Why did Moses take Joseph's bones, as mentioned in Exodus 13:19? Verse Under Study “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He had said, ‘God will surely attend to you, and you must carry my bones up with you from this place.’ ” (Exodus 13:19) The Backstory: Joseph’s Oath • Genesis 50:24-25 records Joseph’s dying wish: “God will surely attend to you, and you shall carry my bones up from this place.” • Joseph’s request rested on God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16) that Israel would one day leave Egypt for Canaan. • The oath bound every generation until God fulfilled His word. Why Moses Carried the Bones • Faithful obedience — Moses honored the binding oath made to Joseph centuries earlier (Genesis 50:25). • Covenant continuity — carrying the bones tied the present exodus to God’s earlier promises, reminding Israel that the same God who preserved Joseph would now deliver them. • Prophetic fulfillment — Joseph’s words, “God will surely attend to you,” were literally coming true; the bones became a tangible sign of prophecy realized. • Corporate encouragement — every time the people saw the casket, they saw proof that God keeps His word, bolstering courage as they journeyed into the unknown. • Future destination — Joseph specified burial in the land promised to Abraham; Joshua later fulfilled this at Shechem (Joshua 24:32). Theological Significance • God’s faithfulness spans generations; promises made in Genesis are kept in Exodus and completed in Joshua. • Hebrews 11:22 lists Joseph’s command concerning his bones as an act of faith; Moses’ obedience turns Joseph’s faith into shared, living testimony for the nation. • The episode foreshadows the resurrection hope—just as Joseph’s remains awaited rest in the promised land, believers await bodily resurrection in the ultimate inheritance (Philippians 3:20-21). What It Means for Us Today • God never forgets a single promise; centuries do not dull His memory. • Obedience sometimes means carrying long-standing commitments forward, even when the culture around us has moved on. • Tangible reminders of God’s past faithfulness strengthen present trust and future hope. |
    |