend to you, and you must carry my bones away from this place with you.’” • This act links Joseph’s dying instructions to the actual departure. Joshua 24:32 — Final Burial in Shechem • After the conquest, “the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem.” • Joseph’s faith reaches its earthly fulfillment as his remains rest in the promised land. Parallels with Patriarchal Precedent • Jacob insisted on burial in Canaan (Genesis 49:29-32; 50:5-14), modeling confidence that God’s promises centered on that land. • Like Isaac (Hebrews 11:20) and Jacob (11:21), Joseph exercised faith at life’s end, anchoring the next generations in covenant hope. Key Connections at a Glance • Genesis 50:24-26 — Joseph prophesies the exodus and commands the transport of his bones. • Genesis 15:13-16 — God’s covenant word Joseph believed. • Exodus 12:40-41 — Event his faith anticipated. • Exodus 13:19 — Moses carries his bones. • Joshua 24:32 — Bones finally laid in the promised land. |
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